Civil Engineering PE Exam First-Time Pass Rates: Complete Analysis for 2025

Civil Engineering subdisciplines show distinct pass rate patterns

The latest NCEES data from July-December 2024 reveals important variations within civil engineering specializations. Civil: Water Resources and Environmental leads with 70% first-time pass rates, while Civil: Structural trails at 58%, representing a significant 12-percentage-point difference within the same broad discipline.

Civil Engineering subdiscipline breakdown:

• Water Resources and Environmental: 70% first-time pass rate
• Transportation: 65% first-time pass rate
• Geotechnical: 63% first-time pass rate
• Construction: 61% first-time pass rate
• Structural: 58% first-time pass rate

This variation reflects the complexity differences between subdisciplines. Structural engineering's lower pass rate stems from its mathematically intensive nature, complex code requirements, and the breadth of knowledge spanning concrete, steel, masonry, and timber design. Water Resources' higher success rate benefits from more straightforward hydraulic calculations and environmental regulations that align closely with undergraduate coursework.

For context, civil engineering pass rates fall in the middle range compared to other disciplines, which span from 42% (Petroleum) to 81% (Agricultural and Biological). Civil engineers perform better than challenging disciplines like Nuclear (54%) but below specialized fields like Fire Protection (78%).

Computer-based testing transformed civil engineering pass rates

The transition from pencil-and-paper to computer-based testing between 2020-2024 significantly improved civil engineering performance. Civil: Structural saw the most dramatic improvement, with pass rates increasing from approximately 45% to 58% - a 13 percentage point jump. Other civil subdisciplines experienced similar gains of 8-15 percentage points.

This improvement reflects several advantages specific to civil engineering practice. Electronic reference materials replaced the cumbersome transportation of multiple code books, design manuals, and reference guides that civil engineers previously carried to exam sites. The searchable electronic format particularly benefits structural engineers navigating complex building codes and steel/concrete design standards.

Civil-specific advantages of computer-based testing include:

• Instant access to current building codes and design standards
• Searchable AISC, ACI, and AASHTO references
• Elimination of 40+ pounds of reference materials
• Year-round scheduling flexibility accommodating project cycles
• Faster results (7-10 days versus 8-10 weeks)

For comparison, the transition benefited all engineering disciplines, with increases ranging from 10-30 percentage points. The Civil Engineering improvement falls in the middle range, suggesting steady benefits without the dramatic changes seen in disciplines like Power Engineering (31-point increase).

Strategic recommendations for civil engineering first-time success

Optimal timing for civil engineers involves taking the exam within 3-5 years of graduation when theoretical knowledge remains fresh while gaining sufficient practical project experience. Structural engineers may benefit from the longer preparation time due to complex code requirements, while water resources engineers can succeed with earlier attempts.

Civil engineering preparation strategy:

• Dedicate 250-350 hours over 4-6 months
• Emphasize breadth review across all five subdisciplines
• Focus heavily on practice problems and code navigation
• Consider ASCE or School of PE review courses (90%+ success rates)
• Master electronic reference materials before exam day

Subdiscipline-specific recommendations:

• Structural: Extra emphasis on steel/concrete design codes and complex calculations
• Water Resources: Focus on hydrology, hydraulics, and environmental regulations
• Geotechnical: Practice soil mechanics problems and foundation design. Consider specialized providers like PEwise for focused geotechnical preparation with modern animated content
• Transportation: Master highway design and traffic engineering principles
• Construction: Understand project management and construction methods

Risk mitigation for civil engineers includes avoiding unprepared attempts (especially critical given subdiscipline breadth), not delaying too long after graduation, and investing in review courses as insurance against multiple attempts. First-time success remains significantly more likely than repeat attempts across all civil subdisciplines.

Civil engineers have advantages in abundant study resources, established preparation networks through ASCE, and comprehensive university curricula that cover exam topics. However, the breadth requirement demands more extensive preparation compared to specialized engineering disciplines.

Conclusion

Civil Engineering PE exam first-time pass rates reflect the complex, interdisciplinary nature of civil practice, with subdiscipline variations from 58% to 70% highlighting different preparation requirements. The transition to computer-based testing has improved success rates across all civil subdisciplines while maintaining professional competency standards. Success correlates strongly with structured preparation emphasizing breadth coverage, optimal timing around four years of experience, and first-time focus - making strategic preparation choices critical for civil engineering career advancement.

The data clearly demonstrates that disciplined preparation covering all civil subdisciplines and strategic timing outweigh raw experience in determining PE exam success, providing actionable insights for civil engineers pursuing licensure.