United States · Licensing examGeotechnical PE exam topics
| Knowledge area | Questions |
|---|---|
| Retaining structures (ASD or LRFD) | 10‑15 |
| Deep foundations (ASD or LRFD) | 10‑15 |
| Earth structures, ground improvement and pavement | 9‑14 |
| Site characterization | 8‑12 |
| Soil mechanics, laboratory testing and analysis | 8‑12 |
| Construction observation, monitoring and QA/QC | 6‑9 |
| Shallow foundations (ASD or LRFD) | 6‑9 |
| Earthquake engineering and dynamic loads | 5‑8 |
| Groundwater and seepage | 4‑6 |
| Problematic soil and rock conditions | 4‑6 |
From the specifications effective April 2024.
Which standards does the geotechnical PE exam supply?
Along with the handbook you get ASCE 7‑16, the USACE slope stability manual, several FHWA geotechnical manuals (pavements, soils and foundations, LRFD seismic design, driven piles), OSHA’s 29 CFR and two Unified Facilities Criteria on dewatering and soil mechanics.
Geotechnical PE exam and California
California also has a separate geotechnical engineer title, above the civil license. That’s a California title; the NCEES exam itself is the same everywhere.
Sources: NCEES · California BPELSG and 1 more. Checked October 2026.
- NCEES: PE Civil exam ↗
- NCEES: PE Civil Geotechnical specifications (April 2024) ↗
- California BPELSG: Professional Engineer applicants ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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