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The structural PE exam

You take it in four separate sections: vertical breadth, vertical depth, lateral breadth and lateral depth, at $350 each. The breadth sections of the structural PE exam run year-round; the depth sections run twice a year. It’s a different exam from Civil: Structural, the 80-question civil exam.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Structural PE exam sections

SectionQuestions (scored)Exam timeOffered
Vertical breadth55 (45)5 hr 30 minYear-round
Lateral breadth55 (45)5 hr 30 minYear-round
Vertical depth60 (40)6 hrTwice a year; next April 14, 2027
Lateral depth60 (40)6 hrTwice a year; next April 13, 2027

Breadth sections are all multiple choice on buildings and bridges. Depth sections are all alternative item types, built around scenarios, and you choose buildings or bridges.

What does it take to pass the structural PE exam?

  • You must pass both components, vertical and lateral, each with its breadth and depth section.
  • Pick the same depth area, buildings or bridges, for both components.
  • A section you pass doesn’t expire.
  • Breadth results come in 7‑10 days; depth results take 10‑13 weeks.

Depth sections change in April 2027

From April 2027 each depth section has 48 questions (40 scored), mixing alternative item types and multiple choice, still in 6 hours. NCEES has posted separate 2027 specifications for buildings and bridges.

Civil: Structural is a different exam

Civil: Structural is one of the five civil PE exams: 80 questions, year-round, $400. Its biggest area is component design and detailing (26‑39 questions), and it supplies codes such as AASHTO LRFD, IBC 2018, ASCE 7‑16, ACI 318, the AISC manual, AWC NDS (ASD only for wood) and the PCI handbook. Some boards ask for PE Structural for a separate structural license; check yours.

The civil PE exams →Structural pass rates →Washington’s SE rules →
Sources: NCEES and 3 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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