The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam tests for a minimum level of competency in a particular engineering discipline. It is designed for engineers who have gained a minimum of four years’ post-college work experience in their chosen engineering discipline.

The exam is computer-based and administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers.

The exam includes 80 questions. The exam appointment time is 9 hours and includes

• Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
• Tutorial (8 minutes)
• Exam (8 hours)
• Scheduled break (50 minutes)

Learn more at the NCEES YouTube channel.

Register for the exam by logging in to your MyNCEES account and following the onscreen instructions. Prepare for the exam by

• Reviewing the exam specifications, fees, and requirements
• Reading the reference materials
• Understanding scoring and reporting
• Viewing the most up-to-date exam pass rates

A $375 exam fee is payable directly to NCEES. Some licensing boards may require you to file a separate application and pay an application fee as part of the approval process to qualify you for a seat for an NCEES exam. Your licensing board may have additional requirements. Familiarize yourself with your state licensing board’s unique registration procedures before registering for a PE exam.

Reasonable accommodations are available for examinees who meet certain eligibility criteria and sufficiently document their request.

Exam specifications

For more information on the format of the exam and the topics covered, download the exam specifications for the PE Mechanical exam.

• Mechanical: HVAC and Refrigeration (PDF)
• Mechanical: Machine Design and Materials (PDF)
• Mechanical: Thermal and Fluid Systems (PDF)

The PE Mechanical exam includes multiple-choice questions as well as alternative item types (AITs).

Reference materials and exam prep

The NCEES PE Mechanical Reference Handbook is the only reference material that can be used during the exam. You will be provided with an electronic reference handbook during the exam. For access prior to your exam, you can download a free electronic copy.

Register or log in to MyNCEES to download your free copy of the PE Mechanical Reference Handbook.

NCEES offers a PE Mechanical practice exam to familiarize you with the exam format and content, including alternative item types (AITs). These practice exams contain questions that have been used on past exams and questions written just for study materials to give you extra practice.

The NCEES Examinee Guide is the official guide to policies and procedures for all NCEES exams. Download your free copy to find out more about registering for exams and what to expect on exam day.

Scoring and reporting

Computer-based exam results are typically available 7–10 days after you take the exam. You will receive an email notification from NCEES with instructions to view your results in your MyNCEES account. Results include information specific to your licensing board regarding how you should proceed based on your performance.

Learn more about the exam scoring process.

Pass rates

View the most up-to-date pass rates for the PE exams.

Resources

NCEES Examinee Guide
Exam schedule
Exam prep materials