Cracking the PE Civil Exam:
Analyzing the Latest Pass Rates 2023

Exam 1st Time Volume 1st Time Pass % Repeat Volume Repeat Pass % Format Availability Last Updated
Civil: Construction
820
53%
284
36%
CBT
Year round
July 2023
Civil: Geotechnical
412
52%
137
34%
CBT
Year round
July 2023
Civil: Structural
1382
59%
392
38%
CBT
Year round
July 2023
Civil: Transportation
1913
67%
455
49%
CBT
Year round
July 2023
Civil: Water Resources and Environmental
1846
67%
339
47%
CBT
Year round
July 2023

Click HERE for the official pass rates.
As specified by NCEES the numbers above pertain to the January-June population.

Table of content

Unveiling the Numbers: Analyzing the Latest PE Civil Exam Pass Rates

The PE Civil Exam pass rates serve as a compass, guiding aspiring engineers through the complexities of exam preparation and providing a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced by examinees.

Discovering the Most Popular Civil Exam:
When aspiring engineers explore the diverse disciplines in Civil Engineering, one question that often arises is: which Civil Exam is the most popular? The latest 2023 pass rates reveal that the Civil: Transportation exam takes the lead, with the highest number of first-time volume examinees (1913) compared to other disciplines. This popularity may stem from the vast opportunities in transportation engineering and the crucial role it plays in modern infrastructure development.

Identifying the Most Challenging Exam:
Pass rate data provides invaluable insights into the relative difficulty of each Civil Exam. Our analysis shows that the Civil: Geotechnical exam presents notable challenges, with a first-time pass percentage of 52%. 

Comparing Repeat and First-Time Pass Rates:
Comparing the repeat pass percentages to the first-time pass percentages offers an essential perspective on candidates’ progress. Across all disciplines, the repeat pass percentages are generally lower than the first-time pass percentages. This observation suggests that repeat examinees may face more challenges in improving their scores after previous attempts.

Key Takeaways: What the Pass Rates Mean for Aspiring Engineers

Setting Realistic Expectations:
With access to the pass rates for both first-time takers and repeat examinees, you gain a well-rounded view of the exam’s difficulty and the likelihood of success. Setting realistic expectations is paramount to avoid unnecessary pressure and stress. Armed with this knowledge, you can approach the exam with a balanced perspective, fostering confidence in your abilities while understanding the areas that require special attention.

Strengthening Your Focus:
By identifying the disciplines with higher pass rates, you can make informed decisions regarding the depth section you want to take if you have not yet chosen one. Analyzing the pass rate data empowers you to strategically select the discipline that aligns with your strengths and interests, enabling you to focus your energy on areas where you can excel.