200+ Free PE Geotechnical Practice Questions
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Key Facts: PE Geotechnical Exam
80
Exam Questions
NCEES
8 hrs
Exam Time
NCEES
61%
First-Time Pass
NCEES Jan 2026
$400
Exam Fee
NCEES
10
Content Areas
NCEES
9 hrs
Appointment
NCEES
The PE Civil Geotechnical exam uses the current April 2024 CBT specification, includes 80 questions in an 8-hour exam session inside a 9-hour appointment, and had a 61% first-time pass rate in NCEES's Jan 2026 update. The heaviest areas are retaining structures and deep foundations, followed by site characterization, soil mechanics, and earth structures. As of March 12, 2026, NCEES had not posted a geotechnical-specific 2026 blueprint revision on the live Civil exam page, which still pointed to the April 2024 specification and design standards effective April 1, 2024.
About the PE Geotechnical Exam
The NCEES PE Civil Geotechnical exam is a year-round computer-based licensure exam for civil engineers whose practice centers on subsurface characterization, soil and rock behavior, seepage, earth structures, retaining systems, and foundation design. The live April 2024 specification organizes the exam into 10 content areas ranging from site exploration and laboratory interpretation through shallow and deep foundations. Examinees work 80 questions using the NCEES PE Civil Reference Handbook plus the listed geotechnical design standards provided on screen during the appointment.
Assessment
Computer-based; multiple-choice and alternative item types
Time Limit
8 hours
Passing Score
NCEES does not publish a fixed passing score (scaled)
Exam Fee
$400 (NCEES (Pearson VUE))
PE Geotechnical Exam Content Outline
Site Characterization
Interpretation of site records, subsurface exploration planning, drilling and sampling methods, in situ testing, soil and rock classification, and groundwater characterization.
Soil Mechanics, Laboratory Testing, and Analysis
Phase relationships, index properties, stress and strength, consolidation concepts, permeability, and interpretation of laboratory or empirical geotechnical data.
Construction Observation, Monitoring, QA/QC, and Safety
Earthwork control, compaction verification, geotechnical instrumentation, trench and excavation safety, and erosion or scour protection during construction.
Earthquake Engineering and Dynamic Loads
Seismic site characterization, liquefaction screening, pseudostatic evaluation, and geotechnical design decisions under earthquake loading.
Earth Structures, Ground Improvement, and Pavement
Ground improvement methods, geosynthetics, slope stability, embankments, dams, levees, landfills, pavement support, and utility geotechnics.
Groundwater and Seepage
Dewatering systems, flow nets, uplift and piping checks, drainage design, seepage control, and groundwater effects on excavations and structures.
Problematic Soil and Rock Conditions
Collapsible, expansive, organic, sensitive, corrosive, and frost-susceptible soils as well as karst, rock slopes, and rockfall hazards.
Retaining Structures (ASD or LRFD)
Earth pressure, rigid and flexible wall systems, temporary support of excavation, cofferdams, underpinning, and anchor or soil nail design concepts.
Shallow Foundations (ASD or LRFD)
Bearing capacity, settlement, stress distribution, footing geometry effects, and spread or mat foundation decision-making.
Deep Foundations (ASD or LRFD)
Axial and lateral pile behavior, drilled shafts, micropiles, installation effects, downdrag, group effects, and load or integrity testing.
How to Pass the PE Geotechnical Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: NCEES does not publish a fixed passing score (scaled)
- Assessment: Computer-based; multiple-choice and alternative item types
- Time limit: 8 hours
- Exam fee: $400
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
PE Geotechnical Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PE Civil Geotechnical exam pass rate?
NCEES's Jan 2026 pass-rate table lists PE Civil Geotechnical at 61% for first-time takers and 41% for repeat takers. That puts geotechnical in the middle of the current PE Civil specialties rather than at the easiest end of the civil group.
Does NCEES publish a fixed passing score for PE Geotechnical?
No. NCEES says exam results are based on the number of correct answers and then converted to a scaled score, and it explicitly states that it does not publish the passing score. Candidates should prepare for full-domain mastery rather than target a rumored percentage.
What topics are most heavily tested on the PE Civil Geotechnical exam?
Retaining structures and deep foundations are the largest official ranges at 10-15 questions each. Site characterization and soil mechanics are next at 8-12 questions each, and earth structures or ground improvement are also significant at 9-14 questions.
What changed for the PE Civil Geotechnical exam in 2026?
As of March 12, 2026, NCEES had not posted a geotechnical-specific 2026 blueprint revision on the live Civil exam page. The current public page still links to the April 2024 geotechnical CBT specification and states that the listed design standards are effective as of April 1, 2024.
What references are provided during the exam?
NCEES provides the PE Civil Reference Handbook plus the geotechnical design standards listed on the specification as searchable on-screen PDFs. You cannot bring personal copies, so preparation should include practicing with the handbook and electronic standards rather than only with printed notes.
What are the basic PE Geotechnical eligibility expectations?
Eligibility is set by the licensing board you apply through, but the common path is FE/EIT status, a qualifying engineering degree, and progressive engineering experience reviewed by the board. You should confirm the exact approval sequence with your state board before registering through MyNCEES.