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208+ Free PE Mechanical Practice Questions

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Key Facts: PE Mechanical Exam

80

Exam Questions

NCEES

8 hrs

Test Time

NCEES

61–71%

First-Time Pass Rates

NCEES, posted July 2026

$400

Exam Fee

NCEES

3

Exam Disciplines

NCEES

9 hrs

Total Appointment

NCEES

The PE Mechanical exam has first-time pass rates of 61–71% depending on discipline (NCEES, posted July 2026), making it one of the more achievable PE exams. The 80-question computer-based exam allows a 9-hour total appointment (including tutorial and break), with 70 scored and 10 unscored pretest items delivered in two locked sessions. Each candidate tests in one of three disciplines — HVAC and Refrigeration (USCS units), Machine Design and Materials, or Thermal and Fluid Systems (SI and USCS) — per the October 2025 specifications. The exam uses only the NCEES PE Mechanical Reference Handbook. Strong preparation in the chosen discipline's principles and highest-weight domains is essential.

Sample PE Mechanical Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PE Mechanical exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 208+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A solid circular shaft transmits 50 kW of power at 300 RPM. What is the approximate torque transmitted by the shaft?
A.796 N·m
B.1592 N·m
C.398 N·m
D.2387 N·m
Explanation: Power, torque, and rotational speed are related by P = 2πNT/60 (P in W, N in RPM, T in N·m). Solving for torque: T = 60P/(2πN) = (60 × 50000)/(2π × 300) = 3,000,000/1884.96 ≈ 1592 N·m. Equivalently, T (N·m) = 9550 × P(kW)/N(RPM) = 9550 × 50/300 = 1591.7 N·m, which rounds to 1592 N·m. The 796 N·m value would correspond to 600 RPM, and 398 N·m to 1200 RPM.
2According to the maximum shear stress theory (Tresca criterion), yielding occurs when the maximum shear stress equals:
A.The yield strength in tension
B.Half the yield strength in tension
C.The ultimate tensile strength
D.Twice the yield strength in tension
Explanation: The maximum shear stress theory (Tresca criterion) states that yielding occurs when the maximum shear stress reaches the shear stress at yielding in a uniaxial tension test. For uniaxial tension, the maximum shear stress is half the normal stress, so yielding occurs when τ_max = Sy/2, where Sy is the yield strength in tension.
3A helical compression spring has a spring rate of 50 N/mm. If the spring is compressed by 20 mm, what is the stored strain energy?
A.5 J
B.10 J
C.20 J
D.40 J
Explanation: The strain energy stored in a spring is given by U = ½kx², where k is the spring rate and x is the deflection. Here, k = 50 N/mm = 50,000 N/m and x = 20 mm = 0.020 m. Therefore, U = ½ × 50,000 × (0.020)² = ½ × 50,000 × 0.0004 = 10 J. Alternatively, keeping units in N and mm: U = ½ × 50 × 20² / 1000 = ½ × 50 × 400 / 1000 = 10,000 / 1000 = 10 J.
4Which failure theory is most appropriate for brittle materials under static loading?
A.Maximum shear stress theory (Tresca)
B.Distortion energy theory (von Mises)
C.Maximum normal stress theory (Rankine)
D.Maximum strain energy theory
Explanation: The maximum normal stress theory (Rankine theory) is most appropriate for brittle materials because brittle materials fail due to normal stress rather than shear stress. Brittle materials have different strengths in tension and compression, and they fail when the maximum principal stress reaches the ultimate strength. Ductile materials are better analyzed using Tresca or von Mises criteria.
5A cantilever beam with length L carries a concentrated load P at its free end. What is the maximum bending moment?
A.PL/2
B.PL/4
C.PL
D.2PL
Explanation: For a cantilever beam with a concentrated load P at the free end, the maximum bending moment occurs at the fixed support. The bending moment varies linearly from zero at the free end to maximum at the fixed end. The maximum bending moment is M_max = P × L, where P is the applied load and L is the beam length.
6In a bolted connection, what is the primary purpose of washers?
A.To increase the bolt strength
B.To distribute the clamping load over a larger area
C.To prevent loosening from vibration
D.To reduce the required torque
Explanation: The primary purpose of washers in a bolted connection is to distribute the clamping load over a larger area, reducing bearing stress on the joined materials. This prevents damage to the surface of the components being joined. While lock washers can help prevent loosening, and washers affect torque-tension relationships, the fundamental purpose is load distribution.
7A rotating shaft experiences completely reversed bending stress with a maximum value of 80 MPa. If the endurance limit is 200 MPa and the fatigue stress concentration factor is 1.5, what is the factor of safety against fatigue failure using the Soderberg criterion? Assume the yield strength is 400 MPa.
A.1.25
B.1.67
C.2.5
D.3.33
Explanation: For completely reversed loading (mean stress = 0), the Soderberg criterion simplifies to: 1/n = σ_a / (Se/Kf), where σ_a is the alternating stress, Se is the endurance limit, Kf is the fatigue stress concentration factor, and n is the factor of safety. Here, σ_a = 80 MPa, Se = 200 MPa, Kf = 1.5. The allowable alternating stress is Se/Kf = 200/1.5 = 133.33 MPa. Therefore, n = 133.33/80 = 1.67.
8What is the critical speed of a shaft?
A.The speed at which maximum torque is transmitted
B.The rotational speed that matches the natural frequency of transverse vibration
C.The maximum safe operating speed
D.The speed at which bearing failure occurs
Explanation: The critical speed of a shaft is the rotational speed at which the rotating shaft becomes dynamically unstable due to resonance. It occurs when the rotational speed matches the natural frequency of transverse vibration of the shaft. Operating at or near critical speed can cause large amplitude vibrations and potential failure.
9A pair of spur gears has a velocity ratio of 4:1. If the pinion has 20 teeth, how many teeth does the gear have?
A.40
B.60
C.80
D.100
Explanation: The velocity ratio (VR) of a gear pair equals the ratio of the number of teeth on the gear to the number of teeth on the pinion: VR = N_gear / N_pinion. Given VR = 4 and N_pinion = 20, we have: 4 = N_gear / 20, so N_gear = 4 × 20 = 80 teeth.
10In a four-bar linkage, the link that makes a complete revolution is called the:
A.Coupler
B.Rocker
C.Crank
D.Frame
Explanation: In a four-bar linkage, the crank is the link that makes a complete revolution about its pivot. The rocker oscillates through a limited angle, the coupler connects the crank to the rocker, and the frame is the fixed link. For a crank to exist, Grashof's law must be satisfied (the sum of the shortest and longest links must be less than or equal to the sum of the other two links).

About the PE Mechanical Exam

The NCEES PE Mechanical exam is an 80-question computer-based exam in which each candidate registers for one of three disciplines: HVAC and Refrigeration, Machine Design and Materials, or Thermal and Fluid Systems. The 9-hour appointment comprises a 2-minute nondisclosure agreement, 8-minute tutorial, 8-hour exam, and 50-minute scheduled break; 70 of the 80 items are scored and 10 are unscored pretest items. Current discipline specifications are effective beginning October 2025, and the NCEES PE Mechanical Reference Handbook is the only permitted reference.

Questions

80 scored questions

Time Limit

8 hours

Passing Score

NCEES does not publish a fixed passing percentage (scaled, criterion-referenced scoring)

Exam Fee

$400 (NCEES (Pearson VUE))

PE Mechanical Exam Content Outline

18–27 questions

HVAC&R: Loads and Psychrometrics

Heating/cooling loads, heating/cooling processes, and humidification/dehumidification processes (sea level, 5,000-ft elevation, low temperature)

20–30 questions

HVAC&R: Distribution and Systems

Air distribution and ductwork, air quality and ventilation, fluid distribution and piping (hydronic, fuel, steam/condensate), control concepts, refrigeration systems

24–36 questions

HVAC&R: Equipment and Components

Cooling towers, boilers and furnaces, heat exchangers, condensers/evaporators, pumps/compressors/fans, coils, energy recovery

17–26 questions

MDM: Mechanics of Materials

Axial, shear, bending, buckling, torsion, combined loading, static failure, fatigue failure, thermal and interference stresses

9–14 questions each

MDM: Attachments & Power Transmission

Bonds, threaded and non-threaded fasteners; gears and gear trains, bearings, belts/chains/clutches/brakes/power screws, shafts and keys, motors and engines

16–24 questions

MDM: Mechanical Components & Assemblies

Pressurized vessels and piping, hydraulic/pneumatic components, beams/trusses/frames, springs, vibrating systems, mechanisms, mechatronics

19–29 questions

TFS: Thermal/Fluid Principles

Heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), thermodynamic principles (steam tables, Mollier, psychrometrics, First/Second Laws), fluid principles (Moody, Mach number, shocks)

17–26 questions each

TFS: Fluid Equipment & Power Systems

Piping components and distribution, pumps/fans, compressors/nozzles/diffusers; turbines, boilers/steam generators, condensers, power cycles

12–18 questions

TFS: Cooling/Heating Systems

Heat exchangers, cooling towers, refrigeration cycles and heat pumps (vapor compression, absorption, thermal storage)

How to Pass the PE Mechanical Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: NCEES does not publish a fixed passing percentage (scaled, criterion-referenced scoring)
  • Exam length: 80 questions
  • Time limit: 8 hours
  • Exam fee: $400

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 208 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PE Mechanical Study Tips from Top Performers

1You test in exactly one discipline (HVAC&R, Machine Design & Materials, or Thermal & Fluid Systems) — build your plan from that discipline's October 2025 specification
2Master the NCEES PE Mechanical Reference Handbook - know where formulas and tables are located
3Prioritize your discipline's heaviest areas: Equipment & Components (HVAC&R), Mechanics of Materials (MDM), or Thermal/Fluid Principles (TFS)
4Practice time management - 6 minutes per question on average, and remember the first session locks permanently once submitted
5Work through practice problems using only the NCEES handbook to simulate exam conditions
6Study stress analysis, failure theories, and fatigue if testing in Machine Design & Materials
7Understand psychrometrics and refrigeration cycles if testing in HVAC&R or Thermal & Fluid Systems
8Practice unit conversions - HVAC&R uses USCS only; MDM and TFS use both SI and USCS
9Review the Supportive Knowledge areas: codes and standards, economic analysis, and electrical concepts appear in every discipline's spec

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PE Mechanical exam pass rate?

First-time pass rates posted by NCEES in July 2026 (January–June population): HVAC and Refrigeration 71%, Machine Design and Materials 61%, Thermal and Fluid Systems 70%. Repeat takers pass at 39–46%. Rates are recomputed every January and July for each six-month population and fluctuate by cohort.

How hard is the PE Mechanical exam?

Difficulty varies by discipline: NCEES first-time pass rates (posted July 2026) are 71% (HVAC&R), 61% (Machine Design and Materials), and 70% (Thermal and Fluid Systems). Most successful candidates study roughly 200–300 hours over 3–6 months. The exam tests application of engineering principles under time pressure and rewards fluency with the electronic NCEES reference handbook.

What are the PE Mechanical exam requirements?

To take the PE Mechanical exam, you need: (1) a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, (2) passing the FE exam, (3) typically 4 years of progressive engineering experience (varies by state), and (4) state board approval. Some states have additional requirements like references or specific coursework. Foreign degree holders may need additional evaluation.

What changed in the latest PE Mechanical exam specifications?

The current specifications are effective beginning October 2025 and are published per discipline. Each of the three discipline exams remains an 80-question, 9-hour CBT appointment using the NCEES PE Mechanical Reference Handbook. The HVAC&R spec is organized around Loads and Psychrometrics (18–27 questions), Distribution and Systems (20–30), Equipment and Components (24–36), and Supportive Knowledge (8–12). The Machine Design and Materials spec weights Mechanics of Materials at 17–26 questions and Mechanical Components and Assemblies at 16–24. The Thermal and Fluid Systems spec weights Thermal/Fluid Principles at 19–29 questions. Verify your discipline's current PDF on the NCEES PE Mechanical page before scheduling.

What references are provided during the exam?

NCEES provides the PE Mechanical Reference Handbook as a searchable PDF during the exam. You cannot bring personal reference materials. It's critical to familiarize yourself with the electronic handbook format before exam day. The handbook includes formulas, tables, and reference data needed to solve exam problems.

What topics are most heavily tested on the PE Mechanical exam?

The heaviest areas depend on your chosen discipline. HVAC&R emphasizes Equipment and Components (24–36 questions) and Distribution and Systems (20–30); Machine Design and Materials emphasizes Mechanics of Materials (17–26) including failure theories and fatigue; Thermal and Fluid Systems emphasizes Thermal/Fluid Principles (19–26+) covering thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics including compressible flow. Prepare from the October 2025 specification for your discipline and practice with only the NCEES Reference Handbook.