100+ Free SE Lateral Forces Practice Questions

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Approximately 16-20% per Lateral-Depth module (NCEES Jan 2026 first-time) Pass Rate

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Question 1

Score: 0/0

Under ASCE 7-22, which structures are typically classified as Risk Category IV?

One- and two-family dwellings

Office buildings without high occupancy

Hospitals, fire stations, and other essential facilities

Agricultural storage barns

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SE Lateral Forces Exam

Lateral Tracks (Buildings/Bridges)

NCEES

~5 hrs

CBT Appointment

NCEES (post-Apr-2024)

$425

Fee per Module

NCEES

53%

Lateral Breadth Pass Rate

NCEES Jan 2026

ASCE 7-22

Loads Code (MPRS)

NCEES Reference List

AISC 341-22

Steel Seismic Provisions

NCEES Reference List

SE Lateral Forces is the wind-and-seismic half of the four-module NCEES SE exam, split into Lateral-Buildings and Lateral-Bridges tracks. Each depth module is 6.5 hours (April 2026 extension) and $350 at Pearson VUE. NCEES scores against IBC 2018, ASCE 7-2016, ACI 318-2014, AISC 15th + 3rd Seismic, NDS-2018 + SDPWS-2015, TMS 402-2016, and AASHTO LRFD. First-time pass rates per NCEES Jan 2026 hover near 16% for Lateral-Depth Buildings — among the lowest of any NCEES discipline.

Sample SE Lateral Forces Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SE Lateral Forces exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under ASCE 7-22, which structures are typically classified as Risk Category IV?

A.One- and two-family dwellings

B.Office buildings without high occupancy

C.Hospitals, fire stations, and other essential facilities

D.Agricultural storage barns

Explanation: Risk Category IV is reserved for essential facilities whose failure poses a substantial hazard to the community, including hospitals, fire and police stations, emergency shelters, and critical communication centers. The classification raises both wind and seismic design demands through the importance factor Ie and tighter drift limits.

2In the ASCE 7-22 Equivalent Lateral Force procedure, the seismic base shear is computed as V = Cs·W. What does W represent?

A.The dead load only

B.The effective seismic weight of the structure

C.The factored ultimate load combination

D.The maximum live load on the structure

Explanation: W is the effective seismic weight, which includes all dead load plus prescribed portions of partition, storage, snow, and operating-equipment loads per ASCE 7-22 Section 12.7.2. Live load is generally not included unless it is permanent or storage in nature.

3Which ASCE 7-22 wind exposure category applies to urban and suburban areas with closely spaced obstructions the size of single-family dwellings or larger?

A.Exposure A

B.Exposure B

C.Exposure C

D.Exposure D

Explanation: Exposure B applies to urban and suburban areas, wooded areas, or terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions the size of single-family dwellings or larger. ASCE 7-22 retains the B/C/D exposures (Exposure A was eliminated in earlier editions).

4The new multi-period response spectrum (MPRS) introduced in ASCE 7-22 primarily affects which class of buildings most significantly?

A.Tall, flexible buildings on rock sites

B.Short, stiff buildings on softer soil sites

C.Single-story wood buildings on stiff soil

D.Underground structures only

Explanation: MPRS replaces the two-period (Sds/Sd1) spectrum with a site-specific spectrum derived from the USGS hazard tool. Short-period response on soft sites is no longer capped at the plateau, so short, stiff buildings on softer soils generally see higher base shears than under ASCE 7-16.

5In ASCE 7-22, the seismic response coefficient Cs in the ELF method must not be less than which lower bound for SDC E or F?

A.0.044·Sds·Ie

B.0.5·S1/(R/Ie)

C.0.01

D.Both the 0.044·Sds·Ie floor and the 0.5·S1/(R/Ie) floor apply when S1 ≥ 0.6g

Explanation: ASCE 7-22 Section 12.8.1.1 requires Cs ≥ 0.044·Sds·Ie ≥ 0.01, and additionally Cs ≥ 0.5·S1/(R/Ie) when S1 ≥ 0.6g. The S1 floor is what governs many high-seismic short-period sites.

6For an ordinary moment-resisting steel frame in ASCE 7-22 Table 12.2-1, which set of coefficients is most representative?

A.R = 8, Cd = 5.5, Ω0 = 3

B.R = 4.5, Cd = 4, Ω0 = 3

C.R = 3.5, Cd = 3, Ω0 = 3

D.R = 1.5, Cd = 1.25, Ω0 = 1.0

Explanation: Steel ordinary moment frames (OMF) carry low ductility-related coefficients in ASCE 7-22 Table 12.2-1, typically R = 3.5, Cd = 3, and Ω0 = 3. Special moment frames (SMF) are R = 8, intermediate (IMF) is R = 4.5.

7ASCE 7-22 generally requires that the redundancy factor ρ be taken as 1.3 in which condition?

A.Any structure assigned to SDC A or B

B.Structures assigned to SDC D, E, or F unless the redundancy criteria of 12.3.4.2 are satisfied

C.Wood light-frame Risk Category I buildings

D.All steel braced frames regardless of SDC

Explanation: ASCE 7-22 Section 12.3.4 sets ρ = 1.0 by default, but ρ must be taken as 1.3 for structures in SDC D, E, or F unless the loss-of-element check or the regular-redundancy plan layout in 12.3.4.2 is met. Lower SDCs always have ρ = 1.0.

8The ASCE 7-22 approximate fundamental period for a steel moment-resisting frame is closest to which form?

A.Ta = 0.020·hn^0.75

B.Ta = 0.028·hn^0.8

C.Ta = 0.016·hn^0.9

D.Ta = 0.10·N (where N = number of stories)

Explanation: Per ASCE 7-22 Equation 12.8-7 with the Table 12.8-2 coefficients, Ta = 0.028·hn^0.8 for steel moment-resisting frames in US units. The Ct/x coefficients differ for concrete moment frames, eccentrically braced frames, and other systems.

9Per ASCE 7-22, the design displacement δx used for drift checks is most directly derived from what?

A.The elastic displacement δxe multiplied by Cd and divided by Ie

B.The elastic displacement multiplied by R

C.The maximum considered earthquake displacement times 1.5

D.The story height times the system overstrength factor

Explanation: Section 12.8.6 of ASCE 7-22 defines δx = (Cd·δxe)/Ie. The deflection amplification factor Cd reflects expected inelastic response, while Ie scales the elastic demand back consistent with the design basis.

10Under ASCE 7-22 Table 12.12-1, the typical allowable story drift for a Risk Category II four-story office building is closest to:

A.0.005·hsx

B.0.010·hsx

C.0.020·hsx

D.0.030·hsx

Explanation: For most other structures (4 stories or less, or buildings without masonry walls) in Risk Category I or II, ASCE 7-22 Table 12.12-1 sets the allowable drift Δa at 0.020·hsx. Risk Category III tightens this to 0.015·hsx and Risk Category IV to 0.010·hsx.

About the SE Lateral Forces Exam

The NCEES SE Lateral Forces division covers wind, seismic, and (for bridges) hydrodynamic lateral loading and lateral force-resisting system design. Following the NCEES SE move to year-round computer-based testing in April 2024, the Lateral component is administered as two standalone modules — Lateral-Buildings (L-B) and Lateral-Bridges (L-Br) — and examinees select the track that matches their practice. Each depth module was extended to 6.5 hours in April 2026 and costs $350; appointments are at Pearson VUE with 60 items (40 scored + 20 pretest) across five 12-question scenarios mixing multiple-choice and alternative item types. NCEES scores against the published design-standard list effective April 2024: IBC 2018, ASCE 7-2016, ACI 318-2014, AISC 15th Steel Construction Manual, AISC 3rd Seismic Manual, NDS-2018 + SDPWS-2015, TMS 402/602-2016, AISI S100-2016, and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (current NCEES list). This practice set blends Buildings (~60%) and Bridges (~40%) lateral content so candidates studying either track can drill the fundamentals — explanations occasionally reference newer code editions (ASCE 7-22 MPRS, AISC 341-22) for context, but examinees should answer to the NCEES-published edition.

Questions

120 scored questions

Time Limit

6.5 hours per depth module (Lateral Buildings, Lateral Bridges)

Passing Score

Scaled (NCEES — pass/fail; no published cut score)

Exam Fee

$350 per module ($700 for both Lateral depth modules) (NCEES (Pearson VUE))

SE Lateral Forces Exam Content Outline

~30%

ASCE 7-22 Wind Loads

Risk Category, basic wind speed maps (V), exposure & topographic factor Kzt, MWFRS directional/envelope procedures (Ch. 27-28), components & cladding (Ch. 30), GCp/GCpi pressure coefficients, gust-effect factor G, parapet/roof zones.

~35%

ASCE 7-22 Seismic Design

Site Class, MCE/MCEr, multi-period response spectra (MPRS), Sds/Sd1, Risk Category, importance factor Ie, Seismic Design Category (SDC), Equivalent Lateral Force (ELF) base shear V = Cs·W, R/Cd/Ω0, redundancy ρ, story drift limits, P-delta, vertical/horizontal irregularities, modal response spectrum analysis.

~15%

Steel Lateral Systems (AISC 341-22)

Special/Intermediate/Ordinary Moment Frames (SMF/IMF/OMF), Special/Ordinary Concentric Braced Frames (SCBF/OCBF), Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames (BRBF), Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF), Special Plate Shear Walls (SPSW), capacity-design and ductility detailing.

~10%

Concrete & Masonry Lateral Systems

ACI 318-19 Chapter 18 special structural walls and special moment frames, coupling beams, diaphragms (rigid vs flexible), collectors/chords, base isolation & supplemental damping fundamentals.

~10%

Bridge Lateral Design (AASHTO)

AASHTO LRFD 9th wind on bridges, AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design — Seismic Design Categories SDC A/B/C/D, response spectrum analysis, R-factors, displacement-based design, plastic hinging, capacity-protected elements, hydrodynamic loads on substructures.

How to Pass the SE Lateral Forces Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled (NCEES — pass/fail; no published cut score)
Exam length: 120 questions
Time limit: 6.5 hours per depth module (Lateral Buildings, Lateral Bridges)
Exam fee: $350 per module ($700 for both Lateral depth modules)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SE Lateral Forces Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize ASCE 7-22 Section 12.8 ELF base shear V = Cs·W, with Cs = Sds/(R/Ie) bounded by Cs,min and Cs,max — this single equation drives a large fraction of building seismic questions.

2Practice reading the new MPRS plot in ASCE 7-22 Section 11.4.5 and pulling Sa at the building's fundamental period T — graders no longer want a two-point Sds/Sd1 spectrum.

3Build a one-page table of R, Cd, and Ω0 for the lateral systems in ASCE 7-22 Table 12.2-1 (SMF, IMF, OMF, SCBF, OCBF, BRBF, EBF, special/ordinary RC walls).

4For wind, drill the difference between the directional (Ch. 27) and envelope (Ch. 28) procedures for MWFRS, and between MWFRS and Components & Cladding (Ch. 30) — wrong-procedure errors are common distractors.

5Memorize ASCE 7-22 Table 12.12-1 drift limits (typically 0.020·hsx for Risk Category I-II buildings, tightened for Risk Category III/IV).

6Know when redundancy ρ = 1.0 versus ρ = 1.3 (ASCE 7-22 12.3.4) — SDC D-F often default to 1.3 unless you can demonstrate the loss-of-element check.

7For AISC 341-22, learn the capacity-design hierarchy: brace yielding before connection, beam yielding before column (strong-column-weak-beam), and link yielding before everything else in EBF.

8For ACI 318-19 Chapter 18 walls, know the boundary element triggers (compression-controlled extreme fiber strain, or c ≥ lw/(600·1.5·δu/hw)) and the special transverse reinforcement detailing.

9For Bridges, internalize AASHTO Guide Spec SDC table — SDC A is essentially detailing-only, SDC B/C add capacity checks, SDC D requires displacement-based design and capacity protection of foundations.

10Practice in the NCEES electronic reference UI — speed of standard lookup is the difference between a 53% pass and a 16% pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SE Lateral one exam or two?

It depends on your track. After NCEES moved the SE exam to year-round CBT in April 2024, the Lateral component is administered as two distinct modules: Lateral-Buildings (L-B) and Lateral-Bridges (L-Br). Examinees register for the track that matches their practice and must use the same buildings/bridges track for the Vertical and Lateral modules.

How long is the SE Lateral exam and what does it cost?

Each SE module is an approximately 5-hour Pearson VUE CBT appointment, including a tutorial and a scheduled break. The fee is $425 per module, so a candidate sitting for both Vertical and Lateral pays roughly $850 for one half of the SE exam and $1,700 for the full four-module set. State board application fees may apply separately.

Which codes does the 2026 SE Lateral exam reference?

Per the current NCEES design standards reference list, SE Lateral is anchored on ASCE 7-22 (Minimum Design Loads), AISC 360-22, AISC 341-22 (Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel), ACI 318-19 (with Chapter 18 special seismic detailing), TMS 402-22 (masonry), IBC 2024, and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications 9th edition with the AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design (3rd ed., 2024 errata).

What changed when ASCE 7-22 replaced ASCE 7-16?

The biggest change for lateral design is multi-period response spectra (MPRS): ASCE 7-22 replaces the two-period (Sds/Sd1) design spectrum with a site-specific multi-period spectrum derived from the USGS hazard tool, which generally raises base shear for short, stiff buildings on softer sites. Wind speed maps were re-mapped against updated hurricane simulations, the tornado load chapter (Ch. 32) was added for Risk Category III/IV in tornado-prone regions, and Risk Category-based load factors were refined.

What pass rates should I expect on SE Lateral?

Per NCEES January 2026 statistics, the Lateral Breadth section had a first-time pass rate of 53%, while the Lateral-Depth Buildings module sat at 16% first-time and 8% repeat — among the lowest of any NCEES exam. Bridges cohorts are smaller and rates fluctuate. Plan on 250-400 hours of focused prep across both Vertical and Lateral if you are sitting for the full SE.

How is this practice set split between Buildings and Bridges?

Approximately 60% Buildings and 40% Bridges, mirroring the relative volume of NCEES SE candidates. Buildings questions emphasize ASCE 7-22 wind/seismic, AISC 341-22 systems, and ACI 318-19 Chapter 18 walls. Bridge questions emphasize AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design (SDC A-D, response spectrum, R-factor, displacement-based design) and AASHTO LRFD wind on bridges.