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100+ Free SE Exam Practice Questions

Pass your NCEES PE Structural Engineering (SE) Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Per ACI 318, what is the maximum center-to-center spacing of shear reinforcement (stirrups) in a beam when Vs ≤ 4√f'c × bwd?

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Explore More SE Structural Engineering

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

SE Bridges Depth (Structural Engineering)

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SE Buildings Depth (Structural Engineering)

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SE Lateral Forces (Structural Engineering)

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SE Vertical Forces (Structural Engineering)

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SE Exam Exam

230

Total Questions

NCEES

4

Exam Sections

NCEES

$1,400

Total Exam Cost

NCEES

15-53%

1st-Time Pass Rate

NCEES Jan 2026

~25 hrs

Total Test Time

NCEES

6.5 hrs

Depth Section Time (2026)

NCEES

The SE exam is a four-section structural engineering licensure exam with 230 total questions across approximately 25 hours. Pass rates are notably low: 15-53% for first-time takers depending on the section. Breadth sections (55 questions each, 6 hours) are year-round; depth sections (60 questions each, 6.5 hours as of April 2026) are offered in April and October. Each section costs $350. Examinees must choose buildings or bridges for both components. All four sections must be passed for licensure.

Sample SE Exam Practice Questions

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

1Per ASCE 7, which load combination is used to check the maximum gravity effect on a floor beam in a building?
A.1.4D
B.1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5Lr
C.1.2D + 1.0W + L + 0.5Lr
D.0.9D + 1.0W
Explanation: ASCE 7 Section 2.3.1 Load Combination 2 (1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5Lr) governs maximum gravity effects on floor members because it applies the highest factor (1.6) to the floor live load. Combination 1 (1.4D) applies only when dead load alone governs, and combinations involving wind or earthquake typically do not maximize gravity effects.
2A simply supported steel beam spans 30 ft and carries a uniform dead load of 0.8 kip/ft and a uniform live load of 1.2 kip/ft. What is the maximum factored moment using LRFD?
A.270 kip-ft
B.324 kip-ft
C.378 kip-ft
D.432 kip-ft
Explanation: Using ASCE 7 LRFD Load Combination 2: wu = 1.2(0.8) + 1.6(1.2) = 0.96 + 1.92 = 2.88 kip/ft. For a simply supported beam, Mu = wuL²/8 = 2.88(30)²/8 = 2.88(900)/8 = 2592/8 = 324 kip-ft. Wait — let me recalculate: 2.88 × 900 = 2592, and 2592/8 = 324 kip-ft. Actually checking the factored combination more carefully: 1.2D + 1.6L = 1.2(0.8) + 1.6(1.2) = 0.96 + 1.92 = 2.88 kip/ft. Mu = 2.88(30²)/8 = 324 kip-ft. The correct answer is 324 kip-ft.
3Per AISC 360, what is the nominal flexural strength (Mn) of a compact W-shape steel beam bent about its strong axis when the unbraced length Lb is less than or equal to Lp?
A.Mn = 0.9FyZx
B.Mn = FySx
C.Mn = FyZx
D.Mn = CbFyZx
Explanation: Per AISC 360 Chapter F, Section F2.1, when Lb ≤ Lp for a compact section, the limit state is yielding and Mn = Mp = FyZx, where Fy is the yield stress and Zx is the plastic section modulus. The 0.9 factor is the resistance factor (φb) applied separately, not part of Mn. Sx is the elastic section modulus used for non-compact sections.
4A W14×68 steel column (A992, Fy = 50 ksi) has an unbraced length of 20 ft with pinned ends (K = 1.0). The weak-axis radius of gyration ry = 2.46 in. What is the slenderness ratio KL/r for weak-axis buckling?
A.65.0
B.81.3
C.97.6
D.113.8
Explanation: The slenderness ratio is KL/r = (1.0)(20 ft × 12 in/ft) / 2.46 in = 240/2.46 = 97.6. This value would then be compared to 4.71√(E/Fy) = 4.71√(29000/50) = 113.4 to determine whether the column is in the inelastic or elastic buckling range per AISC 360 Section E3.
5Per ACI 318, what is the minimum concrete cover for a No. 8 bar in a beam not exposed to weather or in contact with ground?
A.0.75 in.
B.1.0 in.
C.1.5 in.
D.2.0 in.
Explanation: ACI 318 Table 20.6.1.3.1 requires a minimum concrete cover of 1.5 in. for beams and columns not exposed to weather or in contact with ground. The 0.75-in. cover applies to slabs and walls with No. 11 and smaller bars. The 2.0-in. cover applies to members cast against and permanently in contact with ground.
6What is the modular ratio (n) for normal-weight concrete with f'c = 4,000 psi? (Use Ec = 57,000√f'c and Es = 29,000,000 psi.)
A.6
B.8
C.10
D.12
Explanation: Ec = 57,000√4,000 = 57,000 × 63.25 = 3,605,000 psi. The modular ratio n = Es/Ec = 29,000,000/3,605,000 ≈ 8.04 ≈ 8. The modular ratio is used in transformed section analysis for serviceability checks of reinforced concrete members.
7Per ASCE 7, what is the basic design wind speed (V) for Risk Category II buildings in most of the eastern United States (non-hurricane regions)?
A.90 mph
B.105 mph
C.115 mph
D.130 mph
Explanation: Per ASCE 7 Figure 26.5-1B, the basic design wind speed for Risk Category II structures in most non-hurricane regions of the eastern U.S. is 115 mph (3-second gust). This is the strength-level wind speed used directly in LRFD; no load factor greater than 1.0 is applied to wind in the load combinations. Hurricane-prone coastal areas have higher mapped speeds.
8Which ASCE 7 parameter represents the soil site classification that affects seismic design spectral accelerations?
A.Seismic Design Category (SDC)
B.Site Class
C.Risk Category
D.Importance Factor (Ie)
Explanation: ASCE 7 Section 20.3 defines Site Class (A through F) based on soil properties in the upper 100 ft. Site Class modifies the mapped spectral acceleration parameters (SS and S1) through site coefficients Fa and Fv to produce the design spectral accelerations SDS and SD1. Seismic Design Category is determined after the site-adjusted accelerations are known.
9For the NDS, what is the reference design value modifier for wet service conditions on the allowable bending stress of sawn lumber?
A.CM (wet service factor)
B.CD (load duration factor)
C.Ct (temperature factor)
D.CL (beam stability factor)
Explanation: Per NDS Section 4.3.3, the wet service factor CM adjusts reference design values for moisture content exceeding 19% in sawn lumber. For bending, CM = 0.85 when moisture content exceeds 19%. CD adjusts for load duration, Ct for temperature, and CL for lateral-torsional buckling of beams.
10What is the primary purpose of a diaphragm in a building's lateral force-resisting system?
A.To resist gravity loads from the floor or roof
B.To transfer lateral forces from the floor or roof to the vertical lateral force-resisting elements
C.To provide fire resistance between floors
D.To support mechanical equipment
Explanation: A diaphragm (typically a floor or roof system) collects lateral forces (wind or seismic) and distributes them to the vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system (shear walls, braced frames, or moment frames). While diaphragms also carry gravity loads, their primary lateral role is force transfer and distribution.

About the SE Exam Exam

The NCEES PE Structural Engineering exam, commonly known as the SE exam, is a four-section computer-based licensure exam for engineers whose practice focuses on structural design of buildings or bridges in areas of high seismicity and high wind. The exam has two components: Vertical Forces (Gravity/Other) and Lateral Forces (Wind/Earthquake), each with a breadth and depth section. Breadth sections contain 55 multiple-choice questions and are offered year-round. Depth sections contain 60 scenario-based alternative item type (AIT) questions and are offered twice per year. Examinees choose either buildings or bridges and must use the same track for both components. The exam is closed book with NCEES-supplied electronic references including the PE Structural Engineering Reference Handbook and applicable design standards.

Questions

230 scored questions

Time Limit

~25 hours total (across 4 sections)

Passing Score

Pass/fail (scaled; NCEES does not publish the cutoff)

Exam Fee

$350 per section ($1,400 total) (NCEES (Pearson VUE))

SE Exam Exam Content Outline

55 questions (6 hrs)

Vertical Forces Breadth

Gravity load generation, load combinations, structural analysis, steel/concrete/wood/masonry member design, foundations, and retaining structures for buildings and bridges.

55 questions (6 hrs)

Lateral Forces Breadth

Wind and seismic load generation, lateral force distribution, diaphragm analysis, lateral force-resisting systems, and lateral design for buildings and bridges.

60 questions (6.5 hrs)

Vertical Forces Depth

Scenario-based questions on gravity design of steel, concrete, wood, and masonry structures (buildings) or superstructures and substructures (bridges). Five 12-question scenarios.

60 questions (6.5 hrs)

Lateral Forces Depth

Scenario-based questions on wind/seismic design of lateral systems, connections, foundations (buildings) or seismic analysis of piers, abutments, and foundations (bridges). Five 12-question scenarios.

How to Pass the SE Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass/fail (scaled; NCEES does not publish the cutoff)
  • Exam length: 230 questions
  • Time limit: ~25 hours total (across 4 sections)
  • Exam fee: $350 per section ($1,400 total)

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 Exam Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study all four sections in parallel rather than sequentially — vertical and lateral topics reinforce each other across breadth and depth.
2Master ASCE 7 load combinations, seismic design categories, and wind speed maps first since they underpin questions across all sections.
3Practice navigating the NCEES PE Structural Engineering Reference Handbook and electronic design standards quickly — speed with references is critical.
4For depth sections, practice 12-question scenario sets under timed conditions to build stamina for the 6.5-hour sessions.
5Prioritize steel (AISC 360) and concrete (ACI 318) design since these materials appear in the most exam scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SE exam and how is it different from the PE Civil Structural exam?

The SE exam (officially the NCEES PE Structural Engineering exam) is a separate, more advanced four-section structural engineering licensure exam. The PE Civil: Structural is one 80-question discipline exam within the PE Civil track. The SE exam has 230 total questions across four sections (vertical breadth, lateral breadth, vertical depth, lateral depth) and is specifically designed for engineers practicing in areas of high seismicity and high wind. Many jurisdictions require the SE exam for structural engineering licensure beyond the general PE Civil license.

How much does the SE exam cost?

Each of the four SE exam sections costs $350, totaling $1,400 for all sections. State board application fees may apply separately. Each section must be registered and paid for individually through NCEES. If you need to retake a section, the retake also costs $350.

What are the SE exam pass rates?

SE exam pass rates are among the lowest of any NCEES exam. Per January 2026 NCEES data: Vertical Breadth 34% first-time (41% repeat), Lateral Breadth 53% first-time (40% repeat), Vertical Depth Buildings 15% first-time (31% repeat), and Lateral Depth Buildings 16% first-time (8% repeat). The depth sections for buildings are particularly challenging.

Do I have to choose buildings or bridges?

Yes. The depth sections are offered in two tracks: buildings and bridges. You must choose the same track for both the vertical depth and lateral depth sections. Your choice should align with your professional practice. The breadth sections cover both buildings and bridges content regardless of your depth track choice.

What changed for the SE exam in 2026?

Starting April 2026, the SE depth sections (Vertical Depth and Lateral Depth) were extended from 5.5 hours to 6.5 hours of total appointment time. This adds 60 minutes of exam time and includes a tutorial and scheduled break. The number of questions (60 per depth section) and the content specifications remain the same. The breadth sections are unchanged at 6 hours with 55 questions.