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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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.
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
Vertical Forces Breadth
Gravity load generation, load combinations, structural analysis, steel/concrete/wood/masonry member design, foundations, and retaining structures for buildings and bridges.
Lateral Forces Breadth
Wind and seismic load generation, lateral force distribution, diaphragm analysis, lateral force-resisting systems, and lateral design for buildings and bridges.
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.
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
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.