NCEES PE Civil Geotechnical Exam Specifications

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Study Notes

The Principles and Practice of Engineering Examination in Civil-Geotechnical will be computer-based and closed book with electronic references available.
A tutorial and an optional break are included in the total 9 hours allotted for exam completion, which consists of 80 questions.
The exam incorporates both the International System of Units (SI) and the U.S. Customary System (USCS).

Questions require diverse approaches including design, analysis, and application; the knowledge areas listed are not exhaustive.
Specific knowledge areas and the projected number of questions:
- Site Characterization: 8-12 questions
- Soil Mechanics, Laboratory Testing, and Analysis: 8-12 questions
- Construction Observation, Monitoring, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Safety: 6-9 questions
- Earthquake Engineering and Dynamic Loads: 5-8 questions
- Earth Structures, Ground Improvement, and Pavement: 9-14 questions
- Groundwater and Seepage: 4-6 questions
- Problematic Soil and Rock Conditions: 4-6 questions
- Retaining Structures (ASD or LRFD): 10-15 questions
- Shallow Foundations (ASD or LRFD): 6-9 questions
- Deep Foundations (ASD or LRFD): 10-15 questions

Site Characterization: Covers identification and validation of site data, subsurface exploration planning, various exploration and sampling techniques, in situ testing methodologies, soil classification, groundwater exploration.
Soil Mechanics: Focuses on index properties, stress in soil masses, stress/strain relationships, and permeability testing methods.
Construction Observation: Involves earthwork practices, trench safety, geotechnical instrumentation, and soil erosion protection.
Earthquake Engineering: Emphasizes seismic site characterization and designs considering liquefaction and earthquake loads.
Earth Structures: Includes ground improvement techniques, geosynthetic applications, slope stability evaluations, and design considerations for pavements and earth dams.
Groundwater Management: Discusses dewatering methods, groundwater flow effects on structures, and drainage design.
Problematic Conditions: Addresses issues related to various soil types and rock slopes, including frost susceptibility and corrosive soils.
Retaining Structures: Involves lateral earth pressure analysis, retaining wall types, cofferdams, and underpinning methods.
Foundations: Examines bearing capacity, settlement of both shallow and deep foundations, and various testing methods.

The exam will provide searchable electronic versions of specific design standards, ensuring ease of navigation.
Access to these standards is based on confirmed revision years; alternative standards are not credited.
Key design standards include:
- ASCE 7-16 for minimum design loads
- FHWA manuals on soils, foundations, slope stability, and drilled shafts
- Unified Facilities Criteria for soil mechanics and groundwater control
- Safety and Health Regulations for Construction as specified by CFR Title 29.

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