Structural Engineer Examinations

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER EXAMINATIONS
NATIONAL & STATE-SPECIFIC

Beginning with the October 2004 examination administration, Civil Engineers wishing to use the title "Structural Engineer" are required to pass both a national structural engineering examination as well as a California state-specific examination. Each examination will be 8 hours in length, for a total of 16 hours, administered over two days. Each examination can be passed separately.

The national structural engineering examination is developed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and is called the PE Structural II examination. More information about the national PE Structural II examination can be obtained from the NCEES web site, including the examination specifications (test plan) and study materials.

The California state-specific structural engineering examination, also known as the California Structural Engineering Seismic Examination or CSESE or CSE2, is comprised of multiple-choice and design/essay problems. The multiple-choice section of the examination is given in the morning, and the design/essay portion is given in the afternoon. The examination tests the candidate's skills in the development of seismic design criteria, seismic analysis of new and existing structures, seismic design and detailing of structures, and seismic review of existing structures. Problems cover all common construction materials (steel, concrete, wood, and masonry). The design/essay portion of the examination emphasizes one of each of the following: Multi-Story Buildings; Schools/Hospitals; and Existing Structures. Examinees should attempt to work all problems. Both the test plan and the candidate handbook for the CSE2 are available.

The National Structural II examination is administered twice a year, in both April and October. The National Structural II examination is administered on Friday. The California Structural Engineering Seismic examination is administered only in October on Saturday. The examinations may be passed in parts, but both parts must be passed in order to become licensed as a Structural Engineer in California.

Individuals who obtained licensure in other states by taking and passing the national PE Structural II examination may apply for licensure in California via comity. The Board will waive the requirement for taking and passing the national PE Structural II examination upon verification that an applicant has already taken and passed this examination in another state. All applicants must still pass the California SE2 examination in order to become licensed in California as a Structural Engineer, as well as already being licensed in California as a Civil Engineer and meeting all of the experience requirements.

Information about applying for licensure as a Structural Engineer, including via comity, as well as the application and instructions for completing it, may be obtained by contacting the Board office at (916) 263-2222 or BPELS_Applications@dca.ca.gov. Please provide your complete name, mailing address, and social security number or date of birth. Name and address space is limited to four (4) lines, thirty (30) characters per line, including spaces. Be sure your name and address fits within those specifications. The U.S. Postal Service does not require punctuation marks. Click here for information regarding the upcoming examination dates, as well as the final filing dates for applications.