An exact number of people who fail the PE (Professional Engineer) exam cannot be determined from publicly available pass rate data without knowing the total number of test-takers for each specific discipline and testing cycle. However, the failure rates for first-time attempts across various PE engineering disciplines can be calculated from the published passing rates.
Understanding PE Exam Failure Rates
The PE exam is a rigorous test administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) that engineers must pass to become licensed Professional Engineers in the United States. While the precise count of individuals who fail is not typically released, the pass rates for first-time examinees provide a clear indication of the proportion of candidates who do not succeed on their initial attempt. The failure rate is simply 100% minus the pass rate.
First-Attempt Failure Rates by PE Discipline
For candidates taking the PE exam for the first time, the failure rates vary significantly by engineering discipline. Here's a breakdown based on recent data:
| PE Exam Discipline | Testing Cycle | Pass Rate (First Attempt) | Failure Rate (First Attempt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE Architectural Engineering | Once per year | 58% | 42% |
| PE Chemical Engineering | Year-round | 55% | 45% |
| PE Civil: Construction Engineering | Year-round | 53% | 47% |
| PE Civil: Geotechnical Engineering | Year-round | 52% | 48% |
Implications of Failure Rates
These percentages highlight the challenging nature of the PE exam across different specializations:
- Varying Difficulty: The failure rates show that some disciplines, like Civil: Geotechnical Engineering and Civil: Construction Engineering, have higher failure rates for first-time takers compared to Architectural Engineering.
- Preparation is Key: A significant portion of first-time test-takers do not pass, underscoring the necessity of comprehensive preparation, study, and potentially enrolling in review courses.
- Multiple Attempts: Many candidates may require more than one attempt to pass the PE exam, which is a common and accepted part of the licensure process.
Understanding these failure rates is crucial for aspiring Professional Engineers to gauge the level of effort required for successful examination.
