The PE exam costs $400
The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam costs $400, paid straight to NCEES. Some state licensing boards also make you apply to them first and pay their own fee. The PE is taken at a Pearson test center and is the main exam for becoming a licensed Professional Engineer.
PE exam fees
| PE exam fee, paid to NCEES | $400 |
|---|---|
| PE Structural, as listed by Virginia's board | $700 |
| State board application fee | Set by each board |
| PE Civil | 80 questions, 9 hour appointment |
| PE Electrical and Computer | 85 questions, 9.5 hour appointment |
| FE plus PE, NCEES fees only | $625 |
|---|
NCEES says some licensing boards need a separate application and fee before they will approve you for a seat. Check your own state board before you register. Sources: NCEES, PE Civil exam; NCEES, PE Electrical and Computer exam; Virginia DPOR, Professional Engineer Exam.
What this price covers
The $400 pays for one PE exam sitting. Your state board may also charge its own license fee. The FE exam, usually taken first, is a separate $225.
What changes your price
- Your state. Board application and license fees differ.
- Your discipline. Most PE exams are $400. Structural costs more.
- Retakes. Each attempt costs the full fee again.
Ways to pay less
- Read your state board's steps first, so you do not pay for the exam before you are approved.
- Book early. You can reserve a seat up to a year ahead once approved.
- Ask your employer. Many engineering firms pay for the PE exam.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the group that runs the test or sets the fee, taken from its own website. Where we show a total, we only add up that group's own fees so you can see the full amount in one place. We do not add our own guesses, and we do not use prices from test prep blogs. Fees can change, so check the official page before you pay. We last checked on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much does the PE exam cost?
$400, paid to NCEES.
Is there a state fee on top?
Often, yes. It depends on your board.
How much is the PE Structural exam?
Virginia's board lists it at $700.