One of the most common questions we receive from PE candidates after a specification update is: “Can I still use my old PE exam reference manual or preparation book, or do I need to purchase the new editions?”
This question becomes especially important when NCEES announces changes to the exam specifications and updated references are introduced.
The simple answer is that old references may still help you review general engineering concepts; however, they should not be relied upon as your primary PE exam preparation material once a new reference edition becomes applicable.
The reason is simple: PE exams are not only testing whether you understand engineering principles. They are testing your ability to apply the current procedures, equations, tables, and design methods provided in the approved references.
“The exam is not the place to learn a new procedure for the first time.”
A candidate who studies only from an older reference may understand the concept but still approach the problem using an outdated method. During the exam, this can result in wasted time, incorrect assumptions, and difficulty finding the information needed to solve the problem.
Understanding the Difference Between Engineering Knowledge and Exam Procedures
Engineering fundamentals do not change overnight. Concepts such as:
- load transfer,
- fluid mechanics principles,
- soil behavior,
- transportation peak factors,
- structural analysis,
remain valid regardless of the reference edition.
However, PE exams are not only evaluating whether you know these concepts. They are evaluating whether you can apply them using the current standards and procedures. This difference is extremely important.
“The purpose of exam preparation is to become familiar with the current reference before exam day, not to discover changes while taking the exam.”
A candidate using an older reference may recognize a problem and understand the engineering behind it, but still face questions such as:
- Is this equation still used?
- Did this procedure change?
- Is this table still applicable?
- Was this method replaced by a new approach?
- Where is this information located in the updated reference?
These questions consume valuable exam time.
Why Updated References Matter: Not All Changes Are the Same
When a PE exam reference manual is updated, changes generally fall into three categories:
I. Numerical Changes
These include:
- updated coefficients,
- revised factors,
- modified tables,
- updated numerical values.
These changes are usually easier to manage because the values can typically be located directly in the same location of the older reference during the exam.
Examples include:
- updated ASCE 7-22 factors,
- revised transportation design values,
- updated hydraulic parameters.
Although candidates still need to be aware of these changes, they usually do not change the entire problem-solving process.
II. Procedure Changes
Procedure changes are much more important because they change how the problem is solved.
A candidate studying from an older reference may continue practicing a method that is no longer applicable. This creates a major issue because exam preparation is not only about learning concepts; it is about developing the ability to solve problems efficiently.
A numerical change may require replacing one value. A procedure change may require changing the entire solution approach.
“For PE exam preparation, understanding the design procedure changes introduced in updated references is more important than memorizing revised coefficients or load factors.”
This is why candidates should prioritize updating their references and preparation courses or practice exams when major procedural changes occur.
The following example applies to the structural and the geotechnical civil PE exams:
Example: ASCE 7-16 to ASCE 7-22
The transition from ASCE 7-16 to ASCE 7-22 is an excellent example of why studying from updated references is important. The changes introduced in ASCE 7-22 are not limited to updated numbers. Several chapters include changes to the procedures used to determine design loads.
Seismic Loads
The seismic provisions experienced some of the largest changes. Examples include:
- Changes to the procedure for determining seismic parameters such as SMS and SM1.
- Removal of the previous site coefficient approach using Fa and Fv.
- Changes to site classification procedures.
- Changes to irregularity provisions.
- Significant updates to nonstructural component procedures.
A candidate who studied only ASCE 7-16 may understand seismic concepts but may not be familiar with the ASCE 7-22 process.
Snow Loads
Snow load procedures also changed. Examples include:
- Changes related to importance factors.
- Use of risk categories instead of the previous approach.
- Changes in snow drift procedures.
The issue is not simply knowing a new factor. The issue is understanding the new sequence of steps required to determine the final design snow load.
Wind Loads
Wind load changes are less extensive compared with seismic and snow; however, several procedures were modified and simplified.
Examples include:
- Removal of simplified procedures.
- Changes to directional and envelope procedures.
- Changes to components and cladding zones.
A candidate who practiced using the previous procedure may spend time trying to apply methods that are no longer part of the updated reference.
The Importance of Updated References Across All Civil PE Disciplines
The importance of using updated references is not limited to the Structural PE Exam or ASCE 7. Similar considerations apply across all Civil PE disciplines, including Transportation, Construction, Geotechnical, and Water Resources & Environmental.
Each discipline has references that are regularly updated, and these updates may include changes to design procedures, analysis methods, tables, criteria, and recommended approaches for solving problems. For example, Transportation candidates should pay attention to updates related to references such as the Highway Capacity Manual, which will be updated to the 7th edition in 2027.
Similarly, Water Resources and Environmental candidates should be aware of the newly added references. Geotechnical candidates should pay attention to changes involving foundation design introduced in the new UFC document. Construction candidates should also consider updates introduced with the new ACI and AISC manuals.
We previously provided a summary of the upcoming NCEES Civil PE Exam changes and the areas candidates should be aware of.
As additional details become available, we will continue providing more detailed discussions on the key reference changes and how they may affect exam preparation. Keep an eye out for future updates.
Is it time to update your PE exam reference manual and exam prep resources? Petro Publications offers Civil PE Exam study guides that are always up to date along with realistic online practice exams, and study bundles designed so that you build confidence, strengthen your understanding of key concepts, and prepare efficiently for exam day.
