Have you heard about the big change happening to the PE Civil exam? The big news is that the year 2021 will be the last year that the PE Civil exam will be open book and paper-based. Since this is a huge change, I have compiled a summary for the important points you need to know about this transition.
Why is NCEES moving to computer-based testing (CBT)?
NCEES has been planning for the transition from paper-based testing to computer-based testing since 2011. The first actual CBT format test was in 2014 with the FE exam and now this format includes eight other PE disciplines. NCEES originally planned to have the PE Civil exam transition to the CBT format in 2023. However, it decided to fast-track this change as part of its response to COVID-19. Officially, NCEES is saying that this transition is needed to provide enhanced security for exam content and more uniformity in testing conditions. However, I suspect that NCEES is also doing this transition as fast as it can to avoid having to cancel mass testing like it did in April 2020 due to a health crisis or anything else in the future. In any case, on the positive side, this new testing format will also give examinees more flexibility about when and where they can take the exam.
When is the exact timing for this change to the PE Civil exam?
The testing appointments will be available year-round at Pearson VUE test centers beginning April 1, 2022. However, you can start registering for the April 2022 testing appointments on November 1, 2021.
How will the test format be different?
For starter, the test will no longer be an open book exam. For the previous paper-based format, you can bring as many references or notes to the exam as you want. However, with the computer-based format, you are not allowed to bring pretty much anything into the exam room except for your calculator and a few personal items. As an aide for information, you will be provided with the NCEES reference handbook on the computer screen as a searchable PDF. You will use a 24-inch monitor while testing so there should be sufficient space to display both the exam questions and reference handbook. The current version of the handbook will be available on the dashboard of your MyNCEES account. Codes, standards, or other references will be supplied to you on the computer as a PDF if needed for the test.
Unlike the paper-based test, the computer will be keeping track of time for you instead of a live person. For this 8-hr exam, you will be given a total of 9 hours to complete it. This includes 2 minutes for the nondisclosure agreement, 8 minutes for the tutorial, 8 hours for exam time, and 50 minutes for a scheduled break. When you are done with about half of the exam, you will be asked by the computer to review your answers and submit them. Once submitted, you will no longer have access to the submitted portion of the exam. You will then be allowed to have the scheduled break, but you will need to return in time because the clock will automatically start when your break is up. You will be allowed to take as many unscheduled breaks as you need, but the amount of time you take for unscheduled breaks will be deducted from your testing time.
How will the exam questions be different from the paper-based format?
Most of the questions on the exam will be the traditional multiple-choice format that you find on the paper-based exam. However, with the computer-based format, NCEES will also be testing you using alternative item types (AITs) such as:
- Multiple correct options- allows more than one answer choice to be correct
- Point and click-requires you to click on part of a graphic to answer
- Drag and drop- requires you to click on and drag items to match, sort, rank, or label
- Fill in the blank- provides a space for you to enter a response to the question
All of these AITs questions will be scored as either correct or incorrect. There will be no partial credit given.
When will you find out the results?
The results from computer-based exams are typically available 7 to 10 days after you take the exam. You will receive an email from NCEES once the results are available. All results will be reported as pass or fail. If you fail the exam, you will receive a diagnostic report just like the paper-based exam.
How does this affect you?
If you are planning to take the PE Civil exam in 2021, this change does not affect you. However, be aware that the last time you can take the paper-based civil exam is October 2021. If you don’t want to study for a computer-based exam, I suggest you try as hard as possible to pass the paper-based PE exam before the switch.
The above is just a summary of the changes. For a more complete guide regarding the computer-based testing, check out the NCEES Examinee Guide.