Architectural Engineering PE Exam
The Architectural Engineering PE Exam is the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam in the area of Architectural Engineering.
What will be on the Architectural PE Exam?
The exam specifications are provided by the NCEES committee creating the exam, and this specification provides an outline of the exam topics. The following outline is provided by the NCEES committee. A few general notes are summarized, followed but the exam specifications for the breadth exams and then the depth exams.
NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering Examination
Agricultural Exam Specifications
As of April 2012
A few general points noted about the exam, which are followed by the detailed specifications.
• The exam is an 8-hour open-book exam. It contains 40 multiple-choice questions in the 4-hour morning session, and 40 multiple-choice questions in the 4-hour afternoon session. Examinee works all questions.
• The exam uses the US Customary System (USCS) of units.
• The exam is developed with questions that will require a variety of approaches and methodologies,
including design, analysis, and application.
• The knowledge areas specified as examples of kinds of knowledge are not exclusive or exhaustive categories.
I. Building Systems Integration 17%
A. Aspects of building performance that affect human comfort (e.g., vibration, noise, lighting, climate control)
B. Building envelope analysis
C. Impact of one system on another (e.g., lighting load on air-conditioning
system capacity)
D. Life safety systems (e.g., generators, batteries, exit lighting, fire alarms)
E. Systems efficiencies (including calculations for energy usage and costs
such as life cycle, material)
F. Sustainability (e.g., energy efficiency, renewable energy, indoor air
quality, water conservation)
G. Applicable standards, codes, and regulations (e.g., NFPA; ASHRAE;
ICC; ADA requirements )
H. Designandconstructionissuesassociatedwithcommissioningprocess,
including testing and balancing
II. Electrical Systems 25%
A. Electrical power systems analysis, including load flow
B. Short circuit analysis
C. Grounding principles
D. Electrical construction methods and materials (new and existing
systems)
E. Overcurrent protection methods and device coordination
F. Branch circuit and feeder conductor sizing
G. Power distribution for building systems and equipment
H. Voltagedropcalculations
I. One-line diagram
J. Fire alarm device layout
K. Light source selection considering elements such as type, color, life, cost,
efficiency, and application
L. Lighting calculations (e.g., lumen method, light at a point)
M. Lighting control
N. Receptaclelayout
O. Equipment and component selection
III. Mechanical Systems 25%
A. Fan laws
B. Pump laws
C. Flow and riser diagrams
D. Static pressure calculations (air and water)
E. Materials and methods (e.g., new and existing ductwork, piping
materials, and insulation)
F. Piping for specialty systems (e.g., fuel oil, natural gas, medical gas)
G. Pipe expansion (e.g., expansion joints, loops, anchors)
H. Heat gain and loss calculations
I. Psychrometrics
J. Hydronic and steam systems
K. Equipment selection (e.g., pumps, air handling units, chillers, boilers)
L. HVAC system analysis and selection (e.g., air cooled/water cooled, all
air, heat pumps, split systems)
M. Fire protection sprinkler and standpipe classifications
N. Ventilation
O. Indoor air quality
P. Air distribution
Q. Domestic water systems (routing, sizing)
R. Stormwater systems
S. Sanitary waste and vent systems (routing, sizing, slope)
T. Sequences of operation for building controls
IV. Structural Systems 25%
A. Types of construction (e.g., structural steel, timber, concrete, masonry)
B. Components (e.g., tension, compression, bending, shear)
C. Structural load effects on overall electrical, mechanical, and structural
systems (e.g., seismic, wind, thermal, vibrations)
D. Connections (e.g., bolted, welded, base plates, brackets)
E. Loads (e.g., gravity, lateral, temperature, settlement, construction)
F Analysis of frames and shear walls
G. Analysis of construction systems (e.g., new and existing staging, bracing,
and loads)
H. Analysisofstability
I. Analysis of deflection
J. Foundations (e.g., piles, shafts, spread)
K. Materials characteristics (e.g., strength, stiffness, hardness, environ-
mental concerns, fatigue concerns) of steel, concrete, masonry, and timber
V. Project Management and Construction Administration 8%
A. Discovered site conditions
B. Change orders
C. Alternates
D. Request for information
E. Architectural supplemental information (e.g., RFI response, clarification
in construction documents, bulletins)
F. System conflict resolution
G. Scheduling of design tasks, sequence of activities, CPM
H. Progressreports
I. Quality control
J. Contract administration
K. Legal issues (e.g., contracts; impact of decisions that may result in
lawsuit; errors and omissions)
L. Construction safety
M. Submittal processes