SDR Information
About the California Civil PE Exams
Beginning with the April 2018 exam, a NEW process for applying for licensure as a Civil Engineer in California was implemented. Candidates should pass the 8-hour NCEES Civil Engineering Principles & Practice (P&P) exam before submitting an application for licensure in California.
The following four parts need to be successfully completed to be licensed as a Civil Engineer in the State of California:
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NCEES Principles & Practice of Engineering (PE) Examination – computer-based test (CBT) format, 80 questions, multiple-choice, 8 hours in length
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California P.E. State Laws & Board Rules Exam (Take Home Exam)
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Civil Engineering Surveying (CES) Principles Exam – computer-based test (CBT) format, 55 questions, multiple choice, 2.5 hours in length
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Civil Seismic Principles (CSP) Exam – computer-based test (CBT) format, 55 questions, multiple choice, 2.5 hours in length
The four parts DO NOT have to be passed concurrently; they may be passed separately. Applicants licensed as a Civil PE in another State may apply for comity, and typically are only required to take and pass the CA Special Civil Engineer exams (i.e., CES and CSP exams), and the Take Home exam.
About the SDR Course
The Seismic Design Review course is presented in preparation for the 2½-hour Civil Seismic Principles (CSP) portion of the California Civil PE Examination (i.e., Part IV). The course is specifically tailored for individuals who do not possess a strong background in structural analysis and/or principles of earthquake resistant design.
The course covers seismic design, analysis, and retrofit principles that pertain to buildings and other structures using the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2022 California Building Code (CBC), ASCE 7-16 (including Supplements 1, 2 & 3) as well as other reference standards.
