Retake the Professional Engineer Exam in California
In California, the PE exam can be retaken after Up to 3 attempts per 12-month period (NCEES). Confirm the exact rule on your score notice before re-booking.
Figures below come from the same dataset as the full guide and list only what the state publishes. Anything not published is marked “varies — check the board” rather than guessed.
PE retake rules — California at a glance
| Retake rule | Up to 3 attempts per 12-month period (NCEES) |
| Retake fee | Not published |
| First-attempt exam fee | $400 |
| Attempt limit | Set by state — see score notice |
Official source: California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG) ↗
Practical retake plan
Second-attempt pass rates are commonly reported around 60–70% for major state exams. This is general study guidance, not an official statistic.
A focused window of 2–4 weeks targeting only the sections you missed is usually enough — but re-book only when practice scores are consistently at or above the passing standard.
The retake is a separate charge from the first attempt. Confirm the amount before re-booking.
Your score notice states the earliest retake date and any attempt limits. Follow that document — it overrides any general guidance.
Retake advice above is general study guidance, not official state policy. Official rules come from your score notice and the state board.
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I retake the PE exam in California?
The published rule in California is: retake after Up to 3 attempts per 12-month period (NCEES). Confirm the exact date on your score notice.
Does it cost money to retake the PE exam in California?
The retake fee for California is not published here — confirm with the exam vendor before re-booking.
What percentage of people pass a PE exam on the second attempt?
Most candidates pass on a retake. Second-attempt pass rates are commonly reported around 60–70% for major state exams, but many states do not publish them. This is general study guidance, not an official statistic for your state.
How long should I study before retaking the PE exam?
A focused 2–4 week re-study window is usually enough when you target only the weak areas from your diagnostic. Re-book only after practice scores are consistently at or above the passing standard. This is general guidance, not an official rule.
Plan your PE retake
This page is informational and not legal advice. Fees, pass rates and retake rules change frequently — verify all figures with California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG) and your exam vendor before paying (retrieved 2026-08-20).