Understanding the full scope of content tested on the PE Architectural engineering exam helps students plan their preparation strategy and allocate study time effectively. The exam is built around NCEES specifications that reflect real-world architectural engineering practice, covering both theoretical principles and practical applications.
HVAC and Plumbing Systems
This section covers heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system design, including load calculations, equipment selection, and energy analysis. Students learn to size HVAC systems, analyze ductwork and piping, and apply building codes. Questions in this area test understanding of psychrometrics, refrigeration cycles, and plumbing system fundamentals including water supply and drainage design.
Electrical Systems and Lighting
Electrical topics include power distribution, lighting design, fire alarm systems, and emergency power systems. The course addresses electrical load calculations, circuit design, transformer sizing, and lighting analysis. Students work through problems involving illumination calculations, lamp selection, and electrical code compliance using NEC standards.
Structural Systems
This area covers structural analysis and design principles as they apply to architectural engineering. Students learn gravity and lateral load analysis, member sizing for steel, concrete, and wood structures, and foundation design fundamentals. Understanding building code requirements, load paths, and structural system selection is essential for this portion of the exam.
Building Envelope and Energy Analysis
Building envelope topics include wall assembly design, roof systems, window and glazing selection, and thermal analysis. The course covers heat transfer through building components, moisture control, and energy modeling. Students must understand building envelope performance, insulation requirements, and sustainable design principles.
Fire Protection and Life Safety
This section tests understanding of fire protection systems, including sprinkler design, fire alarm systems, smoke control, and egress analysis. Students learn to apply building and fire codes, design fire protection systems, and analyze occupancy classifications. Understanding fire resistance ratings, means of egress, and life safety systems is critical for exam success.
Construction and Commissioning
Construction topics include construction documentation, specifications, project delivery methods, and quality control. The course covers construction administration, commissioning processes, and testing procedures. Students work through problems involving construction sequencing, material selection, and system verification.
Additional Core Topics
The PE Architectural engineering exam also addresses acoustics, vertical transportation, building automation systems, and sustainable design principles. Each topic area includes multiple-choice questions that test both calculation skills and conceptual understanding, requiring students to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge across all architectural engineering disciplines.