What Is the Timing of the Change?

NCEES is updating the depth section exam format and reference design standards effective April 1, 2027.

This means if you take your exam prior to April 1, 2027, you will take your exam using the current design standards and question structures. If you test on or after April 1, 2027, your exam will reflect the updated 48-question depth structure and 2027 design standards.

What Has Stayed the Same?

Breadth Section Structure: Breadth sections (Vertical and Lateral) remain unchanged at 55 multiple-choice questions (45 scored, 10 pretest) over a 6-hour appointment.

Depth Section Appointment & Timing: Depth appointments remain at 6.5 hours total (6 hours of actual exam time, a scheduled 20-minute break, tutorial, and NDA).

Overall Blueprint Topics: Knowledge areas and domain weightings across Vertical Forces and Lateral Forces remain consistent with NCEES exam specifications.

What Are the Expected Changes?

Depth Section Format

• Question Count
• Reduced from 60 questions down to 48 questions (40 scored, 8 pretest).
• Scenario Layout
• Content is distributed across 4 main scenarios (containing 12 questions each).
• Question Types
• Mix of Alternative Item Types (AITs) and single-response multiple-choice questions.

Reference Design Standards

The searchable electronic PDF references supplied during the computer-based exam are moving to current editions across building and bridge components:

• General Codes:
• 2024 International Building Code (IBC) and ASCE/SEI 7-22
• Steel Design:
• 16th Edition AISC Steel Construction Manual and AISC 341-22
• Concrete Design:
• ACI 318-19 (Reapproved 2022) and PCI Design Handbook 8th Edition
• Wood Design:
• 2024 NDS and 2021 SDPWS
• Masonry Design:
• TMS 402/602-22
• Bridge Design:
• 10th Edition AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications