Civil Engineering Licensure Examination (CELE)
The Civil Engineering Licensure Examination is a professional board exam administered by the PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) to license civil engineers in the Philippines.
Exam Schedule (2025)
- April 28-29, 2025
- September 27-28, 2025
- November 22-23, 2025
Exam Statistics
- 16,913+ takers per exam (April 2025)
- 2 days, 3 major subject areas
- 70% passing grade required
- No subject below 50%
Exam Format: The CELE is divided into 3 major areas:
Day 1 AM: Mathematics, Surveying, Transportation (35%)
Day 1 PM: Hydraulics and Geotechnical Engineering (30%)
Day 2: Structural Engineering and Construction (35%)
Fresh Questions Every Time
Our questions are constantly updated and randomized. No two quiz sessions are the same, ensuring a unique learning experience each time you practice. This helps you prepare more effectively by exposing you to varied question formats.
Engineering Mathematics
Calculus, differential equations, numerical methods, engineering data analysis
Topics Covered (6)
- Differential and Integral Calculus
- Differential Equations
- Engineering Data Analysis
- Numerical Methods
- Algebra and Trigonometry
- Analytic Geometry
Surveying & Geomatics
Construction surveying, geodetic surveying, layout, advanced surveying techniques
Topics Covered (6)
- Construction Surveying and Layout
- Geodetic Surveying
- Highway and Railroad Surveying
- Topographic Surveying
- Advanced Surveying Techniques
- Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Transportation & Highway Engineering
Highway design, traffic engineering, pavement design, transportation planning
Topics Covered (6)
- Highway Engineering
- Transportation Planning
- Traffic Engineering
- Pavement Design and Materials
- Railroad Engineering
- Ports and Wharves
Hydraulics & Water Resources
Fluid mechanics, hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, water supply, open channel flow
Topics Covered (6)
- Fluid Properties and Statics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Open Channel Flow
- Pipe Flow and Networks
- Pumps and Hydraulic Machinery
- Water Supply and Distribution
Geotechnical Engineering
Soil mechanics, foundation engineering, slope stability, lateral earth pressure
Topics Covered (6)
- Soil Properties and Classification
- Soil Strength and Testing
- Bearing Capacity
- Foundation Design
- Slope Stability Analysis
- Lateral Earth Pressure and Retaining Walls
Structural Theory & Analysis
Engineering mechanics, strength of materials, structural analysis, theory of structures
Topics Covered (6)
- Engineering Mechanics (Statics)
- Strength of Materials
- Theory of Structures
- Structural Analysis (Determinate)
- Structural Analysis (Indeterminate)
- Influence Lines and Moving Loads
Structural Design
Reinforced concrete, steel, timber, and foundation design per codes
Topics Covered (6)
- Reinforced Concrete Design (NSCP)
- Steel Design (NSCP/AISC)
- Timber Design
- Foundation Design
- Pre-stressed Concrete
- Structural Codes and Standards
Construction Management & Methods
Construction methods, materials, quantity surveying, project management, safety
Topics Covered (6)
- Construction Materials
- Construction Methods and Equipment
- Quantity Surveying and Estimating
- Construction Project Management
- Construction Safety and Health (COSH)
- Engineering Economics
Study Tips for Civil Engineering Board Exam
💡 Study Strategies
- • Master the fundamentals: Mathematics and Mechanics are key
- • Practice with the NSCP (National Structural Code of the Philippines)
- • Focus on high-weight topics (35% subjects first)
- • Use only ONE calculator - practice with it consistently
- • Review codes: NSCP, AASHTO, DPWH standards
🎯 Exam Day Tips
- • Bring approved calculator (scientific, non-programmable)
- • Closed book exam - no notes allowed
- • Manage time wisely: 5 hours per session
- • Target 70% overall, no subject below 50%
- • Review structural design codes thoroughly
CELE Subject Weight Breakdown
| Day/Session | Subject Area | Weight | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 AM (35%) | Mathematics | 15% | Calculus, Differential Equations, Numerical Methods |
| Surveying | 10% | Geodetic, Construction Layout, Advanced Surveying | |
| Transportation Engineering | 10% | Highway Design, Traffic Engineering, Pavement | |
| Day 1 PM (30%) | Hydraulics | 15% | Fluid Mechanics, Open Channel, Pumps, Water Supply |
| Geotechnical Engineering | 15% | Soil Mechanics, Foundation, Bearing Capacity | |
| Day 2 (35%) | Structural Engineering | 25% | Analysis, Design (Concrete, Steel, Timber), NSCP |
| Construction Management | 10% | Methods, Materials, Estimating, Project Mgmt, Safety |
Note: Structural Engineering carries the highest weight (25%). Prioritize structural analysis and design in your review schedule.
Key Formulas Quick Reference
📐 Engineering Mathematics
Derivative of e^x:
d/dx(e^x) = e^xIntegration by Parts:
∫udv = uv - ∫vduQuadratic Formula:
x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2aSimpson's Rule:
∫f(x)dx ≈ h/3[fâ‚€ + 4f₁ + 2f₂ + ... + fₙ]💧 Hydraulics
Bernoulli's Equation:
P/γ + v²/2g + z = constantContinuity Equation:
Q = A₁V₁ = A₂V₂Darcy-Weisbach:
hf = f(L/D)(v²/2g)Manning's Equation:
V = (1/n)R^(2/3)S^(1/2)Pump Power:
P = γQH/ηHydrostatic Force:
F = γhcA🏗️ Structural Analysis & Design
Flexural Stress:
fb = Mc/I = M/SShear Stress:
fv = VQ/IbMoment of Inertia (Rectangle):
I = bh³/12Deflection (Simply Supported):
δ = 5wL⁴/384EIEuler Buckling:
Pcr = π²EI/(KL)²Steel Design (LRFD):
φPn ≥ Pu (φ = 0.90)RC Beam Capacity:
Mn = As·fy(d - a/2)Development Length:
Ld = 0.024fydb/√f'c⛰️ Geotechnical Engineering
Bearing Capacity (Terzaghi):
qu = cNc + γDfNq + 0.5γBNγActive Earth Pressure:
Ka = tan²(45° - φ/2)Passive Earth Pressure:
Kp = tan²(45° + φ/2)Void Ratio:
e = Vv/VsSettlement:
S = CcH/(1+eâ‚€) log(P₁/Pâ‚€)Factor of Safety (Slope):
FS = Resisting/Driving Forces💡 Pro Tip: Create formula sheets for each subject and practice deriving them. Understanding the derivation helps you remember formulas better during the exam.
4-Month CELE Review Schedule
Month 1: Foundation & Mathematics
Week 1-2: Engineering Mathematics (Calculus, Differential Equations)
Week 3: Numerical Methods, Engineering Data Analysis
Week 4: Surveying & Geomatics basics
Goal: Master mathematical foundations. Practice 50+ problems per topic.
Month 2: Mechanics & Analysis
Week 1: Engineering Mechanics (Statics, Dynamics)
Week 2: Strength of Materials
Week 3: Structural Theory & Analysis
Week 4: Hydraulics & Fluid Mechanics
Goal: Understand force systems, stress-strain, structural analysis methods.
Month 3: Design & Codes (HIGHEST PRIORITY)
Week 1-2: Reinforced Concrete Design (NSCP) - 25% weight
Week 3: Steel & Timber Design
Week 4: Geotechnical Engineering & Foundation Design
Goal: Master NSCP provisions. Practice code-based design problems extensively.
Month 4: Integration & Practice
Week 1: Transportation & Construction Management
Week 2: Full practice exams (timed)
Week 3: Review weak areas, formula memorization
Week 4: Final review, rest, mental preparation
Goal: Simulate exam conditions. Target 80%+ on practice tests.
⏰ Daily Schedule Suggestion:
6:00-8:00 AM: Math/Problem Solving | 2:00-5:00 PM: Theory & Codes | 7:00-9:00 PM: Practice Problems
Take Sundays off or do light review only. Consistency beats cramming!
Important Codes & Standards Reference
📘 NSCP 2015 (7th Edition)
National Structural Code of the Philippines
- • Section 420: Concrete Design (ACI 318 basis)
- • Section 500: Steel Design (AISC basis)
- • Section 600: Timber Design
- • Section 200: Loads (Wind, Seismic, Live, Dead)
- • Most critical for Structural Engineering (25% of exam)
🛣️ AASHTO Standards
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
- • AASHTO Green Book: Highway Design
- • LRFD Bridge Design Specifications
- • Pavement Design Guide
- • Used for Transportation Engineering section
🏗️ DPWH Standards
Department of Public Works and Highways
- • Standard Specifications (Blue Book)
- • Design Guidelines Volume 1-8
- • Road Geometric Design Standards
- • Construction Safety Manual
🔧 Other Important Codes
- • ACI 318: Concrete Building Code
- • AISC: Steel Construction Manual
- • ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads
- • NBC: National Building Code (PD 1096)
- • Philippine Green Building Code
📚 Where to Get Codes: NSCP can be purchased from ASEP (Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines). DPWH standards are available on their official website. Many review centers provide code summaries.
CELE Exam Day Checklist
✅ ALLOWED ITEMS
- ✓Scientific Calculator - Non-programmable only (Casio fx-991ES, etc.)
- ✓Pens - Black or blue ballpoint (bring extras)
- ✓Pencils - For computations (No. 2)
- ✓Eraser & Sharpener
- ✓Ruler & Triangle - For technical drawings
- ✓Valid ID - Government-issued with photo and signature
- ✓Notice of Admission - Printed from PRC website
- ✓Bottled water - Transparent bottle, label removed
- ✓Snacks - Energy bar, candy (for breaks)
❌ PROHIBITED ITEMS
- ✗Mobile Phones - Even if turned off
- ✗Smartwatches - Any electronic wearable
- ✗Notes/Books - Closed book exam strictly
- ✗Formula Sheets - Must memorize all formulas
- ✗Programmable Calculators - Will be confiscated
- ✗Bags - Only transparent pencil cases allowed
- ✗Earphones/Earbuds
- ✗Jackets with pockets - Plain jacket only
⏰ Time Management: Arrive at least 1 hour before exam start. Exam is 5 hours per session (8 AM - 1 PM, 2 PM - 7 PM). Use first pass to answer easy questions, second pass for difficult ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the CELE board exam?
The Civil Engineering Licensure Examination (CELE) is a professional board exam administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to certify civil engineers in the Philippines. It tests knowledge in mathematics, surveying, transportation, hydraulics, geotechnical, structural engineering, and construction management. Passing the exam is required to practice as a licensed civil engineer in the country.
What is the passing rate for Civil Engineering board exam?
The passing rate for CELE varies by exam schedule but historically ranges from 35% to 45%. Recent exams (April 2024) had approximately 6,700 passers out of 16,913 takers (39.6%). The relatively low passing rate reflects the exam's difficulty and comprehensive coverage of civil engineering topics. First-time takers generally have higher passing rates than repeaters.
What is the passing score for CELE?
The passing score for CELE is a general average of 70% across all subjects, withno subject rating below 50%. This means you need to score at least 70% overall, and you cannot have any individual subject where you scored less than 50%. For example, even if your average is 70%, if you scored 48% in Hydraulics, you will fail the exam.
How many subjects are in Civil Engineering board exam?
The CELE covers 8 major subject areas distributed over 2 days:
Day 1 AM: Mathematics (15%), Surveying (10%), Transportation Engineering (10%)
Day 1 PM: Hydraulics (15%), Geotechnical Engineering (15%)
Day 2: Structural Engineering (25% - includes analysis and design), Construction Management (10%)
Structural Engineering carries the highest weight at 25%, making it the most critical area to master.
What calculator is allowed in CELE?
Only non-programmable scientific calculators are allowed. Popular approved models includeCasio fx-991ES PLUS, Casio fx-570ES PLUS, and Sharp EL-W516X. Programmable calculators, graphing calculators, and calculators with text storage capabilities are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated. Practice extensively with your chosen calculator before the exam to maximize speed and accuracy.
When is the Civil Engineering board exam schedule?
The CELE is typically held three times a year. For 2025, the scheduled exam dates are:
• April 28-29, 2025
• September 27-28, 2025
• November 22-23, 2025
Application deadlines are usually 45-60 days before the exam date. Check the PRC website (prc.gov.ph) for official announcements, application procedures, and any schedule changes.
What are the requirements for CELE?
To take the CELE, you must:
1. Bachelor's Degree: Graduate of a CHED-recognized BS Civil Engineering program
2. TOR: Official Transcript of Records showing completion of all required subjects
3. Good Moral Character: Certificate from university/college
4. Valid ID: Government-issued ID with photo and signature
5. Application Fee: Payment of PRC examination fees
6. PRC Application Form: Completed online or paper form
Submit requirements to PRC 45-60 days before exam date. Foreign graduates need evaluation from PRC.
How long should I review for Civil Engineering board exam?
The recommended review period is 4-6 months of focused study. Most successful examinees dedicate 6-8 hours daily, including:
• Months 1-2: Mathematics, Mechanics, and Fundamentals
• Month 3: Structural Design and Codes (highest weight - 25%)
• Month 4: Hydraulics, Geotechnical, and other subjects
• Final 2 months: Integration, practice exams, and weak area review
Review centers typically offer 3-4 month programs. Self-reviewers should allow 5-6 months to cover all topics thoroughly. Consistency and daily practice are more important than total hours.
160 Practice Questions Available!
All 8 Civil Engineering categories are now complete with 20 terminology-focused practice questions each. Questions cover definitions, concepts, and remembering-level topics essential for the CELE board exam. Start practicing now to master Civil Engineering fundamentals!