The U.S.-based Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) licensing exam identifies individuals who can practice professional engineering in such a manner that will safeguard life, health, and property and promote the public welfare. The TMS Professional Registration Committee originated the PE exam and maintained it for more than 20 years.
In 2021, the responsibility for exam development transitioned from TMS to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Learn more about the exam and study resources below.
Met/Mat PE Exam
The exam is administered once a year in October and registration for the exam typically opens a year in advance. For more information, visit the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) PE Metallurgical and Materials Exam website.
Met/Mat PE Exam Review Course
Each year, TMS holds a review course focused specifically on the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering PE Licensing Exam and lists the course information under Upcoming Professional Development Events.
Study Guide
TMS offers a study guide containing sample problems and solutions relating to the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering PE exam. The guide is free for TMS members and costs $39.00 for non-members.
Learn how to access the study guide.
About Professional Engineering Registration
The Metallurgical and Materials Professional Engineering exam is used to determine those candidates who are minimally competent for professional registration. The intent of licensure is to identify those individuals who possess the necessary qualifications to practice engineering. Licensure is essential to the protection of public health, safety, and welfare in matters pertaining to engineering. Due to the licensing process, the public can have confidence in the professional competency and conduct of engineers. TMS had the lead role in establishing the exam and maintaining it for more than 20 years. The exam is now managed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) to register professional metallurgical and materials engineers in the United States.
Exam Overview and Prerequisites
If you’re considering taking the exam, check with your state engineering board for eligibility.
Exam Format
Starting in 2022, the Metallurgical and Materials PE exam uses computer-based testing (CBT). NCEES states that CBT offers many benefits, such as enhanced security for exam content and more uniformity in testing conditions. All CBT exams are offered at approved Pearson VUE test centers. For more information, go to the
NCEES website.
In CBT, bringing reference material into the exam site is strictly prohibited. A supplied reference handbook will be available to examinees electronically during the exam. NCEES registered users are able to download the handbook prior to the exam at no cost.
Exam Knowledge Areas
Taking the Exam
Specific contact information for each state licensure board, as well as upcoming test dates, can be found on the
NCEES web site.