All About The 2020 Civil Engineering Board Exam-Philippines (Updates-2021)

Last Updated on September 26, 2022 by Jose Villegas Jr.

What is the 2020 Civil Engineering Board Exam in the Philippines?

The 2020 Civil Engineering Board Exam-Philippines, also called Philippine Civil Engineering Licensure Examination, is the professional licensure examination for incoming civil engineers in the Philippines.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) through the Republic Act No. 544 (As Amended by R.A. 1582) is mandated to require all would-be civil engineers to pass a technical examination to obtain the certificate of registration.
This Republic Act No. 544 states that no person shall practice or offer to practice civil engineering in the Philippines without having the proper certificate.
This exam is exclusively administered twice a year nationwide usually in the months of May and November by the Professional Regulation Commission. However, those who are willing to take the test abroad can avail themselves through Special Professional Licensure Examinations (SPLE) for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

The May 3 and 4, 2020 CE licensure board exam was canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The postponement of the May 2020 paper-and-pencil exam administration has impacted a number of examinees.
However, the civil engineering licensing test for November 2020 will push through and will be administered for two days on November 14 and 15, 2020.
The PRC has stringently implemented the use of its online gateway for initial registration since last May 11, 2020, due to the health regulations caused by the pandemic. Furthermore, the PRC has commenced accepting applications for the 2020 Civil Engineering Board Exam since last July 1, 2020. The examinees may apply online through Licensure Examination & Registration Information System (LERIS).
The first step is to create an account in the online system before beginning the application process. Moreover, examinees can access the LERIS for filing an appointment on their preferred PRC office and can select their exam location during the registration process.
Applicants are also encouraged to send their examination fee by using online payment applications (pay maya, landbank, gcash).

Thus passing this Civil Engineering (CE) Board Exam is a requisite for all aspiring civil engineers to pursue their hard-earned professions.

Getting familiar with the past examinations and their trends of topics helps the would-be engineers in passing the latest exam such as the past C.E board exams.

This might interest you – Civil Engineering Board Exam Questions May 2018

DOWNLOAD HERE! Civil Engineering Board Exam Questions 2019-2017
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What are the Civil Engineering Board Exam 2020 application requirements?

The following requirements are needed in order to apply for the Civil Engineering licensure exam 2020:

Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
Transcript of Records with scanned picture and remarks “For Board Examination Purposes”
4 pieces passport size colored pictures with name printed
Metered Documentray Stamps
Community Tax Certificate/Cedula
Valid NBI Clearance (First Timers & Repeaters)
Two (2) Certificates of Good Moral Character from any 2 of the following: Barangay, Church, School, Employer
Payment fee of Php 900.00

Updates for Civil Engineering Board Exam 2021

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has started accepting applications for the 2021 Civil Engineering Board Exam since last December 18, 2020, for May 2 & 3, 2021 exam while June 29, 2021, for the November examination.

Moreover, the deadline for filing for applications is on March 18, 2021, for the May exam while for November exam is October 24, 2021.

The exam is scheduled to take place on November 13 and 14, 2021 at various designated locations in the Philippines such as NCR, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga. This yearly examination is also commonly known as the CE board exam.

For comprehensive details, applicants may apply online through this link – Licensure Examination & Registration Information System (LERIS).

What are the subjects covered by the Civil Engineering Board Exam?

The two-day examination is comprised of the following subjects with listed syllabi and their corresponding weight.

A. Mathematics and Surveying – 35%

Mathematics

1.0 Algebra
1.1 Set Theory
1.2 Real Numbers
1.3 Algebraic Expressions and Operations
1.4 Equations and Inequalities
1.5 Roots and Powers
1.6 Linear, Quadratic and Polynomial Functions
1.7 Factoring
1.8 Roots of Algebraic Equations
1.9 System of Equations
1.10 Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
1.11 Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions
2.0 Trigonometry
2.1 Circular (Trigonometric) Functions
2.2 Trigonometric Identities and Equations
2.3 Solution of Triangles
2.4 Hyperbolic Functions
3.0 Analytic Geometry
3.1 Cartesian Coordinate System
3.2 Functions and Relations
3.3 Functions and their Graphs
3.4 Straight lines
3.5 Conic Sections
3.6 Polar Coordinates
3.7 Transformation of Coordinates
3.8 Parametric Equations
4.0 Calculus
4.1 Differential Equations
4.1.1 Limits and Continuity
4.1.2 Derivatives and Differentiation
4.1.3 Application of Derivatives
4.1.4 The Differential
4.1.1 Limits and Continuity
4.1.2 Derivatives and Differentiation
4.1.3 Application of Derivatives
4.1.3 Application of Derivatives
4.1.4 The Differential

4.1.5 Partial Derivatives
4.2 Integral Calculus
4.2.1 Theory of Integrals
4.2.2 Integration Methods
4.2.3 Definite Integrals and Applications
4.2.4 Line and Surface Integrals
4.2.5 Multiple Integrals
5.0 Differential Equations
5.1 First Order Differential Equation
5.1.1 Exact Differential Equation
5.1.2 Integrating Factors**
5.1.3 Separable Variables
5.1.4 Homogeneous Differential Equations
5.1.5 Linear Differential Equations
5.1.6 Applications
5.2 Higher-Order Differential Equations
6.0 Other Topics
6.1 Infinite Series
6.1.1 Molaurin Series
6.1.2 Taylor Series
6.1.3 Fourier Series
6.2 Complex Variables**
6.3 Vector Analysis
6.4 Matrices*
6.5 Determinants*
6.6 Probability and Statistics
7.0 Engineering Economy
7.1 Present Economy Study
7.2 Time-Value Relations
7.3 Selection Among Alternatives
7.3.1 Present Worth Method
7.3.2 Annual Worth Method
7.3.3 Future Worth Method
7.3.4 Internal Rate of Return Method
7.3.5 External Rate of Return Method

Surveying

1.0 Surveying Concepts
1.1 Uses of Surveys
1.2 Operations in Surveying
1.3 Measurement and Adjustments
1.4 Field and Office Work
1.5 Surveying Instruments
2.0 Basic Surveying Measurements
2.1 Distance Measurements
2.1.1 Pacing
2.1.2 Distance Measurement with Tape
2.2 Vertical Distance Measurement; Leveling
2.3 Angle and Direction Measurement
2.3.1 Location of Points
2.3.2 Meridians
2.3.3 Bearing and Azimuth
2.3.4 Magnetic Declination
2.3.5 Instruments Used
2.3.5.1 Engineers Transit
2.3.5.2 Theodolite
2.4 Stadia and Tacheometry
2.4.1 Principles of Stadia
2.4.2 Plane Table and Alidade
3.0 Survey Operations
3.1 Traverse
3.1.1 Deflection Angle Traverse
3.1.2 Interior Angle Traverse
3.1.3 Traverse by Angle to the Right
3.1.4 Azimuth Traverse
3.1.5 Compass Traverse
3.1.6 Stadia Traverse
3.1.7 Plane Table Traverse
3.2 Calculation of Areas of Land
3.2.1 Area by Triangle
3.2.2 Area by Coordinates

3.2.3 Area by Double Meridian Distance (DMD) and Latitude
3.2.4 Irregular Boundaries (Simpson’s and Trapezoidal Rules)
3.3 Triangulation and Trilateralization
3.3.1 Horizontal Control System
3.3.2 Triangulation Figures and Procedures
3.3.3 Error Propagation
3.3.4 Trilateralization
3.4 Astronomical Observation
3.4.1 Celestial Sphere
3.4.2 Equator System
3.4.3 The PZS Triangle
3.4.4 Azimuth and Hour Angle at Elongation
3.4.5 Time
3.4.6 Solar Observation
3.4.7 Stellar Observation
4.0 Engineering Surveys
4.1 Topographic Survey
4.1.1 Horizontal Control
4.1.2 Vertical Control (contours)
4.1.3 Location of Details
4.2 Route Surveying
4.2.1 Horizontal Curves
4.2.1.1 Simple Curves
4.2.1.2 Compound Curves
4.2.1.3 Superelations
4.2.1.4 Spiral Curves
4.2.2 Vertical Curves
4.2.3 Earthwork Operations
4.2.3.1 Methods of Determining Earthwork Volumes
4.2.3.2 Borrow Pits
4.3 Hydrographic Surveys
4.3.1 Datum
4.3.2 Soundings

B.Hydraulics – 30%

1.0 Fluid Mechanics
1.1 Properties of Fluids
1.2 Fluid Statics
1.3 Fluid Flow Concepts and Basic Equations
1.4 Dimensionally Analysis and Dynamic Similitude
1.5 Viscous Flow and Fluid Resistance
1.6 Ideal Fluid Flow
1.7 Steady Flow in Closed Conduits
1.8 Steady Flow in Open Channels
2.0 Hydrology
2.1 Hydrologic Cycle
2.1.1 Precipitation
2.1.2 Streamflow
2.1.3 Evaporations
2.1.4 Transpiration
2.2 Hydrograph Analysis
2.2.1 Runoff
2.2.2 Storage Routing
2.3 Groundwater
3.0 Hydraulics, System and Structure
3.1 Reservoirs
3.2 Dams
3.3 Spillways, Gates, and Outlet Works
3.4 Open Channels
3.5 Pressure Conduits
3.6 Hydraulics Machinery
4.0 Irrigation, Flood Control, and Drainage
4.1 Irrigation
4.1.1 Water Requirement
4.1.2 Soil-Water Relation
4.1.3 Water Quality
4.1.4 Methods
4.1.5 Structures
4.2 Flood Control
4.2.1 Design Flood

4.2.2 Flood Control Structures
4.3 Drainage
4.3.1 Estimate of Flow
4.3.2 Storm Drainage
4.3.3 Land and Highway Drainage
4.3.4 Culverts and Bridges
4.3.5 Drainage Structures
5.0 Water Supply and Sewerage
5.1 Fundamental Concept
5.1.1 Mathematics of Growth (Population Forecasting)
5.1.2 Environmental Chemistry
5.1.3 Mass and Energy Transfer
5.2 Water Supply and Treatment
5.2.1 Components of Water Supply System
5.2.1.1 Water Reservoir and Storage
5.2.1.2 Water Distribution System
5.2.1.3 Water Containment Structures
5.2.2 Water Consumptions Periods of Design
5.2.3 Pre-treatment Methods
5.2.4 Principles of Sedimentation
5.2.5 Sedimentation Tank Design
5.2.6 Coagulation-Sedimentation
5.2.7 Slow Sand Filtration
5.2.8 Rapid Sand Filtration
5.2.9 The Rapid Sand Filter
5.2.10 Underdrain System
5.2.11 Wash Troughs
5.2.12 The Washing Process
5.2.13 Clear Well and Plant Capacity
5.2.14 Water Disinfection
5.3 Waste Water Treatment
5.3.1 Quantity
5.3.2 Methods
5.3.3 Theory of Activated Sludge
5.3.4 Aeration Tank
5.3.5 Biokinetic Parameters*
5.3.6 Clarifiers

C. Design and Construction – 35%

1.0 Statics of Rigid Bodies
1.1 Force System
1.1.1 Concurrent and Non-current Force System
1.1.2 Parallel and Non-parallel Force System
1.1.3 Planar and Three Dimensional Force System
1.1.4 Distributed Forces
1.1.5 Frictional Forces
1.2 Equilibrium of Forces
1.2.1 Reactions
1.2.2 Free Body Diagram
1.2.3 Two Force Bodies
1.2.4 Three Force Bodies
1.3 Truss Analysis
1.3.1 Method of Joints
1.3.2 Method of Sections
1.3.3 Graphical Methods
1.4 Beams and Frames
1.4.1 Reactions
1.4.2 Shear Diagrams
1.4.3 Bending Moment Diagrams
1.5 Related Topics
1.5.1 Moment of Lines and Areas
1.5.2 Centroids
1.5.3 Moments of Inertia
1.5.4 Center of Mass
1.5.5 Center of Forces
2.0 Dynamics of Rigid Bodies
2.1 Kinematics of Particles
2.1.1 Rectilinear Motion
2.1.2 Curvilinear Motion
2.2 Kinetics of Particles
2.2.1 NewtonÕs Second Law
2.2.2 Dynamic Equilibrium
2.2.3 Work and Energy Principle
2.2.4 Kinetic and Potential Energy
2.2.5 Impulse and Momentum Principle
2.3 Kinematics of Rigid Bodies
2.3.1 Translation
2.3.2 Rotation
2.3.3 General Plane Motion
2.4 Kinetics of Rigid Bodies
2.4.1 DÕLambertÕs Principle
2.4.2 Work and Energy Principle
2.4.3 Impulse and Momentum Principle
3.0 Mechanics
3.1 Stresses and Strains
3.2 Material Properties
3.3 Axially Loaded Members
3.4 Thin-Walled Pressure Vessels
3.5 Torsional Stresses
3.6 Internal Forces and Stresses in Beams
3.6.1 Flexural Stress
3.6.2 Shear Stress
3.6.3 Combined Stresses
3.6.4 Principal Stresses
3.6.5 Unsymmetrical Banding
3.7 Deflections
3.7.1 Double Integration Methods
3.7.2 Area Moment Method
3.7.3 Conjugate Beam Method
3.8 Statistically Indeterminate Beams
3.9 Shear Center
3.10 Curved Beams
3.11 Nonhomogenous Beams
3.12 Impact Loading
3.13 Stress Concentration
3.14 Repeated Loading
3.15 Elastic Instability (Buckling)
3.16 Analysis of Connections
3.16.1 Riveted and Bolted Connections
3.16.2 Welded
4.0 Structural Analysis
4.1 Loadings
4.1.1 Vertical Loads (dead and live loads)
4.1.2 Lateral Loads (Wind and Earthquake Loads)
4.1.3 Impact Loads
4.2 Energy Methods for Deformation Analysis
4.2.1 CastiglianoÕs Theorem
4.2.2 Virtual Work Method (Unit Load)
4.3 Influence Lines
4.4 Frame Analysis
4.4.1 Approximate Methods
4.4.2 Exact Methods*
4.4.3 Moment Distribution
4.5 Stiffness and Flexibility Methods of Analysis**

4.5.1 Trusses
4.5.2 Beams
4.5.3 Frames
5.0 Design of Timber Structures
5.1 Properties of Wood
5.2 Design of Tension Member
5.3 Design of Bending Members
5.3.1 Laterally Supported Beams
5.3.2 Laterally Unsupported Beams
5.4 Design of Compression Members
5.4.1 Short Columns
5.4.2 Slender Columns
5.4.3 Spaced Columns
5.5 Timber Connections
6.0 Design of Steel Structures
6.1 General
6.1.1 Properties of Structural Steel
6.1.2 Design Philosophy
6.1.2.1 Allowable Stress Design
6.1.2.2 Load and Resistance Factor Design
6.2 Tension Members
6.3 Connections
6.3.1 Bolted
6.3.2 Welded
6.4 Compression Members
6.5 Beams
6.5.1 Compact Sections
6.5.2 Non-compact Sections
6.6 Beam Columns
6.7 Plastic Analysis and Limit Design*
6.8 Composite Steel and Concrete
7.0 Reinforced Concrete Structures
7.1 General
7.1.1 Properties of Concrete Materials
7.1.2 Design Philosophies and Procedures
7.2 Flexural Analysis and Design
7.3 Shear and Diagonal Tension
7.4 Bond, Anchorage Development Lengths
7.5 Serviceability Requirements
7.5.1 Crack Control
7.5.2 Deflections
7.6 Columns
7.6.1 Short Columns
7.6.2 Slender Columns
7.7 Slabs
7.8 Footings
7.9 Retaining Wall
7.10 Prestressed Concrete
8.0 Soil Mechanics and Foundation
8.1 Soil Properties
8.2 Soil Classification
8.3 Flow of Water in Soils
8.3.1 Permeability
8.3.2 Seepage
8.3.3 Effective and Porewater Pressure
8.4 Soil Strength
8.4.1 Shear Strength
8.4.2 Bearing Capacity
8.5 Compressibility of Soils
8.5.1 Elastic Settlement
8.5.2 Consolidation Settlement
8.6 Soil Improvement
8.6.1 Compaction
8.6.2 Soil Stabilization
8.7 Earth Pressures and Retaining Wall
8.8 Slope Stability Analysis
9.0 Design of Civil Engineering Structures and Systems
9.1 Transportation Engineering**
9.1.1 Highway and Urban Transportation Planning and Economics**
9.1.2 Driver, Vehicle, Traffic and Road Characteristics**
9.1.3 Highway Design
9.1.4 Traffic Engineering and Highway Operations**
9.1.5 Road and Pavement Design
9.2 Airport Engineering**
9.3 Ports and Harbors
9.4 Containment Structures (Tanks, soils, storage tanks)
9.5 Bridges
10.0 Construction and Management
10.1 Engineering Relations and Ethics**
10.2 Contracts & Specifications
10.3 Construction Project Organization
10.4 Planning and Scheduling (PERT/CPM)
10.5 Construction Estimates
10.6 Construction Methods & Operations
10.7 Construction Equipment Operations and Maintenance

This complete list of topics under each subject area can also be accessed through the PRC portal.

How is the examination conducted?

Here is the overview of how the test is being conducted as per Resolution No. 02 Series of 1995 of the Board of Civil Engineering:

The examination shall be totally computerized unless otherwise officially announced.
The Board shall provide a minimum of 500 questions for each subject from which the computer of the Commission will select at random on the day or a few days prior to the examination of the questions to be given.
The number of questions for each subject shall not be less than 20 at 4 points each.
The maximum number of questions shall not be more than 100 at 1 point each.
The examination shall be closed books and notes.
Examinees shall be given 10 computation and scratch sheets which must be submitted with the answer sheets.
Electronic and scientific calculators are allowed. However, programmable calculators and pocket personal computers are not allowed and will be confiscated if brought to the examination room.

What is the passing grade for the Civil Engineering Board Exam-Philippines?

A general average of 70% with no grades lower than 50% in any given subject must obtain by the candidate to pass the exam.

What are the eligibility requirements for this examination?

Under Section 12 of the Republic Act 544 (An Act to Regulate the Practice of Civil Engineering in the Philippines) also known as the “Civil Engineering Law”, applicants for this licensure shall satisfy the following criteria prior to the date of the examination:

He or she must be a Filipino citizen;
Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age;
Having a good reputation and moral character; and
A graduate of a 5-year course in civil engineering from a school, institute, college, or university recognized by the Government or the State wherein it is established.

How to apply for the Civil Engineering Board Exam-Philippines?

All applicants are instructed to use the PRC’s Licensure Examination and Registration Information System (LERIS) for filing an appointment on the preferred PRC office. The application can be accessed through LERIS via http://online.prc.gov.ph/.

Here’s is the key takeaway of your exam application process:

Get ready for all your requirements.
Register an account through LERIS. This will be your PRC account which can also be used in other site’s services.
Select particularly the Civil Engineering Licensure Examination tab.
Schedule for an appointment with PRC.
Choose your preferred payment method and pay for the exam fee.
Print your respective application form.
Proceed to the PRC on your appointment date and submit your requirements.

When is the release of the Civil Engineering Board Exam-Philippines result?

More or less within three working days, the official list of passers and top-performing schools is released by PRC. You can check it from the PRC official website or go directly to the online verification portal.

Where is the Philippines CE board examination conducted?

The Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) is usually conducting the Civil Engineering licensure exam in various cities such as Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lucena, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga on the month of May and November yearly.

What are the top performing schools for CE board exams for the past recent years in the Philippines?

Here is the list of the top-performing schools by board exam passing rates in Philippines Civil Engineering licensure for the past recent years.

We look at the overall passing rate for the first-timers.

The tabulated data based on the results of the past 4 board exams for the period of November 2018, May 2018, November 2017, April 2017 are presented.

School	Passing Rate	First Timers
University of the Philippines Los Banos – Los Banos	97%	174 of 179
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College – Talisay Campus Talisay City	96%	87 of 90
Ateneo de Davao University – Davao City	96%	55 of 57
University of the Philippines – Diliman Quezon City	95%	270 of 282
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – Manila	93%	58 of 62