The PE exam is a difficult test, and it’s not common to fail on your first attempt. If you do, don’t worry. You can always take it again. As paper-based tests are only available twice per year, you’ll have to wait until the following April or October to try one of these again. Computer-based tests may be taken year-round, but you can only take the exam once every quarter and a maximum of three times per calendar year. When you receive your grade, you’ll also be given a diagnostic score report that shows how you did in each of the knowledge areas tested on the exam. It will show you how many questions were in each category, how many you got right, and how that compares to other test takers. It also recommends which subjects you ought to review before you take the test again. Study each of these areas thoroughly and work on practice questions for each until you feel confident that you can pass them this time. When you’re ready to retake the exam, you must register for a new test date with NCEES. Unfortunately, you must also pay the $350 or $375 exam fee again. Some states may impose additional restrictions that limit how often you can take the exam. After repeated failures, you may be required to resubmit your application to your state Board of Professional Engineering or log additional hours of professional experience before you try again. To learn more about retake procedures, visit your state Board of Professional Engineering website.