Free water-resources theory for the FE Civil and PE Civil (WR&E) exams
Ten guided modules that move from FE fundamentals to PE design-level analysis. Formulas are defined, examples show every step, and exam traps are separated by level. Mapped to the current NCEES FE Civil and PE Civil: Water Resources and Environmental specifications.
How this works
Learn the theory — free
Start with the blue FE foundation material, then move into the amber PE-depth sections for design judgement, multi-step analysis, and system behaviour.
Watch for the traps
Every topic identifies unit traps, modelling assumptions, and the point where an FE calculation becomes a PE design or interpretation question.
Try a full exam simulation — paid
When the theory feels solid, step up from the free topic tasters to a full timed exam simulation with worked solutions.
Current NCEES exam blueprint
This hub follows the official topic names and question ranges currently published by NCEES. The FE Civil specification is effective July 2020. The PE Civil: Water Resources and Environmental specification is effective April 2024 and applies before April 2027.
Water-related FE areas
- Fluid Mechanics 4–6 questions
- Hydraulics and Hydrologic Systems 8–12
- Environmental Engineering 6–9
Expect concise handbook-based calculations across a 110-question breadth exam.
Discipline-specific PE areas
- Hydraulics—Closed Conduit 7–11
- Hydraulics—Open Channel 7–11
- Hydrology 8–12
- Groundwater and Wells 4–6
- Surface Water and Groundwater Quality 5–8
- Drinking Water Distribution and Treatment 6–9
- Wastewater Collection and Treatment 7–11
The April 2024 PE exam has no common breadth block: all 80 questions are WRE-specific. Analysis and Design, Project Planning, Soil Mechanics, Materials, and Project Sitework are also tested; Project Sitework carries 9–14 questions.
Official specifications: FE Civil (effective July 2020) · PE Civil: WRE (effective April 2024, before April 2027). Always check the NCEES site for later revisions.
Ten water-focused learning modules
Fluid Properties & Hydrostatics
Fluid properties, pressure, hydrostatic forces, and the fluid-mechanics assumptions that support both exams.
Topic 2Buoyancy & Flotation
Archimedes’ principle and stability — core fluid-statics reasoning before closed-conduit analysis.
Topic 3Continuity, Energy & Momentum
Continuity, Bernoulli, momentum, flow measurement, and control-volume reasoning.
Topic 4Pipe Flow
Darcy-Weisbach, Hazen-Williams, minor losses, pipe networks, force mains, and wet wells.
Topic 5Pumps & System Curves
Operating point, affinity laws, power, NPSH, distribution demand, storage, and pump operation.
Topic 6Open-Channel Flow
Manning flow, critical depth, hydraulic jumps, culvert control, and stormwater conveyance.
Topic 7Hydrology & Runoff
IDF interpretation, Rational and NRCS runoff, hydrographs, detention, and reservoir routing.
Topic 8Groundwater Flow
Darcy flow, aquifers, steady and transient well drawdown, and contaminant travel velocity.
Topic 9Water Treatment
Mass balance, quality indicators, distribution, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
Topic 10Wastewater Treatment
Collection hydraulics, I/I, BOD, activated sludge, nutrients, solids, and clarifier loading.
In a hurry? The formula quick-reference index collects every key equation from all ten topics on one page, each with its variables defined.
Who this is for
FE Civil candidates: use Topics 1–3 as Fluid Mechanics foundations, then study the FE-level portions of Topics 4–10 for Hydraulics and Hydrologic Systems and Environmental Engineering.
PE Civil: Water Resources and Environmental candidates: concentrate on the amber PE-depth sections. The modules use the current NCEES area names and extend the FE equations into networks, routing, collection, treatment, and design interpretation.
This water-focused hub does not replace preparation for the PE areas Project Planning, Soil Mechanics, Materials, Analysis and Design, and Project Sitework. Formulas state units and assumptions plainly; candidates should verify all procedures against the reference handbook and design standards supplied for their exam appointment.