THE CIVIL ENGINEERING LICENSURE EXAMINATION SYLLABI

Section 4 of the Civil Engineering Law (Republic Act 544) provides among other things
the power to the Board of Examinees for Civil Engineers to discharge such other
powers and duties as may affect the ethical and technological standards of the Civil
Engineering profession in the Philippines. Section 10 enumerates the subjects in which
the applicants for certificates of registration shall be examined at the discretion of the
Board;
NOW THEREFORE, the Board of Civil Engineering, RESOLVED, as it hereby
RESOLVES, that the licensure examinations for Civil Engineering shall be in accord
with the following guidelines:

I. PREPARATION OF EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS.

The following shall be taken into consideration n the preparation of questions and
problems:
a. The areas covered by the examination shall be those included in the topics
enumerated in the syllabus for the particular subject. The examination questions in
each subject shall be comprehensive and well balanced in scope.
b. Questions and answers should relate to matters which are of general applicability
in the civil engineering practice in the Philippines.
c. Questions and answers shall be framed in a clear and concise manner taking into
consideration the degree or level of proficiency for each topic. Instructions or
requirements should be clearly stated.
d. The assigned weight and estimated time for each subject shall be indicated.
Whenever applicable, references shall be made to statements issued by:
a. The Board of Civil Engineering
b. The National Building Code of the Philippines
c. The National Structural Code of the Philippines
d. The National Standards Office
e. The National Water Resources Council
f. The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers

In areas not covered by Philippine sources, references may also be made to the
official
Pronouncement of authoritative standard setting agencies in the United States
(ACI, ASCE, ASHTO, NSC, and UBC), International Building Officials (IBO), and
the International Federation of Engineers (FIDIC) provided these pronouncements
are relevant to Philippines conditions.
e. 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.

II. SUBJECTS OF EXAMINATIONS

Unless otherwise indicated, the topics of the subjects shall be effective in the May 1993
Licensure Examinations. The Syllabi shall be fully effective starting on the May 1994
examinations.
A. MATHEMATICS, SURVEYING & TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING
Mathematics
1.00
Algebra
1.01
Set Theory*
1.02
Real Numbers
1.03
Algebraic Expressions and Operations
1.04
Equations and Inequalities
1.05
Roots and Powers
1.06
Linear, Quadratic and Polynomial Functions
1.07
Factoring
1.08
Roots of Algebraic Equations
1.09
System of Equations
1.10
Logarithmic and Exponential Function
1.11
Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions
2.00
2.01
2.02
2.03
2.04

Trigonometry
Circular (Trigonometric) Functions
Trigonometric Identities and Equations
Solution of Triangles
Hyperbolic Functions

3.00
3.01
3.02
3.03
3.04

Analytic Geometry
Cartesian Coordinate System
Functions and Relations
Functions and their Graphs
Straight Lines

3.05
3.06
3.07
3.08

Conic Sections
Polar Coordinates
Transformation of Coordinates
Parametric Equations

4.00
4.01
4.01.1
4.01.2
4.01.3
4.01.4
4.01.5
4.02
4.02.1
4.02.2
4.02.3
4.02.4
4.02.5

Calculus
Differential Equations
Limits and Continuity
Derivatives and Differentiation
Application of Derivatives
The Differential
Partial Derivatives
Integral Calculus
Theory of Integrals
Integration Methods
Definite Integrals and Applications
Line and Surface Integrals
Multiple Integrals

5.00
5.01
5.01.1
5.01.2
5.01.3
5.01.4
5.01.5
5.01.6
5.02

Differential Equations
First Order Differential Equation
Exact Differential Equation
Integrating Factors**
Separable Variables
Homogeneous Differential Equations
Linear Differential Equations
Applications
Higher Order Differential Equations

6.00
6.01
6.01.1
6.01.2
6.01.3
6.02
6.03
6.04
6.05
6.06

Other Topics
Infinite Series
Mclaurin Series
Taylor Series
Fourier Series
Complex Variables**
Vector Analysis
Matrices*
Determinants
Probability and Statistics

7.00
7.01
7.02
7.03
7.03.1
7.03.2

Engineering Economy
Present Economy Study
Time-Value Relations
Selection Among Alternatives
Present Worth Method
Annual Worth Method

7.03.3
7.03.4
7.03.5

Future Worth Method

Internal Rate of Return Method
External Rate of Return Method

Surveying
1.00
1.01
1.02
1.03
1.04
1.05

Surveying Concepts
Uses of Surveys
Operations in Surveying
Measurement and Adjustments
Field and Office Work
Surveying Instruments

2.00
2.01
2.01.1
2.01.2
2.02
2.03
2.03.1
2.03.2
2.03.3
2.03.4
2.03.5
2.03.5.1
2.03.5.2
2.04
2.04.1
2.04.2

Basic Surveying Measurements

Distance Measurements
Pacing
Distance Measurement with Tape
Vertical Distance Measurement; Leveling
Angle and Direction Measurement
Location of Points
Meridians
Bearing and Azimuth
Magnetic Declination
Instruments Used
Engineers Transit
Theodolite
Stadia and Tacheometry
Principles of Stadia
Plane Table and Alidale

3.00
3.01
3.01.1
3.01.2
3.01.3
3.01.4
3.01.5
3.01.6
3.01.7
3.02
3.02.1
3.02.2
3.02.3
3.02.4
3.03
3.03.1
3.03.2

Survey Operations
Traverse
Deflection Angle Traverse
Interior Angle Traverse
Traverse by Angle to the Right
Azimuth Traverse
Compass Traverse
Stadia Traverse
Plane Table Traverse
Calculation of Areas of Land
Area by Triangle
Area by Coordinates
Area by Double Meridian Distance (DMD) and Latitude
Irregular Boundaries (Simpsons and Trapezoidal Rules)
Triangulation and Trilateralization
Horizontal Control System
Triangulation Figures and Procedures

3.03.3
3.03.4
3.04
3.04.1
3.04.2
3.04.3
3.04.4
3.04.5
3.04.6
3.04.7

Error Propagation
Trilateralization
Astronomical Observation
Celestial Sphere
Equator System
The PZS Triangle
Azimuth and Hour Angle at Elongation
Time
Solar Observation
Stellar Observation

4.00
4.01
4.01.1
4.01.2
4.01.3
4.02
4.02.1
4.02.1.1
4.02.1.2
4.02.1.3
4.02.1.4
4.02.2
4.02.3
4.02.3.1
4.02.3.2
4.03
4.03.1
4.03.2

Engineering Surveys
Topographic Surveys
Horizontal Control
Vertical Control (contours)
Location of Details
Route Surveying
Horizontal Curves
Simple Curves
Compound Curves
Superelations
Spiral Curves
Vertical Curves
Earthwork Operations
Methods of Determining Earthwork Volumes
Borrow Pits
Hydographic Surveys
Datum
Soundings

Transportation Engineering
1.01
Transportation Engineering**
1.01.1
Highway and Urban Transportation Planning and Economics**
1.01.2
Driver, Vehicle, Traffic and Road Characteristics**
1.01.3
Highway Design
1.01.4
Traffic Engineering and Highway Operations**
1.01.5
Road and Pavement Design

B. HYDRAULICS & GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Hydraulics
1.00
1.01
1.02
1.03

Fluid Mechanics
Properties of Fluids
Fluid Statics
Fluid Flow Concepts and Basic Equations

1.04
1.05
1.06
1.07
1.08

Dimentional Analysis and Dynamic Similitude

Viscous Flow and Fluid Resistance
Ideal Fluid Flow
Steady Flow in Closed Conduits
Steady Flow in Open Channels

2.00
2.01
2.01.1
2.01.2
2.01.3
2.01.4
2.02
2.02.1
2.02.2
2.03

Hydrology
Hydrologic Cycle
Precipitation
Streamflow
Evaporations
Transpiration
Hydrograph Analysis
Runoff
Storage Routing
Groundwater

3.00
3.01
3.02
3.03
3.04
3.05
3.06

Hydraulics, System and Structure

Reservoirs
Dams
Spillways, Gates, and Outlet Works
Open Channels
Pressure Conduits
Hydraulics Machinery

4.00
4.01
4.01.1
4.01.2
4.01.3
4.01.4
4.01.5
4.02
4.02.1
4.02.2
4.03
4.03.1
4.03.2
4.03.3
4.03.4
4.03.5
5.00
5.01
5.01.1
5.01.2
5.01.3

Irrigation, Flood Control and Drainage

Irrigation
Water Requirement
Soil-Water Relation
Water Quality
Methods
Structures
Flood Control
Design Flood
Flood Control Structures
Drainage
Estimate of Flow
Storm Drainage
Land and Highway Drainage
Culvets and Bridges
Drainage Structures
Water Supply and Sewerage
Fundamental Concept
Mathematics of Growth (Population Forecasting)
Environmental Chemistry
Mass and Energy Transfer

5.02
5.02.1
5.02.2
5.02.3
5.02.4
5.02.5
5.02.6
5.02.7
5.02.8
5.02.9
5.02.10
5.02.11
5.02.12
5.02.13
5.02.14
5.03
5.03.1
5.03.2
5.03.3
5.03.4
5.03.5
5.03.6

Water Supply and Treatment

Components of Water Supply System
Water Consumptions Periods of Design
Pre-treatment Methods
Principles of Sedimentation
Sedimentation Tank Design
Coagulation-Sedimentation
Slow Sand Filtration
Rapid Sand Filtration
The Rapid Sand Filter
Underdrain System
Wash Troughs
The Washing Process
Clear Well and Plant Capacity
Water Disinfection
Waste Water Treatment
Quantity
Methods
Theory of Activated Sludge
Aration Tank
Biokinetic Parameters*
Clarifiers

Geotechnical Engineering
1.00
Soil Mechanics and Foundation
1.01
Soil Properties
1.02
Soil Classification
1.03
Flow of Water in Soils
1.03.1
Permeability
1.03.2
Seepage
1.03.3
Effective and Porewater Pressure
1.04
Soil Strength
1.04.1
Shear Strength
1.04.2
Bearing Capacity
1.05
Compressibility of Soils
1.05.1
Elastic Settlement
1.05.2
Consolidation Settlement
1.06
Soil Improvement
1.06.1
Compaction
1.06.2
Soil Stabilization
1.07
Earth Pressures and Retaining Wall
1.08
Slope Stability Analysis

C. STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

Structural Engineering
1.00
Statics of Rigid Bodies
1.01
Force System
1.01.1
Concurrent and Non-current Force System
1.01.2
Parallel and Non-parallel Force System
1.01.3
Planar and Three Dimensional Force System
1.01.4
Distributed Forces
1.01.5
Frictional Forces
1.02
Equilibrium of Forces
1.02.1
Reactions
1.02.2
Free Body Diagram
1.02.3
Two Force Bodies
1.02.4
Three Force Bodies
1.03
Truss Analysis
1.03.1
Method of Joints
1.03.2
Method of Sections
1.03.3
Graphical Methods
1.04
Beams and Frames
1.04.1
Reactions
1.04.2
Shear Diagrams
1.04.3
Bending Moment Diagrams
1.05
Related Topics
1.05.1
Moment of Lines and Areas
1.05.2
Centroids
1.05.3
Moments of Inertia
1.05.4
Center of Mass
1.05.5
Center of Forces
2.00
2.01
2.01.1
2.01.2
2.02
2.02.1
2.02.2
2.02.3
2.02.4
2.02.5
2.03
2.03.1
2.03.2
2.03.3
2.04
2.04.1
2.04.2
2.04.3

Dynamics of Rigid Bodies

Kinematics of Particles
Rectilinear Motion
Curvilinear Motion
Kinetics of Particles
Newtons Second Law
Dynamic Equilibrium
Work and Energy Principle
Kinetic and Potential Energy
Impulse and Momentum Principle
Kinematics of Rigid Bodies
Translation
Rotation
General Plane Motion
Kinetics of Rigid Bodies
DLamberts Principle
Work and Energy Principle
Impulse and Momentum Principle

3.00
3.01
3.02
3.03
3.04
3.05
3.06
3.06.1
3.06.2
3.06.3
3.06.4
3.06.5
3.07
3.07.1
3.07.2
3.07.3
3.08
3.09
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
3.14
3.15
3.16
3.16.1
3.16.2

Mechanics
Stresses and Strains
Material Properties
Axially Loaded Members
Thin Walled Pressure Vessels
Torsional Stresses
Internal Forces and Stresses in Beams
Flexural Stress
Shear Stress
Combined Stresses
Principal Stresses
Unsymmetrical Banding
Deflections
Double Integration Methods
Area Moment Method
Conjugate Beam Method
Statistically Indeterminate Beams
Shear Center
Curved Beams
Non-homogenous Beams
Impact Loading
Stress Concentration
Repeated Loading
Elastic Instability (Buckling)
Analysis of Connections
Riveted and Bolted Connections
Welded

4.00
4.01
4.01.1
4.01.2
4.01.3
4.02
4.02.1
4.02.2
4.03
4.04
4.04.1
4.04.2
4.04.3
4.05
4.05.1
4.05.2
4.05.3

Structural Analysis
Loadings
Vertical Loads (dead and live loads)
Lateral Loads (Wind and Earthquake Loads)
Impact Loads
Energy Methods for Deformation Analysis
Castiglianos Theorem
Virtual Work Method (Unit Load)
Influence Lines
Frame Analysis
Approximate Methods
Exact Methods*
Moment Distribution
Stiffness and Flexibility Methods of Analysis**
Trusses
Beams
Frames

5.00
5.01
5.02
5.03
5.03.1
5.03.2
5.04
5.04.1
5.04.2
5.04.3
5.05

Design of Timber Structures

Properties of Wood
Design of Tension Member
Design of Bending Members
Laterally Supported Beams
Laterally Unsupported Beams
Design of Compression Members
Short Columns
Slender Columns
Spaced Columns
Timber Connections

6.00
6.01
6.02
6.03
6.03.1
6.03.2
6.04
6.05
6.05.1
6.05.2
6.06
6.07
6.08

Design of Steel Structures

General
Tension Members
Connections
Bolted
Welded
Compression Members
Beams
Compact Sections
Non-compact Sections
Beam Columns
Plastic Analysis and Limit Design*
Composite Steel and Concrete

7.00
7.01
7.01.1
7.01.2
7.02
7.03
7.04
7.05
7.05.1
7.05.2
7.06
7.06.1
7.06.2
7.07
7.08
7.09
7.10

Reinforced Concrete Structures

General
Properties of Concrete Materials
Design Philosophies and Procedures
Flexural Analysis and Design
Shear and Diagonal Tension
Bond, Anchorage Development Lengths
Serviceability Requirements
Crack Control
Deflections
Columns
Short Columns
Slender Columns
Slabs
Footings
Retaining Wall
Pre-stressed Concrete

8.00

Design of Civil Engineering Structures and Systems

8.01
8.02
8.03
8.04

Airport Engineering**
Ports and Harbors
Containment Structures (Tanks, soils, storage tanks)
Bridges

Construction
9.00
Construction and Management
9.01
Engineering Relations and Ethics**
9.02
Contracts & Specifications
9.03
Construction Project Organization
9.04
Planning and Scheduling (PERT /CPM)
9.05
Construction Estimates
9.06
Construction Methods & Operations
9.07
Construction Equipment Operations and Maintenance

III. CONDUCT OF THE EXAMINATIONS

Unless otherwise officially announced, the examinations shall be totally computerized.
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 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.

IV. CHANGES IN THE SYLLABI

The Syllabi can be changed from time to time only with the introduction of the new
methods and technology in civil engineering but not more than once every three years.