Lindeburg PE Reference Manual: A Comprehensive Overview (Updated 02/03/2026)
Lindeburg’s PE Civil Reference Manual, now in its 16th Edition (CERM16), stands as a pivotal resource for engineers preparing for the rigorous PE exam’s breadth section.
This manual, authored by Michael R. Lindeburg, PE, is designed to align with NCEES specifications, offering a detailed and comprehensive review of essential exam topics.
It’s considered by many to be the sole reference needed for breadth exam preparation, providing a structured approach to mastering complex engineering concepts.
Lindeburg’s PE Reference Manual, a cornerstone for aspiring Professional Engineers, has become synonymous with PE exam preparation, particularly for the challenging breadth exam; This comprehensive resource, meticulously crafted by Michael R. Lindeburg, PE, isn’t merely a textbook; it’s a strategically designed study guide intended to equip candidates with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.
The manual’s enduring popularity stems from its thorough coverage of NCEES PE exam specifications. It doesn’t assume prior mastery, instead building a solid foundation by systematically reviewing core engineering principles. Engineers often describe it as a “must-read,” albeit a demanding one, acknowledging its density and the commitment required to fully absorb its contents.
Beyond simply presenting information, the manual aims to clarify complex topics by breaking them down into manageable components. It serves as a primary reference throughout the study process, and even beyond, for practicing engineers. Its value is amplified when used in conjunction with supplemental resources, providing crucial context and real-world application.

The Author: Michael R. Lindeburg, PE
Michael R. Lindeburg, PE, is a highly respected and prolific author within the engineering community, renowned for his comprehensive textbooks and reference materials. He has established himself as a leading figure in PE exam preparation, with his manuals becoming essential tools for countless engineers pursuing professional licensure.

Lindeburg’s expertise isn’t solely academic; he is a practicing Professional Engineer himself, bringing practical, real-world insights to his writing. This experience allows him to anticipate the challenges faced by exam candidates and tailor his materials accordingly. His dedication to clarity and thoroughness is evident throughout his work.
He is best known for his dedication to creating resources that demystify complex engineering concepts. Lindeburg’s commitment to supporting engineers throughout their career journey has solidified his reputation as a trusted and invaluable resource. His manuals are frequently cited as key factors in successful exam outcomes, demonstrating their effectiveness and enduring value.
Core Function: Breadth Exam Preparation
The primary and defining function of the Lindeburg PE Reference Manual, particularly the latest CERM16 edition, is comprehensive preparation for the NCEES PE Civil exam’s breadth portion. This initial exam tests a broad range of fundamental engineering principles, requiring candidates to demonstrate a solid understanding across multiple disciplines.
The manual serves as a centralized resource, consolidating essential formulas, concepts, and problem-solving techniques. It’s specifically designed to align with the NCEES exam specifications, ensuring that candidates are studying the most relevant material. Lindeburg’s approach focuses on parsing complex topics into manageable sections, facilitating effective learning and retention.
While depth exams require specialized knowledge, the breadth exam demands a holistic grasp of civil engineering fundamentals. The manual equips engineers with this broad base, providing a crucial foundation for success. It’s considered the “must-have” resource for navigating this challenging initial hurdle in the PE licensure process.

Key Features and Editions
Lindeburg’s manuals boast frequent updates, with CERM16 being the latest. Editions vary, sometimes containing errors – like a Hazen-Williams equation issue – requiring careful verification.
The Latest Edition: CERM16 (16th Edition)
CERM16, Michael R. Lindeburg, PE’s 16th Edition of the PE Civil Reference Manual, is widely recognized as the essential resource for those tackling the breadth portion of the NCEES PE Civil exam.
This edition meticulously follows the current NCEES PE Civil exam specifications, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all tested topics. Lindeburg’s approach involves breaking down complex subjects into manageable, understandable components, facilitating effective learning and retention.
The manual isn’t simply a collection of formulas; it’s a structured review designed to build a strong foundational understanding. It provides a complete overview, aiming to equip candidates with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.
Users often describe it as a “must-read,” albeit a challenging one, highlighting its thoroughness and depth. While demanding, the effort invested in mastering CERM16 is frequently cited as a key factor in passing the PE exam.
Comparison of Editions: Identifying Errors (e.g., Hazen-Williams Equation)
While Lindeburg’s manuals are highly regarded, it’s crucial to acknowledge that errors can occur. A notable example surfaced in the 12th edition of the Civil PE Manual – an incorrect exponent within the Hazen-Williams equation for head loss calculations.
Specifically, the denominator contained “C1.185” instead of the correct “C1.85”; Interestingly, a comparison with the 11th edition revealed the equation was accurate in that version, highlighting the importance of cross-referencing.
This underscores a critical point: users should always verify information presented, even in established reference materials. Relying solely on one source, even Lindeburg, can be risky.
The discovery emphasizes the need for diligent review and a commitment to confirming calculations and formulas. It’s a reminder that the manual, while comprehensive, isn’t infallible and benefits from supplemental verification from other trusted sources.
Discipline-Specific Manuals Available
Beyond the core Civil PE Reference Manual, Michael R. Lindeburg, PE, offers a suite of discipline-specific resources tailored to various engineering specializations. This allows candidates to focus their preparation on the precise knowledge required for their chosen depth exam.
For Civil Engineering, a dedicated depth exam review is available, specifically focusing on Water Resources & Environment, complete with practice exams and solved problems aligned with the NCEES CBT format; These resources incorporate real-world design methods and reference drawings.
Furthermore, Lindeburg provides a comprehensive FE/EIT Exam Review Manual, designed to thoroughly cover the breadth of topics assessed in the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
This manual includes over 1500 practice problems, detailed solutions, and four full-length practice exams, aiming to build confidence and ensure preparedness. The availability of these targeted manuals demonstrates Lindeburg’s commitment to supporting engineers at all stages of their professional development.

Content Coverage & Structure
Lindeburg’s manual meticulously aligns with NCEES PE Civil exam specifications, systematically parsing complex topics into manageable sections for clarity and effective learning.
It delivers a comprehensive review of all tested subjects.
NCEES PE Civil Exam Specifications Alignment
Lindeburg’s PE Civil Reference Manual, particularly the latest CERM16 edition, is fundamentally structured around the official NCEES PE Civil exam content outline.
This deliberate alignment ensures that all topics covered within the manual directly correspond to the knowledge areas assessed during the examination, maximizing study efficiency.
The manual doesn’t simply present engineering principles; it frames them within the context of the NCEES specifications, highlighting the specific types of problems and concepts examinees are likely to encounter.
This approach allows candidates to focus their efforts on the most relevant material, avoiding wasted time on tangential information.
Furthermore, the manual’s organization mirrors the NCEES exam’s subject weighting, providing proportional coverage to each area.
This feature is crucial for developing a balanced understanding of the material and prioritizing study efforts accordingly, ultimately increasing the probability of success on the PE exam.
Parsing Complex Topics for Clarity
A key strength of Lindeburg’s PE Reference Manual lies in its ability to dissect and clarify notoriously complex engineering topics. The manual avoids overwhelming readers with dense theoretical explanations.
Instead, it breaks down intricate concepts into smaller, more manageable components, facilitating comprehension and retention.
This “parsing” approach involves presenting information in a logical sequence, often utilizing step-by-step examples and illustrative diagrams.
The manual doesn’t assume prior mastery of all foundational knowledge; it provides sufficient background information to ensure understanding, even for those needing a refresher.
Furthermore, it employs a consistent notation and terminology throughout, minimizing confusion and promoting a cohesive learning experience.
This methodical approach is particularly valuable when tackling challenging subjects like fluid mechanics, hydraulics, or structural analysis, making the manual a powerful tool for demystifying complex engineering principles.

Comprehensive Review of Exam Topics
Lindeburg’s PE Reference Manual delivers an exceptionally comprehensive review of the topics specified by the NCEES PE Civil exam. It systematically covers a vast range of subjects, ensuring no critical area is overlooked during preparation;
The manual’s scope extends beyond simply listing topics; it delves into the underlying principles, relevant equations, and practical applications of each subject matter.
This includes detailed coverage of areas like structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental engineering, among others.
Each topic is presented with sufficient depth to enable engineers to confidently tackle exam questions, while remaining concise enough to avoid unnecessary complexity.
The manual also incorporates numerous example problems and solved solutions, reinforcing understanding and demonstrating practical problem-solving techniques.
This thoroughness makes it an invaluable resource for a complete and effective exam preparation strategy.

Utilizing the Manual Effectively
Lindeburg’s manual, while a “must-read,” presents a challenging read; supplemental resources are crucial for contextual understanding and maximizing its benefits during preparation.
Supplemental Resources: Importance of Context
Lindeburg’s manual, despite its comprehensiveness, isn’t designed to be a standalone learning tool. Its value is significantly amplified when paired with contextual and supplemental resources. The manual presents a vast amount of information, and understanding its application requires a broader foundation.
Engineers should integrate the manual with their existing coursework, real-world project experience, and other relevant references. Relying solely on the manual can lead to a superficial understanding of the concepts. It’s essential to actively seek out examples and applications beyond what’s provided within its pages.
Furthermore, understanding the underlying principles behind the formulas and methods presented is crucial. Don’t simply memorize; strive to grasp the “why” behind the “what.” This deeper understanding will not only aid in exam success but also enhance your practical engineering skills. Utilizing practice problems from other sources alongside the manual is also highly recommended to reinforce learning.
Reading Strategies: A “Must Read” but Challenging
Lindeburg’s Civil Engineering Reference Manual is frequently described as a “must read” for PE exam candidates, yet it’s also acknowledged as a challenging text. Its density and comprehensive nature demand a strategic approach to reading and comprehension. Simply reading cover-to-cover isn’t the most effective method.
Many engineers recommend focusing on areas where they feel less confident, utilizing the manual to fill knowledge gaps. Prioritize topics based on the NCEES exam specifications. Active reading – highlighting, note-taking, and working through example problems – is essential for retention.
Be prepared for a demanding read; it’s not a light or leisurely experience. Breaking down the material into smaller, manageable sections can make the task less daunting. Despite the difficulty, many attest to its effectiveness, stating they wouldn’t have passed without it, even if it wasn’t an enjoyable process!
The Manual as a Primary Reference
Lindeburg’s PE Civil Reference Manual, particularly the latest 16th Edition (CERM16), is widely considered the primary reference for the breadth portion of the PE Civil exam. Its comprehensive coverage directly aligns with NCEES exam content, making it an invaluable tool for focused study.
While supplemental resources are beneficial for contextual understanding, the manual provides a self-contained review of core principles and formulas. Many candidates rely on it as their main source of information, minimizing the need to consult numerous other textbooks.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the manual isn’t a substitute for a solid engineering foundation. It serves as a powerful refresher and consolidator of knowledge, but prior understanding of fundamental concepts is essential for effective utilization. It’s a key to success, but not a standalone solution.

Specific Disciplines Covered
Lindeburg offers specialized manuals, including a PE Civil exam review focusing on Water Resources & Environment, alongside a comprehensive FE/EIT exam review manual for foundational engineering principles.
Civil Engineering Depth Exam – Water Resources & Environment
Lindeburg’s PE Civil Engineering Depth Exam – Water Resources & Environment manual is a focused resource designed for engineers specializing in this critical area of civil engineering. It provides practice exams and solved problems specifically tailored to the NCEES CBT Professional Engineer License Exam requirements.
This manual doesn’t just present formulas; it emphasizes real-world design methods and incorporates reference drawings to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Engineers will find detailed solutions to complex problems, aiding in a deeper understanding of core concepts.
The manual’s structure mirrors the exam’s format, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the question types and pacing. It’s a valuable tool for reinforcing understanding and building confidence before the exam, ensuring a thorough preparation for success in the Water Resources & Environment depth exam.
FE/EIT Exam Review Manual
Michael R. Lindeburg’s FE/EIT Exam Review Manual is a cornerstone resource for aspiring engineers preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, also known as the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) exam. This manual delivers a complete and comprehensive review of all topics covered on the FE exam, ensuring no crucial area is overlooked.
Distinguished by its extensive collection of 1500 practice problems, the manual provides ample opportunity for candidates to hone their problem-solving skills. Detailed solutions accompany each problem, offering step-by-step guidance and reinforcing understanding of key concepts.
Beyond practice problems, the manual features in-depth reviews of fundamental engineering principles, making it an ideal study guide for those seeking to pass the FE exam with confidence. It’s designed to equip candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their engineering careers.

Limitations and Considerations
Despite its value, the Lindeburg manual isn’t flawless; errors exist and require verification with other sources. It supplements, but doesn’t replace, foundational engineering knowledge.
Potential for Errors: Importance of Verification
While widely respected, the Lindeburg PE Reference Manual is not immune to errors, a crucial point for diligent exam candidates. Instances have been documented, such as the incorrect exponent in the Hazen-Williams equation within the 12th edition – a significant oversight impacting hydraulic calculations.
This highlights the critical need for independent verification of formulas and concepts presented. Relying solely on the manual without cross-referencing with established textbooks, official NCEES materials, or credible online resources is a risky strategy.
Users are encouraged to actively seek corroboration, especially when tackling complex problems. Comparing different editions, as demonstrated by one engineer who found the equation correct in the 11th edition, can also reveal discrepancies. Treat the manual as a powerful tool, but always supplement it with your own critical analysis and external validation to ensure accuracy and build a robust understanding of the subject matter.
Not a Substitute for Foundational Knowledge
The Lindeburg PE Reference Manual, despite its comprehensiveness, is fundamentally a review tool, not a replacement for a solid engineering education. It’s designed to consolidate and refresh existing knowledge, not to impart it from scratch.

Candidates attempting to learn core principles solely from this manual will likely struggle; The manual assumes a pre-existing understanding of fundamental concepts in civil engineering, mathematics, and physics. It presents information concisely, often without the detailed derivations or explanations found in textbooks.
Success on the PE exam demands a deep grasp of underlying theories. The manual serves as an effective aid for recalling and applying that knowledge, but it cannot build that foundation. A strong educational background, coupled with practical experience, is essential for effectively utilizing the manual and confidently tackling the exam’s challenges.
The Manual’s Role in Passing the PE Exam
The Lindeburg PE Reference Manual is widely regarded as a crucial component in many engineers’ PE exam preparation strategies. While not a guaranteed path to success, it significantly increases the likelihood of passing, particularly the breadth portion of the exam.
Its value lies in its comprehensive coverage of exam topics, adherence to NCEES specifications, and the inclusion of practice problems. Many users report that diligent study of the manual, combined with supplemental resources, proved instrumental in their success.
However, it’s often described as a “must read” that isn’t necessarily a “fun read,” requiring dedicated effort and a willingness to grapple with complex information. Ultimately, the manual’s effectiveness depends on the individual’s commitment to studying and applying its contents, alongside a strong foundational understanding of engineering principles.


























































































