Control Systems Engineering (CSE) Study Guide

The Control Systems Engineering (CSE) Study Guide offers an accessible overview of the knowledge and resources needed by engineers preparing for the Professional Engineering (PE) exam in Control Systems Engineering. It explains the exam format, eligibility, scheduling and test-day tips.

This book summarizes the official NCEES exam specifications and the major topics covered. It also includes curated reference lists, relevant codes and standards and sample exam questions with answers.

Published and organized by the International Society of Automation, this guide helps candidates focus their studies, select suitable reference materials and practice realistic problems. The tone is professional yet straightforward, emphasizing practical exam preparation rather than in-depth textbook theory. It is a valuable, exam-focused resource for students and early-career engineers seeking licensure in control systems engineering.

The Exam

The CSE exam is developed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and is offered once a year, in various locations across the United States. The exam was revised in 2022 and is now offered online.

As the sponsoring organization for the exam, ISA works with the CSE Committee to develop and update study materials as well as exam preparation courses. The Control Systems Engineering (CSE) Study Guide is a key resource for exam preparation.