Geotechnical projects are generaly assessed through the calculus of the safety factor obtained by deterministic methodologies. The purpose of the present research work is to compare two probabilistic methods (Estimate Punctual and Second Moment) employed in stability analyses. Probabilistic methods quantify the uncertainties derived from the variability of geotechnical parameters, calculating a confidence ratio that expresses how reliable the safety factor is. However, the ratio is a relative parameter, since it does not account for all the uncertainties contained in a geotechnical project. In view of this situation, the study compares the stability probabilistic analyses of Curuá-Una dam, in Pará, and those of a retaining wall in São Fidélis, Rio de Janeiro. Regarding the dam, the influence of a possible rise in the resevoir water level in the calculus of failure probability has been investigated. In respect to the wall, several water levels have been considered in the upstream backfill. Moreover, the analyses have focused on the details of probabilistic methods and their application to practical projects. It has been verified that the Second Moment Method is more easily employed in geothecnics. Therefore, it is recommended that it should be applied together with the deterministic analyses currently used in practice.