In this study, the evolution of the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) of a piezoelectric (PZT) patch embedded in fresh cement paste was investigated to discuss the possibility of monitoring the setting process of cement-based materials using an EMI sensing technique. A tailored thin square PZT patch was embedded in cement paste before casting, and EMI signatures of the embedded patch were continuously measured from casting up to 12 hours. A standard penetration resistance test was performed to compare and correlate the evolution of EMI during the setting process. The results showed that EMI responses differ according to the age of the cement paste, and that the behavior of the EMI resonance peak has a clear correlation with the penetration resistance of the cement paste. Based on the results, it is concluded that an EMI sensing technique using embedded PZT patch can be effectively applied to monitor the setting process of cement-based materials.