College students who are interested in a career in an engineering field may benefit from taking the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam for professional engineers (PE). If you're preparing to take that exam, you may benefit from tutoring through Varsity Tutors, along with a PE Exam course. Employers look for this designation when they're looking to bring new engineers onto their teams.
Because there is no single exam for professional engineers, any PE exam course will focus on your chosen specialty. The information is usually complex, and tutors can help you to work through it, developing study plans that take your strengths and learning styles into account. They can create study aids that are designed to break down information that you're learning in a PE exam class, and potentially help you to remember it more easily.
There are two dozen different PE exams for different disciplines. Fourteen of those are pencil and paper exams, while the tests for nuclear, environmental, chemical and petroleum are available as computer-based tests. The table below outlines the different exams and pass rates for individuals who take the exam once, and those who repeat the exam, according to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES):
| Exam | First-time Takers | Pass Rate | Repeat-Takers | Pass Rate | Format |
| PE Agricultural and Biological | 27 | 70% | 5 | 80% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Architectural | 101 | 62% | 17 | 6% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Chemical | 241 | 80% | 18 | 61% | CBT |
| PE Civil: Construction | 750 | 53% | 651 | 34% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Civil: Geotechnical | 531 | 62% | 345 | 35% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Civil: Structural | 1539 | 60% | 786 | 42% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Civil: Transportation | 1456 | 61% | 978 | 37% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Civil: Water Resources and Environmental | 1528 | 65% | 775 | 39% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Control Systems | 224 | 75% | 61 | 48% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Electrical and Computer: Computer Engineering | 29 | 59% | 4 | 0% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Electronics, Controls, and Communications | 136 | 66% | 31 | 32% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Electrical and Computer: Power | 1033 | 54% | 678 | 27% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Environmental | 330 | 64% | 138 | 34% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Fire Protection | 165 | 56% | 76 | 28% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Industrial and Systems | 86 | 66% | 13 | 8% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Mechanical: HVAC and Refrigeration | 641 | 69% | 219 | 33% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Mechanical: Machine Design and Materials | 559 | 72% | 123 | 39% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Mechanical: Thermal and Fluids Systems | 524 | 69% | 205 | 40% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Metallurgical and Materials | 44 | 77% | 12 | 25% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Mining and Mineral Processing | 70 | 60% | 12 | 25% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | 46 | 57% | 14 | 36% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Nuclear | 32 | 56% | 0 | 0% | CBT |
| PE Petroleum | 183 | 66% | 59 | 37% | Pencil-and-paper |
| PE Software | 12 | 42% | 3 | 0% | Pencil-and-paper |
In order to prepare for the exam, working with a private tutor on information you're learning in a PE Exam prep course can help you to focus on topics that are specific to your chosen discipline. They can also help you to bring your practical post-college work experience into focus as you work your way through a PE exam class. A tutor can design a program of study that highlights what you're struggling with, while reviewing concepts that you have some knowledge of. The test-taking strategies you can review in PE exam prep classes doesn't vary with test design, because there are no exams that are both computer-based and pencil-and-paper. The table below explains which are computer-based and which are pencil-and-paper formats.
Exam Formats:
- Computer-Based:
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
- Fundamentals of Surveying (FS)
- Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS)
- Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE)
- Chemical
- Environmental
- Nuclear
- Petroleum
- Pencil-and-Paper:
- Structural Engineering (SE)
- Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE)
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Civil (all modules)
- Control Systems
- Electrical and Computer: Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Computer: Electronics, Controls,
- and Communications
- Electrical and Computer: Power
- Fire Protection
- Industrial and Systems
- Mechanical (all modules)
- Metallurgical and Materials
- Mining and Mineral Processing
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Structural Engineering (SE)
The scoring process varies, depending on how you're taking the test. Computer-based exams are scored on the total number of correct answers, but there are no deductions for wrong answers. Scores are typically available within 10 days of completing the exam, according to the NCEES. Pencil-and-paper exams are pass/fail, and for those who do not pass, a diagnostic report is issued, detailing one's strengths and weaknesses. It may take 8-10 weeks to receive results for pencil-and-paper exams.
Traditional PE exam courses are often set up for group instruction, so that could make things more difficult if you're not the kind of person to speak up when you're struggling. This can help you feel less stressed and self-conscious, and perhaps have a better understanding of complicated topics as you get ready for your test.
Reach out to Varsity Tutors today to see how tutors can help you to enhance the information you've studied in your prep courses. We look forward to supporting you as you reach for academic and professional success through a PE exam prep class and tutoring.
Michael: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...duty as an Army Engineer where I had the opportunity to apply skills I learned in the classroom in the real world. Math is a difficult and abstract topic for many. I believe my experience outside the classroom helps me relate material to students in a more effective way than those with only academic experience....
Education & Certification
- The Citadel - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
- The Citadel - Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- FS Exam - Professional Licensed Surveyor Fundamentals of Surveying Exam
- Test Prep
- +59 subjects
Bob: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...individual interests and educational goals. Some people aspire to win an Olympic medal; scientific minds would like a Nobel Prize; and those who like more drama, seek an Academy Award. Graduation is our ultimate goal as it helps advance an improved quality of life. Looking forward to working with you during a successful school year.
Education & Certification
- North Dakota State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Master in Public Health, Public Health
- Walden University - Doctor of Philosophy, Health Services Administration
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Psychologies
- Graduate Test Prep
- SQL
- +53 subjects
Jason: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...complex world. STEM allows us to solve and understand complex and interesting problems. I have had the pleasure of working with engineers without borders, a nonprofit organization that travels and works with global communities to provide engineering solutions for basic needs such as clean drinking water. My main goal is to help students understand and...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Boulder - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
- University of Colorado Boulder - Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- Microsoft Office
- College Algebra
- +22 subjects
Farouq: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...you and give you tips and tricks to solve questions in a timely manner. On that note, I enjoy tutoring Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Physics, Statics, CAD Design, Civil Engineering, and anything covered on the FE Exam. My tutoring style first involves understanding your career and educational goals. Then I would guide you in achieving your...
Education & Certification
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- Algebra
- +36 subjects
Bahrulla: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
A voracious reader and aspiring researcher in the field of network science and infrastructure security. My ultimate goal is to make a positive difference in the world, which is aligned with my purpose of self-actualization.
Education & Certification
- SWJTU - Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Engineering
- Masdar Institute - Master of Science, Engineering and Industrial Management
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Exam P - Probability
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- UK GCSE Chinese (Spoken Mandarin)
- +86 subjects
Jeremy: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...that allow one to grasp the practical uses of subjects like Statics, Dynamics, Mathematics, and engineering topics. It is Jeremy's goal to help the next generation of learns be so engaged and excited about these fundamental topics that they lead to the next generation of discoveries that will help us all move forward and become...
Education & Certification
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach - Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- AFOQT - Air Force Officer Qualifying Test
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- +23 subjects
Corrie: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...in a multi grade one room schoolhouse with students aged 5 to 12, I also tutored middle and high school students in English after school. I have also been a youth mentor and enjoy making connections with students and encouraging them in their academic journeys. I worked for four years as an engineer at a...
Education & Certification
- Colorado State University-Pueblo - Bachelor of Engineering, Environmental Engineering
- Boston College - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Environmental
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Civil Engineering
- +20 subjects
Troy: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
I love teaching, mentoring and encouraging students! Each student has the ability to do it on their own. Further yet, they even have the ability to over come the completely natural lack of motivation at times, even if they don't know they can. And I just love guiding them to this realization!
Education & Certification
- Florida State University - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
- Florida State University - Master of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- High School Physics
- Science
- Middle School Math
- +12 subjects
Megan: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...chemistry for UNL. I have been a guest lecturer for UNL and UNO (Omaha) for the Complete Engineer seminars in 2020 and 2021. I am excited to help others learn about engineering, math and sciences, and love sharing my lessons learned throughout my career to help the next generation within their own STEM careers!
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
- University of Iowa - Master of Arts, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Mechanical - Machine Design and Materials
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business
- +21 subjects
Eyram: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...money. I am a very engaged tutor. I like to see my students exceed my expectations and I do my very best to set them up for that. If you start a tutoring session with me, we'll typically define your goals, optimize your weaknesses and leverage your strengths so you are in the best suitable...
Education & Certification
- Polytechnic Institute of New York University - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Middle School Math
- Adult ESL/ELL
- Autodesk Revit
- +30 subjects
Ridvan: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
.../ Geosynthetics) at the University of Oklahoma. I am currently a Registered Professional Engineer in Oklahoma, USA. I am also a certified "Project Management Professional" by PMI. While I tutor a broad range of Civil Engineering and Math related subjects, I am most passionate about the topics in Geotechnical Engineering, Project Management and Math. I...
Education & Certification
- Missouri University of Science and Technology - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Doctor of Philosophy, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Civil Engineering
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Civil - Construction
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Civil - Transportation
- +119 subjects
Clarissa: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...with. I have lots of tutoring experience, beginning with working as a teaching assistant for several semesters in college. I also spent a year working in a free inner-city tutoring lab. I have taught professional development courses as part of my engineering job and I have taught three semesters at Drexel University as an adjunct...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Pre-Algebra
- Physics
- Engineering
- +65 subjects
Alberto: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...with the subject at hand, but most importantly I share strategies that will facilitate the learning process in other subjects. Comprehension is key. Many students need tutoring because they have been trained to jump into a quick answer or procedure. That hinders the capacity to learn the next topic and the next one. I have...
Education & Certification
- Tecnolgico de Monterrey - Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering
- Tecnolgico de Monterrey - Doctor of Philosophy, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Personal Finance
- AP Spanish Literature and Culture
- Industrial Engineering
- +49 subjects
Nima: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...different universities not only helped me to increase my expertise and experience in teaching but also guided me to pursue my long term job in teaching. My research experience has helped me a lot to gain more knowledge that can be useful in teaching and design new applied courses. In my philosophy, a responsible teacher...
Education & Certification
- Amirkabir University of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus - Master of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- ACT Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Test Prep
- +27 subjects
Taiwo: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...I obtained my bachelors degree in mechanical engineering some years back and recently completed my masters degree in the same field. I have worked with students between grade 4 to college standing in the past. I'm proficient in math, physics, and science generally. I love tutoring math, it gives me a sense of purpose to...
Education & Certification
- Covenant University - Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
- University of Houston - Master of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Exam P - Probability
- Exam STAM - Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- Exam LTAM - Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- +158 subjects
Dajin: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...Cantonese and English (can read and write very well). Here is my education background: Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, Ph.D., Structural Engineering South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China, M.S. and B.S., Structural Engineering I made over 30 presentations in English and Chinese, in technical conference in US or in China (8 universities including ,...
Education & Certification
- South China University of Technology - Engineer, Structural Engineering
- Clarkson University - Doctor of Engineering, Structural Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Civil Engineering
- +24 subjects
Son: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
Mr. Son Tran
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Downtown - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville - Master of Science, Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- Linear Algebra
- +49 subjects
Kazim: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...applies to the world around us. I love to assist others in clearing their concepts and excelling in their education because with a good teacher makes a good student and with the best teacher students can go on and achieve anything they dream of in their lives. Imparting my knowledge and understanding of mathematics and...
Education & Certification
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- AP Calculus BC
- Elementary School
- ACT Math
- +74 subjects
Daniel: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...teaching, otherwise they won't have the drive to help their students gain an exceptional level of knowledge. I will customize my tutoring approach to each student's individual needs, and I will do whatever it takes to get the student to their desired goals. I'm very excited to have this opportunity to share my knowledge with...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ACCUPLACER College-Level Math
- Math
- +39 subjects
Dakota: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...If a student is doubting their reasons for entering this field, then I also wish to provide mentorship to these applicants as well. Everything happens in life for a reason. If the reason why I received over 60 rejection letters is to help at least one student obtain a goal they thought was unattainable, then...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- Virginia Tech Carillon school of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- USMLE
- Microbiology
- Study Skills
- +85 subjects