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.
Anthony: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...be able to learn. My wife and I are also currently homeschooling our three children. I Have taught all of them beginning elementary math through to algebra and geometry. I graduated with dual degrees in civil and architectural engineering. I have passed the NCEES engineering exams and am actively licensed to practice engineering in mutiple...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Microsoft Excel
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- +21 subjects
Dajin: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...Mandarin, 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
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Autodesk Revit
- +24 subjects
Farouq: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...in 2018. My passion for teaching stems from the motivation to share the knowledge I have acquired throughout my educational journey. I have experience working and teaching K-12 students specifically teaching subjects covered on the ACT Math - Algebra, Geometry, and Trignometry. I have solved hundreds of FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam type questions, making...
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
- Calculus 2
- +36 subjects
Joy: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
I am a professional engineer who has a passion for helping students of all ages to be successful - specifically, in STEM! I love to tutor math, science, and engineering of course, but I am also passionate about good communication and storytelling!
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
- Arizona State University - Master of Science, Environmental Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Environmental Engineering
- Elementary School Math
- English
- +42 subjects
Gregory: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...in one night or if a person is weeks behind in the understanding of the course material. Whether it is a standardized test or learning another subject; an assessment must be determined of where the student is currently in their understanding of the material. Next a game plan must be put together to get the...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
- Carnegie Mellon University - Doctor of Philosophy, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Civil Engineering
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- +324 subjects
Jason: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...where I received my bachelors and masters of science in civil/structural engineering. Since graduation I have worked as a structural engineer, designing hospitals, health care facilities, bridges, dams, and other structures. I have experience tutoring undergraduate students in many subjects related to math and engineering. I have a hug passion for science, technology, engineering, 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
- Structural Engineering
- Trigonometry
- +22 subjects
Megan: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...products goods in the office furniture and automotive industries. I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) in 2008 with my BSME (Go Big Red!) and MBA from the University of Iowa in 2012. I have taught Junior Achievement, been a Big Sister (as part of Big Brothers/Big Sisters), and was a college T.A. in...
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
- Trigonometry
- College Algebra
- +21 subjects
Taiwo: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 explain defining concepts. I expose students to different problems and build...
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 LTAM - Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- Exam STAM - Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- Exam P - Probability
- +158 subjects
Paul: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
I am a professor at a small university in Abilene, TX. I believe that all students can learn and it is up to the teacher to be creative in reaching the students.
Education & Certification
- McMurry University - Bachelor of Science, Biology Teacher Education
- Abilene Christian University - Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- PRAXIS
- TExES - Texas Examinations of Educator Standards
- ACT
- +94 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
- Elementary School English
- +86 subjects
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
- Trigonometry
- +49 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
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Pre-Calculus
- +12 subjects
Kazim: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...the best teacher students can go on and achieve anything they dream of in their lives. Imparting my knowledge and understanding of mathematics and physics is important because I may be helping someone go on to make important scientific discoveries or saving many lives in the future. My hobbies and interests include traveling, photography, 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
- Engineering
- GRE
- Differential Equations
- +74 subjects
Minh: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...they need help. Finally, I take pride in the work I do, and will do it to my best. If you are struggling, I want to help you earn confidence again. If you want to pass an exam or certificate, I will ensure failure is not an option. And if you have an ambitious dream...
Education & Certification
- Iowa State University - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Other Disciplines
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Mechanical - HVAC and Refrigeration
- +57 subjects
Eyram: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...industry do bad work, I really want my students understand what quality work is. So, regardless if you are a new person learning the software for the first time or are a seasoned professional who just wants to get unstuck, we'll review past examples so you can clearly "spot the difference", thus improving the overall...
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
- Calculus
- Technology and Coding
- Professional Certifications
- +30 subjects
Nima: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...the class, especially for undergraduate courses? This is the question I have been asking myself a lot since many years ago. I reached to a method that can enhance the class interaction and involve them more in the class, and more importantly decrease their stress and encourage them more for learning. Taking a random quiz...
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
- Languages
- Calculus 3
- Calculus 2
- +27 subjects
Jeremy: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...2021 Jeremy obtained his license as a Professional Engineer and in June 2021 started the firm, where he works and practices engineering today. Jeremy is hardworking, dedicated, driven individual. He has a passion for continued learning and enjoys helping others in their learning journey. Jeremy has an insightful way of looking at complex topics, that...
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
Michael: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...I believe my experience outside the classroom helps me relate material to students in a more effective way than those with only academic experience. I am patient, professional, and flexible with scheduling. I can come to you, you can come to me, or we meet at a local library. If you have any questions about...
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
- FS Exam - Professional Licensed Surveyor Fundamentals of Surveying Exam
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- CLEP College Mathematics
- +59 subjects
Bob: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...my PhD. For the past 5 years, teaching and tutoring math and statistics students within the Minnesota State colleges and universities system has been both challenging and satisfying. Helping students overcome their math frustration is a highlight. These subjects are not for everyone. However, it seems reasonable that successful learning comes when tutoring complements individual...
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
- AP Microeconomics
- PSAT
- Social Sciences
- +53 subjects
Alberto: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 transformed average students into top-3% students with this approach. I...
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
- Calculus
- AP Calculus BC
- C
- +49 subjects