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.
Dakota: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...this understanding in writing. Even on the interview trail, I had the opportunity to learn how to convey my assets to several admission committee members in one-on-one, panel, and multiple-mini interviews. I learned how to adapt to each school's environment while maintaining my core values. I even discovered how to gain an acceptance off of...
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
- GRE
- GED Reasoning Through Language Arts
- +85 subjects
Nima: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...very well for me. I used this method not only for mathematics courses but also as a lab instructor and the courses I taught as an instructor of record. It encourages students to take a look on the board and always listen to the materials to get an extra credit for their final score. The...
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
- Math
- Arabic
- SAT
- +27 subjects
Jeremy: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...disciplines required to succeed in his future endeavors. After 8 years and 2 war time deployments, Jeremy left the USAF and began his pursuit to become an engineer. Jeremy attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University from January 2014 to December 2017, during which time he completed both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical...
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
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- AFOQT - Air Force Officer Qualifying Test
- +23 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
- TExES - Texas Examinations of Educator Standards
- PRAXIS
- SAT
- +94 subjects
Megan: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 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...
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
- Science
- Linear Algebra
- +21 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
- AP Physics 1
- Algebra
- College Physics
- +12 subjects
Clarissa: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...seeing the light come on in a student's eyes when they finally understand a concept they've struggled 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...
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
- Substitute
- Architecture
- Biology
- +67 subjects
David: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...and a PhD in Env. Egn. Lic. Professional Engineer (NYS). I have at various times held all certificates for Asbestos, Radon, Lead Based Paint and US-DOT Cert. I also was a Certified Hazard Materials Manager. Chief Stationary Egn. Lic. I attended Seminary and completed the course work for a MA Pastoral Ministry and worked as...
Education & Certification
- Erie CC - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering Technology
- SUNY College at Buffalo - Master of Mechnaical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- History
- Graduate Level Chemistry
- Thermochemistry
- +66 subjects
Gregory: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...unless a student has always struggled in mathematics since kindergarten, they can achieve a perfect or near perfect score on the SAT/ACT mathematics section. The only traits that are required are a high level of expectations as well as the desire and effort to achieve those expectations. When it comes to solving problems, I will...
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
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Industrial and Systems Engineering
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Civil Engineering
- +326 subjects
Corrie: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...Community Environmental Conservation volunteer in Panama from 2015 to 2018. I co-taught Science, Environmental Education, and English 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...
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 - Fundamentals of Engineering - Civil Engineering
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Environmental Engineering
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- +20 subjects
Minh: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...those interests into a professional career through my formal education in mechanical engineering at Iowa State University. Not only do I work hard on every subject and test prep, but I also study smart to accomplish high scores within the same averaged study time compared to others. I feel the urge to share my knowledge...
Education & Certification
- Iowa State University - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Mechanical - HVAC and Refrigeration
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Other Disciplines
- +63 subjects
Alberto: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...help the student learn how to learn. I help 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...
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
- Music
- Academic Coaching
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- +49 subjects
Jason: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and believe STEM allows us to understand this ever-changing and increasing 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...
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
- High School Physics
- Microsoft Office
- +22 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
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- Exam P - Probability
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- +86 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
- IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- Calculus 2
- +49 subjects
Anthony: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...passionate about teaching and tutoring the next generation of learners. My desire for your student is to gain understanding, not only to check the right box on an exam. I like to maintain a relaxed atmosphere where a student will be able to learn. My wife and I are also currently homeschooling our three children....
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Study Skills and Organization
- Geometry
- Technology and Coding
- +21 subjects
Kazim: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...improve my knowledge in engineering and understand how it 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...
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
- Microsoft Office
- ACT Math
- Trigonometry
- +74 subjects
Michael: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...skills. I've been with Varsity for almost two years and love helping people meet their academic goals. Since graduating, I've served on active 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...
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
- College Physics
- +59 subjects
Bob: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...their math frustration is a highlight. These subjects are not for everyone. However, it seems reasonable that successful learning comes when tutoring complements 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...
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
- Data Science
- ACT Math
- GED Science
- +53 subjects
Dajin: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...and English for almost 2 years. I Speak fluent 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...
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
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- +24 subjects