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.
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
- Management
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- +86 subjects
Farouq: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 goal by moving one step at a time until the topic has been understood. Throughout the whole process, I intend to work with you to solve plenty of examples, with step by step worked out solutions with a primary focus on providing physical reference to keep...
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
- C++
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- Calculus 2
- +36 subjects
Ryan: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
I love to teach. From 2007 to 2010, I was an Instructor and Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy where I taught Electrical Engineering, Computer Architecture, Robotics and Java programming. My education includes a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology.
Education & Certification
- Illinois Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Master of Science, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Differential Equations
- C
- MATLAB
- +62 subjects
Kazim: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 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...
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
- Pre-Algebra
- AP Chemistry
- Geometry
- +74 subjects
David : PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...completed the course work for a MA Pastoral Ministry and worked as a Chaplain's Assistant. As to teaching I believe in a strong give and take between us. I will do my best to make you think your way through a problem instead of spoon feeding you, no apologies. I enjoy teaching. I am not a theoretician but am an old hands-on plant dog and someone who has gotten their hands dirty and sometimes bloody....
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
- Electrical Engineering
- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- Chemical Engineering
- +46 subjects
Michael: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...While at The Citadel, I worked as a tutor in the Writing and Learning center and helped hundreds of students improve their math 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...
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
- Essay Editing
- Geometry
- Project Management/PMP
- +58 subjects
Daniel: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...profession. As a result, this passion extends into math, science, physics, and all areas related to the science of Engineering. I enjoy all of these things, which means I enjoy teaching these things as well. It's important to have a tutor that loves the subject they're 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...
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
- SAT Math
- GRE Subject Test in Mathematics
- Study Skills
- +39 subjects
Ulrich: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...understand scientific subjects, as it is important for advancing our society. Furthermore it is fun to learn how things work. I hope to make it fun for students as well. I worked in industry for most of my professional career, but in the past 5 years, I became an adjunct professor teaching many scientific subjects. For hobbies, I like to ski, and became pilot of sailplanes and single engine airplanes. I have a son and...
Education & Certification
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Bachelor of Science, Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Master of Science, Nuclear Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- SAT Subject Test in Physics
- SAT Subject Tests
- Algebra 2
- +32 subjects
Nima: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...necessary item. Regardless of the topic and the level, of course, the method of introducing new materials to students is very important. Having a trend and connection during teaching is really significant. A well-prepared speech should contain not only theories but also examples to motivate students about the course. The second parameter is class interaction which is the key to learning for class based teaching. How can we increase the class interaction of students in...
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
- Statistics
- Trigonometry
- Professional Certifications
- +27 subjects
Alberto: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...years. My approach is to 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 the next topic and the next one. I have transformed average students into top-3% students...
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
- Pre-Algebra
- Science
- Other
- +49 subjects