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.
Minh: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...profession, whether it means a good grade for their classes or passing tests and certifications. People find me friendly, easy to work with, and responsive when 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...
Education & Certification
- Iowa State University - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Mechanical - HVAC and Refrigeration
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Other Disciplines
- +63 subjects
Destiny: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...helping others accomplish their educational goals! Education propels us forward in a positive and prolific direction. I have been tutoring and teaching music since January 2007, and I have enjoyed it since day one! Currently I am: 1. A product manager 2. A published author 3. A personal fitness and nutrition trainer 4. A seasoned...
Education & Certification
- University of Georgia - Bachelors, 1. Public Administration, Policy, & Management 2. Psychology 3. Gender & Women's Studies
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- Six Sigma
- NES Biology - National Evaluation Series Biology Test
- +578 subjects
Michael: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...moment to view my profile and for considering me as a tutor! I graduated from The Citadel in 2010 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and in 2018 with a Masters in the same. While at The Citadel, I worked as a tutor in the Writing and Learning center and helped hundreds of students improve...
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
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- +59 subjects
Megan: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...engineer (PE) in the State of Nebraska! I currently work on designing cellular tower structures and analyzing loading on these structures, but I've also designed consumer 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...
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
- Pre-Calculus
- Trigonometry
- +21 subjects
Alberto: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...courses for 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...
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
- Microsoft Excel
- C
- C++
- +49 subjects
Son: Carrollton 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
- ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra
- +49 subjects
Kazim: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...by profession with a passion to continuously 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...
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
- Thermodynamics
- Professional Certifications
- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- +74 subjects
Troy: Carrollton 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
- Science
- Professional Certifications
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- +12 subjects
Joy: Carrollton 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
- Math
- PSAT
- +42 subjects
Clarissa: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 professor. I use math and science every day at work, so...
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
- English Language Arts Substitute
- Chemical Engineering
- Writing
- +65 subjects
David: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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. Outside of Engineering I have written several novels...
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
- Mechanical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Other
- +66 subjects
Bahrulla: Carrollton 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
- Physics
- +86 subjects
Dajin: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...students. I have been teaching students in Chinese 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...
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
- Architecture
- +24 subjects
Eyram: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...position to succeed. After that, we work at a high pace, instilling proper habits needed to learn quickly yet effectively. Having see so many people in 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...
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
- Geometry
- Professional Certifications
- Physics
- +30 subjects
Jeremy: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...from January 2018 thru June 2021. During this time, Jeremy was promoted to Principal Engineer and received several recognitions for Mentorship and Leadership. In March of 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....
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
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- AFOQT - Air Force Officer Qualifying Test
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- +23 subjects
Gregory: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...that they definitely know how to solve it to they have absolutely no idea. I would then guide them along through each problem with the goal to have them understand a correct approach needed and to instill in the student a better understanding of the material as time goes along. As far as more information...
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 - Other Disciplines
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- +326 subjects
Dakota: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...student, the most important lesson I learned over the course of 67 rejections is in regard to my own personal resilience and grit. A career in medicine is by no means an easy journey to undertake. Making it through an application cycle to medical school is just the start of a very windy and bumpy...
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
- Neurobiology
- Medical Ethics
- +85 subjects
Nima: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...a better communication to transfer the knowledge and materials to students, a teacher needs to have effective communication skills to make more comfortable atmosphere for students to ask their questions without any hesitation even outside of the class which requires having proper office hours and also being generous in making time for students who are...
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
- SAT
- ACT Science
- Finite Mathematics
- +27 subjects
Taiwo: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...with the aim of adding knowledge to an ever willing student for the sole aim of success. 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...
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 STAM - Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- Exam LTAM - Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- Exam P - Probability
- +158 subjects
Anthony: Carrollton PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...Professional Engineer for 15+ years and am 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...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Basic Computer Literacy
- High School Computer Science
- Technology and Coding
- +21 subjects