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: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...being a physician was my purpose in life. I was not going to let even 67 schools telling me "no" get in the way of this aspiration. I am a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason. The knowledge I gained through these failures is something I wish to pass along to...
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
- Academic Coaching
- Molecular Biology
- +85 subjects
Farouq: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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...
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
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- ACT Math
- +36 subjects
Eyram: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...and leverage your strengths so you are in the best suitable 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...
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 Science
- High School Physics
- AP Calculus BC
- +30 subjects
Nima: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...useful in teaching and design new applied courses. In my philosophy, a responsible teacher is a person who cares about all students progress in the class which it means some factors are indispensable. Well organized and structured materials can be considered as the first necessary item. Regardless of the topic and the level, of course,...
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
- Science
- Multivariable Calculus
- Calculus 2
- +27 subjects
Joy: Austin 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
- Civil Engineering
- SAT Math
- +42 subjects
Jeremy: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...graduating, Jeremy worked as a design engineer for Northrop Grumman 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...
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
Son: Austin 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
- Reading
- +49 subjects
Daniel: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 others and turn frustration into triumph! I...
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
- Pre-Calculus
- Algebra 2
- High School Chemistry
- +39 subjects
Troy: Austin 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
- Math
- Calculus
- Science
- +12 subjects
Clarissa: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...have taught three semesters at Drexel University as an adjunct professor. I use math and science every day at work, so I can help students with most STEM classes. I also have to write a lot as part of my job and have a reputation as a good editor of reports and papers. I am...
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
- High School Biology
- Architecture
- Visual Basic
- +65 subjects
Anthony: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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. I Have taught all of them beginning elementary math through to algebra and geometry. I graduated...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Other
- Computer Science
- Elementary School Writing
- +21 subjects
Minh: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...I'm fascinated to help people succeed with their education and 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....
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
- +61 subjects
Megan: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...(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 chemistry for UNL. I have been a guest lecturer for UNL and UNO (Omaha) for 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
- Marketing
- Pre-Calculus
- +21 subjects
Paul: Austin 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
- PRAXIS Science
- +94 subjects
Taiwo: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 explain defining concepts. I expose students to different...
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 IFM - Investment and Financial Markets
- Exam STAM - Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- +158 subjects
Ridvan: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 prefer online communication tools such as Email,...
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
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Civil - Transportation
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Civil - Structural
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Structural
- +120 subjects
Bob: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 interests and educational goals. Some people aspire to win an Olympic medal; scientific minds would like...
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
- BASIC
- Professional Certifications
- Test Prep
- +53 subjects
Michael: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 my experience or areas of expertise please...
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
- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- +59 subjects
Jason: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...drinking water. My main goal is to help students understand and love the world of STEM. I have grown to treat every day as an opportunity to improve himself and those around me. Outside of my work as an engineer and tutor you can find me climbing rocks, camping, snowboarding, mountain biking or practicing yoga....
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
- Civil Engineering
- +22 subjects
Corrie: Austin PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...journeys. I worked for four years as an engineer at a small municipality in the water quality group where I managed the water quality database and performed process optimizations for water and wastewater. While I no longer practice engineering, I am very passionate about water and wastewater treatment and processes and am most excited to...
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 - Environmental Engineering
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Civil Engineering
- +20 subjects