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
...core values. I even discovered how to gain an acceptance off of the waitlist. While I learned a tremendous about what medical schools are looking for in a 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...
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
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- +85 subjects
Nima: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...in the class, and more importantly decrease their stress and encourage them more for learning. Taking a random quiz (extra credit exam) in the class of the material being taught in the same session is the method, worked very well for me. I used this method not only for mathematics courses but also as a...
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
- Pre-Algebra
- Multivariable Calculus
- Differential Equations
- +27 subjects
Jeremy: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...professional life in 2007 working as an enlisted member of the United States Air Force. In this role Jeremy had the opportunity to work as a member of Security Forces, a role in which he would gain the disciplines required to succeed in his future endeavors. After 8 years and 2 war time deployments, Jeremy...
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
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
- AP Chemistry
- +94 subjects
Megan: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 University of Iowa in 2012. I have taught Junior Achievement, been a Big Sister (as part of Big Brothers/Big...
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
- Algebra 2
- Pre-Calculus
- +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
- Physics
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Middle School Math
- +12 subjects
Clarissa: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...solving problems. Math was hard for me when I was young, so I think I have an ability to empathize with students who struggle and to find a way to explain concepts so each individual can understand. I love seeing the light come on in a student's eyes when they finally understand a concept they've...
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
- Calculus
- Physics
- C++
- +67 subjects
David: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...field inspection, design (including client/designer interface), maintenance, trouble shooting, environmental Investigation/remediation, document preparation, biding and both project and personnel management. I have taught Egn. I hold an AAS in Chemical Technology, a BA in Sociology, BS/ME Mechanical Egn. and a PhD in Env. Egn. Lic. Professional Engineer (NYS). I have at various times held all...
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
- Other
- Geometry
- Linear Algebra
- +66 subjects
Gregory: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...to achieve those expectations. When it comes to solving problems, I will always ask the student on how they would solve a particular problem. Their answers can range 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...
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 - Mechanical Engineering
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Chemical Engineering
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Other Disciplines
- +326 subjects
Corrie: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...Currently, I am working towards a master's degree in Social Work with a focus on Latinx communities at Boston College. The bulk of my tutoring experience comes from my time in the Peace Corps. I served as a Community Environmental Conservation volunteer in Panama from 2015 to 2018. I co-taught Science, Environmental Education, and English...
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
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Environmental
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Civil 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
...PE, etc. But it's not the full picture. I've long been passionate about math, physics, and science since a kid, straight As record, and went to High School for the Gifted in Math. I then decided to turn those interests into a professional career through my formal education in mechanical engineering at Iowa State University....
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
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Other Disciplines
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Mechanical - HVAC and Refrigeration
- +63 subjects
Alberto: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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...
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
- Data Science
- SQL
- Algebra 2
- +49 subjects
Jason: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 math (STEM) and believe STEM allows us to understand this ever-changing and increasing...
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
- Productivity
- Pre-Algebra
- +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
- Trigonometry
- +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
- +49 subjects
Anthony: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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. I Have taught all of them beginning elementary math through to algebra...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Microsoft Excel
- Linux
- Math
- +21 subjects
Kazim: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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...
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
- GRE
- Algebra 2
- ACT Math
- +74 subjects
Michael: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 their math skills. I've been with Varsity for almost two years and love helping people meet their academic goals....
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
- Statics
- +59 subjects
Bob: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...school after a business career and earned 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...
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
- Biostatistics
- Psychologies
- +53 subjects
Dajin: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...(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 , , , etc.)
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
- Professional Certifications
- Mechanical Engineering
- +24 subjects