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.
Dean: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
Uplifting others with effective scientific and skills training. Training science, engineering, mathematics and technological development for all, especially, for future leaders.
Education & Certification
- CUNY New York City College of Technology - Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- University of Phoenix-Online Campus - Master in Management, Computer and Information Sciences, General
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Other Disciplines
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Electrical and Computer - Computer Engineering
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering
- +50 subjects
Eyram: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...you need to be. Drafting software is best mastered by making enough mistakes to ingrain habits that prevent them. To do that, I provide that safe space so you can make those mistakes comfortably, without embarassing yourself as a professional or making other lose lots of money. I am a very engaged tutor. I like...
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
- Microsoft Office
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- +30 subjects
Paul: Westchester 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
- Genetics
- +94 subjects
Bahrulla: Westchester 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
- Mandarin Chinese
- +86 subjects
Megan: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 engineering, math and sciences, and love...
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
- Linear Algebra
- High School Physics
- +21 subjects
Michael: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...the real world. Math is a difficult and abstract topic for many. I believe my experience outside the classroom 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...
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
- Test Prep
- +59 subjects
Minh: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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. Not only do I work hard on every subject and...
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
- +61 subjects
Bob: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 our ultimate goal as it helps...
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
- Competition Math
- College Computer Science
- Professional Certifications
- +53 subjects
Anthony: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 with dual degrees in civil and architectural engineering. I have passed the...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- Technology and Coding
- Middle School Math
- Geometry
- +21 subjects
Taiwo: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 problems and build their understanding. I am interested in sports (soccer). I have...
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 STAM - Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- Exam LTAM - Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- +158 subjects
Jason: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 complex world. STEM allows us to solve and understand complex...
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
- Statics and Dynamics
- +22 subjects
Clarissa: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 struggled with. I have lots of tutoring experience, beginning with...
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
- Reading
- Algebra 2
- Microsoft Excel
- +65 subjects
Jeremy: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...enjoys helping others in their learning journey. Jeremy has an insightful way of looking at complex topics, that allow one to grasp the practical uses of subjects like Statics, Dynamics, Mathematics, and engineering topics. It is Jeremy's goal to help the next generation of learns be so engaged and excited about these fundamental topics that...
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
Son: Westchester 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
- Professional Certifications
- +49 subjects
Daniel: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 I will do whatever it takes to get the...
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
- Other
- Pre-Algebra
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- +39 subjects
Dajin: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 30 presentations in English...
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
- College Physics
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- +24 subjects
Corrie: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 in a multi grade one room schoolhouse with students aged...
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 Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Environmental
- +20 subjects
Gregory: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...high school and I cannot teach someone everything they need to know in one night or if a person is weeks behind in the understanding of the course material. Whether it is a standardized test or learning another subject; an assessment must be determined of where the student is currently in their understanding of the...
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 Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Industrial and Systems Engineering
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- +326 subjects
David: Westchester PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 certificates for Asbestos, Radon, Lead Based Paint and US-DOT Cert....
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
- SAT Math
- Astrophysics
- +66 subjects
Joy: Westchester 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
- Elementary School Writing
- LSAT
- +42 subjects