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 51Թ, 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 51Թ 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.

Anthony: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 are also currently homeschooling our three children. 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
- Professional Certifications
- Elementary School Math
- +21 subjects

Dajin: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 and Chinese, in technical conference...
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
- Cantonese
- Architecture
- +24 subjects

Farouq: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 things interesting. Outside of academia, I really enjoy sketching, podcasts, soccer, running, 3D printing, 3D design. Talk to you soon!
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
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- EIT - Engineer in Training
- ACT Math
- +36 subjects

Joy: 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
- Middle School Reading
- AP Calculus BC
- +42 subjects

Gregory: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 about myself, I am a person that enjoys learning and growing in all pursuits and my favorite hobby is working out and lifting weights at my local Planet Fitness....
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 - Chemical Engineering
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering
- FE - Fundamentals of Engineering - Industrial and Systems Engineering
- +326 subjects

Jason: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...communities to provide engineering solutions for basic needs such as clean 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...
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
- Algebra
- Statics
- +22 subjects

Megan: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 sharing my lessons learned throughout my career to help...
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
- Calculus
- Calculus 2
- +21 subjects

Taiwo: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 math, physics, and science generally. I love tutoring...
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 FM - Financial Mathematics
- Exam LTAM - Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- +158 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
- TExES - Texas Examinations of Educator Standards
- PRAXIS
- UK A Level
- +94 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
- Exam P - Probability
- FE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- Social Sciences
- +86 subjects
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
- Trigonometry
- +49 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
- High School Physics
- AP Calculus AB
- College Physics
- +12 subjects

Kazim: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 achieve anything they dream of in their lives....
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
- Statics and Dynamics
- Computer Programming
- Microsoft Excel
- +74 subjects

Minh: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 confidence again. If you want to pass an exam or certificate, I will ensure...
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
- +61 subjects

Eyram: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 or are a seasoned professional who just wants to get unstuck, we'll review past...
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
- French
- Astronomy
- +30 subjects

Nima: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 behind from the class. As I have been encouraged by my professors, who have...
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
- SAT Math
- Linear Algebra
- +27 subjects

Jeremy: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 they lead to the next generation of discoveries 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

Michael: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 for many. I believe my experience outside the classroom helps me relate material to students in a more...
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
- Calculus 3
- +59 subjects

Bob: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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 advance an improved quality of life. Looking forward to...
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
- IB Business & Management
- ACT
- Test Prep
- +53 subjects

Alberto: PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam course instructor
...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...
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 Office
- Spanish 3
- AP Calculus AB
- +49 subjects