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Best PE Exam Prep Courses Reviewed

Updated August 19, 2026

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Getting ready to tackle the Professional Engineer exam? It’s a huge step in your career, and choosing the right PE exam prep course can really make or break your study journey. Trust me, I know the feeling; it’s a big test, and you want to be as prepared as possible.

With only about 50-60% of test-takers passing the PE exam on their first try, figuring out which PE exam course is the perfect fit for your learning style and specific needs is extremely important.

I’ve dug deep, researched, and put together a comprehensive look at the best PE exam prep courses. We’re talking in-depth research, not just a quick skim. So, whether you’re aiming for the PE civil exam, the chemical PE exam, or any other engineering discipline, I’ve got you covered.

Top 5 Best PE Prep Courses

  1. Best Overall: School of PE
  2. Best for In-Depth Content & Breadth: PPI
  3. Best for Civil PE Specifics: Civil Engineering Academy
  4. Best for Authoritative Civil PE Content: ASCE
  5. Best for Specialized Depth: EET

PE Review Course Comparison

1. School of PE

School of PE

School of PE is widely recognized as a top-tier PE exam review provider, and for good reason. They offer really comprehensive course materials covering a wide range of engineering disciplines, from the PE civil exam to electrical and mechanical.

Design and construction teams often run two licensure tracks side by side, and review courses for the architecture licensure exams covers the other one.

School of PE practice question

When I tested their on-demand format, I appreciated that I could pause, rewind, and rewatch tricky concepts, especially for structural analysis problems. The Study Hub feature also helped me stay organized during my 6-week prep schedule. Their structure is designed to guide you through all the necessary exam preparation, ensuring you hit every topic before exam day.

This course is really best suited for students who want a highly structured and thorough approach to their PE exam preparation. If you’re someone who benefits from extensive study materials and a clear roadmap, School of PE is definitely worth considering. Check out my full review of School of PE, and you’ll see.

Key Features

  • Course Format: Live Online, On-Demand, and Hybrid
  • Number of Practice Questions: Over 1,000 practice problems and quizzes
  • Video Lectures: Hundreds of hours of expert-led video content
  • Pass Guarantee: Offers a pass guarantee, allowing a free repeat if you don’t pass.

Course Packages and Features

Course Discount

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Pros

  • Very comprehensive and covers all exam topics in-depth.
  • Flexible learning formats to fit different schedules.
  • Strong team of experienced instructors.
  • Offers a pass guarantee for peace of mind.

Cons

  • The sheer volume of content can be overwhelming.
  • Some question explanations are not as in depth as competitors.
  • Online classes are scheduled late in the evening.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing PE exam prep course that leaves no stone unturned, School of PE is an excellent choice. I found their depth of coverage and the variety of learning options to be particularly beneficial for catering to my learning style. However, if you’re on a very tight budget or prefer a more condensed study approach, you might find it a bit much.

School of PE

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2. PPI

PPI

PPI has been a cornerstone in engineering education for decades. When it comes to PE exam courses, they are synonymous with comprehensive review courses and extensive study materials.

PPI study schedule

They’ve built a solid reputation on the sheer breadth and depth of their content, and are particularly known for their iconic “reference manuals” that many professional engineers swear by. Their PE prep courses are designed to give you a robust understanding of various engineering disciplines.

PPI is ideal for professionals who prefer a highly detailed approach and aren’t afraid of a significant amount of material. If you value having every possible concept and practice problem at your fingertips, PPI’s PE exam prep offerings are a fantastic fit. They are particularly strong for those seeking a thorough civil exam review or for specialized areas where in-depth knowledge is key.

Key Features

  • Course Format: Live Online, On-Demand, Print materials available.
  • Number of Practice Questions: Thousands of practice problems and realistic practice exams.
  • Video Lectures: Extensive video lectures that break down complex topics.
  • Free Repeat Policy: Often offers a free repeat of the course if you don’t pass.

Course Packages and Features

Course Discount

Save 15% on PPI extensive and in-depth PE exam bundles, perfect for comprehensive review.

PPI2Pass-PE-Chart-Logo-280x280-1

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Pros

  • Unmatched depth and breadth of content.
  • Highly respected and trusted brand in engineering exams.
  • Good for those who prefer to learn from detailed textbooks.
  • Strong support for various engineering disciplines.

Cons

  • Not as budget-friendly as some of the competitors.
  • The large material library can feel overwhelming.
  • Pass guarantee only guarantees a 3 or 4 month course, not the course you purchased.

Learn more about PPI2Pass in this review and see if its PE courses are right for you.

Bottom Line

If you’re someone who thrives on having every piece of information available and prefers a traditional, academic approach to PE exam preparation, PPI is hard to beat. I found their printed materials incredibly useful for note-taking and quick reference. However, if you’re looking for a highly streamlined or budget-friendly option, options like ASCE could be a better pick.

PPI

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3. Civil Engineering Academy

Civil Engineering Academy

Civil Engineering Academy (CEA) has carved out a niche for itself by focusing specifically on the civil PE exam. This specialization allows them to create highly targeted and relevant PE civil course content, avoiding the broad strokes you might find in more general exam prep courses. However, in my experience, I realized it also meant it was very easy to pick out the areas where they were weaker, because they stuck out like a sore thumb. Nevertheless, the “highs are high.”

Their practice exams were especially realistic; I compared the practice questions to those from NCEES practice tests, and the length and subjects were fairly similar. They also cultivate a strong community, which can be a huge motivator during your exam preparation.

Civil Engineering Academy practice

This course is best suited if you are looking for a dedicated and community-driven PE civil exam review. If you appreciate a more focused approach and the ability to connect with other PE students studying for the same exam, CEA could be your ideal match. Because hey, let’s face it, “study mode” can get lonely. Further, their emphasis on direct application of knowledge through practice is a significant plus.

Key Features

  • Course Format: On-demand video lectures.
  • Number of Practice Questions: Over 800 practice problems and multiple full-length practice exams.
  • Video Lectures: High-quality, focused video lectures specific to the civil PE breadth exam and depth sections.
  • Strong Online Community: Offers support through a private Facebook group.

Course Packages and Features

All specialized Civil PE courses follow this format.

Pros

  • Highly specialized in civil PE exam content.
  • Excellent practice problems that mirror the PE exam.
  • Strong community support for peer learning.
  • Affordable pricing compared to many competitors.

Cons

  • Only for civil engineering disciplines, not suitable for others.
  • No traditional classroom setting option.
  • Offers access for an entire exam year, but does not have a pass guarantee.

Bottom Line

For anyone specifically tackling the PE civil exam, Civil Engineering Academy offers a highly relevant and practical exam prep course. In particular, I appreciated their direct approach to problem-solving and the supportive community. If you’re not studying for civil, this isn’t for you, but if you are, it’s a strong contender, especially given its value.


4. ASCE

ASCE

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) offers its own set of PE exam courses, leveraging its authoritative position in civil engineering. Their exam preparation materials are known for their quality and alignment with industry standards, which makes sense given their role in engineering education. These review courses are often developed by subject matter experts, providing a reliable source for your PE review.

ASCE on-demand courses

ASCE’s PE courses are best suited for civil engineers who want to learn directly from a highly reputable professional organization. If you prefer content that aligns closely with professional guidelines and standards and you’re studying for the PE civil exam, ASCE’s offerings provide a solid foundation for your PE exam preparation.

Key Features

  • Course Format: On-Demand, Live Webinar options are available.
  • Video Lectures: Expert-led video lectures covering civil PE exam topics.
  • Developed by the authoritative American Society of Civil Engineers.
  • Access to ASCE’s extensive resources and publications.
  • Focus on relevant civil engineering principles and applications.

Course Packages and Features

Pros

  • Highly authoritative and reliable content.
  • Courses developed by subject matter experts.
  • Excellent for civil engineers seeking industry-aligned prep.
  • Offers different learning formats.

Cons

  • Primarily focused on the civil PE exam, limited to other disciplines.
  • May not have as many flashy features as some dedicated prep companies.
  • Limited instructor support, which may disappoint some students.

Bottom Line

For civil engineering professionals, ASCE’s PE courses offer an incredibly trustworthy and authoritative path to PE exam preparation. I found the content to be very aligned with what you’d expect from a leading engineering organization. If you prioritize content integrity and are a civil engineer, it’s a solid choice. However, if you’re not a civil engineer or prefer a course with more interactive bells and whistles, the School of PE or PPI may be better alternatives.


5. EET

EET

Engineering Education & Training (EET) is another strong contender, particularly known for its specialized depth review courses for the PE exam. Many PE students, especially those tackling complex depth sections, swear by EET’s focused instruction, and I can see why. They break down challenging concepts and provide ample practice problems designed to hone your problem-solving skills, which is crucial for the actual PE exam.

EET classes

EET is best suited for professional engineers who have a solid grasp of the breadth topics and are looking for highly specialized, in-depth preparation for their chosen depth exam. If you need a meticulous breakdown of specific topics and a high volume of relevant practice problems, EET’s PE exam review is a fantastic option. They truly excel in the “depth” aspect of exam preparation. I’m a finance guy, so if it made sense to me, it’ll probably make sense to you.

Key Features

  • Course Format: Live Webinar, On-Demand.
  • Video Lectures: Detailed video lectures focusing on specific depth exam areas.
  • Diagnostic quizzes to pinpoint areas needing more attention.
  • Experienced instructors known for their clear explanations.
  • Focus on common problem types seen on the actual PE exam.

Course Packages and Features

Pros

  • Excellent for in-depth, specialized review.
  • Instructors are highly knowledgeable in their fields.
  • Practice problems are very representative of the exam.
  • Content is streamlined and focused on actual exam content.

Cons

  • Primarily focused on the depth exam, less on the breadth.
  • May not be ideal as a standalone course for full exam preparation.
  • You might find fewer interactive features, like adaptive quizzes or gamified learning elements.

Bottom Line

If your main concern is acing the depth portion of your PE exam, EET is an outstanding choice. I found their specialized content and the instructors’ expertise to be incredibly valuable for those tough, niche topics. However, if you need a comprehensive course that covers both breadth and depth equally, you might consider pairing EET with another more general PE exam prep course or choosing an all-in-one provider like School of PE.


6. Excel Test Prep

Excel Test Prep

Excel Test Prep provides PE exam review courses that cater to various engineering disciplines. They often emphasize structured learning with a mix of live online classes and on-demand options, aiming to give you a flexible yet disciplined approach to your PE exam preparation. Their materials typically include practice exams and detailed solutions, which are essential for understanding your mistakes and improving. However, when comparing their practice questions to other providers, I found the quality lacking against competitors like PPI.

Excel Test Prep video

I tried the live classes, and though they weren’t riveting, I can see them being helpful for students regardless. This course is best for PE students who prefer a structured learning environment, whether that’s in a live online setting or through a well-organized, self-paced program. If you benefit from clear instruction and a systematic progression through the PE exam curriculum, Excel Test Prep could be a good fit for your exam preparation.

Key Features

  • Course Format: Live Online, On-Demand.
  • Number of Practice Questions: Includes practice problems and full-length practice exams.
  • Video Lectures: Expert-led video lectures covering various engineering exam topics.
  • Detailed solutions and explanations for all practice problems.
  • Refresher courses are available for specific topics.
  • Timed practice tests to simulate actual exam conditions.

Course Packages and Features

Pros

  • Structured and organized course delivery.
  • Offers both live and self-paced options.
  • Good for those who like a traditional classroom setting feel online.

Cons

  • It can be on the pricier side, especially for live online options.
  • Practice questions are less exam-quality than top competitors like PPI.

Bottom Line

Excel Test Prep offers a solid, traditional approach to PE exam preparation. I found their structured format helpful for staying on track. If you’re looking for a straightforward course that gets the job done without too many frills, this could be a good option. However, if you prefer a course with extensive community features or cutting-edge adaptive learning technology, you might explore other choices.


7. Capstone Learning Associates

Capstone

Capstone Learning Associates specializes in providing PE exam reviews for specific mechanical engineering disciplines, such as Mechanical HVAC and Mechanical Thermal & Fluids.

I appreciated how their courses are designed to offer a focused and in-depth review, which can be incredibly beneficial if you’re targeting one of these specialized depth exams that aren’t appropriately covered everywhere. I also appreciated the clarity and directness of the instructors, which is a big plus when dealing with complex engineering concepts.

Capstone FE and PE training

This course is best suited for mechanical engineering professionals aiming for specific depth exams. If you need a highly targeted review that goes deep into the content relevant to your mechanical PE exam, Capstone Learning Associates offers a concentrated and effective exam preparation solution.

Key Features

  • Course Format: On-Demand.
  • Number of Practice Questions: Includes practice problems and quizzes tailored to mechanical depth exams.
  • Video Lectures: Focused video lectures on mechanical PE exam topics.
  • Specialization in Mechanical HVAC and Thermal & Fluids.
  • Emphasizes understanding key concepts and problem-solving techniques.

Course Packages and Features

Pros

  • Highly specialized in mechanical PE exam depth sections.
  • Direct and clear instruction style.

Cons

  • It’s all on-demand, with no live classes if you prefer that real-time interaction.
  • Small number of practice questions for each section.

Bottom Line

If you’re a mechanical engineer specifically taking the HVAC or Thermal & Fluids depth exam, Capstone Learning Associates provides a very targeted and efficient PE review. I appreciate their singular focus, which can be really effective. However, if you’re not in these specific mechanical disciplines or if you prefer a course with extensive external reviews, you’ll need to look at other options, like School of PE.


8. Slay the PE

Slay the PE

Slay the PE is a name that sounds confident, and their mechanical PE exam prep course aims to deliver on that promise. They focus specifically on the Mechanical PE exam, providing a targeted approach that many PE students find effective.

Their course is built around clear explanations and plenty of practice questions, which are crucial for mastering the PE exam content. They also seem to use a more modern, direct teaching style. However, I found myself yearning for some tried-and-true materials, such as adaptive learning technology, live classes, and physical resources. The “modern” approach could feel a little hollow at times, a little lifeless, if that makes sense.

Slay the PE practice questions

This course is best for mechanical engineering professionals who are specifically aiming for the Mechanical PE exam and appreciate a straightforward, efficient study approach. If you want a course that gets straight to the point and provides solid practice for your mechanical PE exam, Slay the PE could be a decent fit for your PE exam preparation.

Key Features

  • Course Format: On-Demand.
  • Number of Practice Questions: Includes practice problems and full-length practice exams.
  • Video Lectures: Comprehensive video lectures for the Mechanical PE exam.
  • Specific focus on the Mechanical PE exam, covering all topics.
  • Accessible online platform for flexible studying.

Course Packages and Features

Pros

  • Highly specialized for the Mechanical PE exam.
  • Good amount of relevant practice questions.

Cons

  • Only for Mechanical PE, not suitable for other disciplines.
  • Lacks personalized adaptive learning technology.

Bottom Line

If you’re a mechanical engineer focused on crushing the Mechanical PE exam, Slay the PE offers a very targeted and effective PE prep course. I found their approach to be direct and practical for the specific mechanical exam. If you’re looking for a broad engineering exam preparation or a live classroom experience, this might not be your top pick, but for mechanical, it’s strong, even though better options are available further up the list.


9. Arrideo

Arrideo

Arrideo focuses on specialized PE exam review courses, particularly for the Mechanical HVAC & Refrigeration PE exam. They aim to provide a detailed and organized review that helps PE students grasp the specific concepts and problem-solving techniques needed for this niche-depth exam. Overall, I found the course relatively balanced and easy to navigate, but it never captured my attention in an engaging way.

Arrideo study materials

However, their materials are often designed to be comprehensive for their target audience, providing a valuable resource for concentrated PE exam preparation. If you need a highly specialized and thorough review for this particular depth exam, Arrideo offers a focused approach to help you master the required material for the actual PE exam.

Key Features

  • Course Format: On-Demand.
  • Number of Practice Questions: Includes practice problems specific to Mechanical HVAC & Refrigeration.
  • Video Lectures: Detailed video lectures covering the HVAC&R depth exam topics.
  • Highly specialized content for the Mechanical HVAC & Refrigeration PE exam.
  • Organized course materials for structured study.

Course Packages and Features

Pros

  • Extremely specialized for Mechanical HVAC u0026amp; Refrigeration PE.
  • In-depth coverage of a niche topic.

Cons

  • It’s all on-demand and doesn’t include live classes.
  • No mobile app for “portable” lessons.

Bottom Line

For mechanical engineers specifically tackling the HVAC & Refrigeration PE exam, Arrideo provides a hyper-focused and detailed PE exam review. I recognize the value of such niche specialization for depth exam preparation. However, providers like School of PE and PPI have better courses in this discipline, though they are pricier.


10. AEI

AEI

AEI (Advanced Engineering Institute) offers PE exam prep courses with a strong focus on the civil PE exam, including various depth components like Structural and Construction. They aim to provide practical, comprehensive review courses with a significant emphasis on solving problems, which is critical for the actual exam.

AEI Civil PE

Their instructors are often experienced professional engineers, bringing real-world insights to the learning process.

However, there are some major cons to consider as well. It’s primarily a civil course, so if you’re interested in a different discipline, you should look elsewhere. Also, I found that it lacked a lot of the things other prep courses might provide. I missed out on live classes, and the 120 hours of lectures could feel like serious drudgery at times. As a result, this course is lower on the list.

Key Features

  • Course Format: On-Demand.
  • Number of Practice Questions: Includes practice problems and quizzes for civil disciplines.
  • Video Lectures: Detailed video lectures covering civil PE exam topics.
  • Strong emphasis on practical problem-solving and strategy.
  • Experienced professional engineers as instructors.
  • Offers specific courses for Civil Structural, Construction, Water Resources, etc.

Course Packages and Features

Pros

  • Strong focus on civil PE exam disciplines.
  • Live and On-Demand is in one bundled course without price differences.

Cons

  • Primarily focused on the civil PE exam, not for other engineering disciplines.
  • Courses are segmented, requiring multiple purchases for comprehensive coverage.

Deciding Which Course is the Best for You

I’m looking for specific exam prep → Civil Engineering Academy has the best selection of exam prep courses for specific field in PE

I want comprehensive exam prep so I’m fully prepared for any topic School of PE has the best study material if you don’t want to be surprised by anything on the real exam.

I’m on a budget ASCE has great study material at a fraction of the price of some of the competitors.

I need the most study material I can get PPI2Pass has the most extensive study material.

I’m already a professional and want to specialize EET offers highly specialized courses for professional that have already entered the workforce, but want something more specific.

Honorable Mentions

While the top 5 courses offer stellar options, these additional providers are also worth considering for your PE exam preparation, each bringing its own strengths to the table.

  • Dr. Tom’s Classroom – Good course, but only covers the mechanical PE exam
  • IISE – Practice questions had good quality and depth, but are harder than the actual exam.
  • NCEES – Affordable study material, but only includes practice exams.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best PE exam prep course really comes down to your personal learning style and the specific engineering discipline you’re aiming for. If you’re looking for the most comprehensive and flexible options for various engineering exams, I’d lean towards the School of PE for its structured approach and pass guarantee.

For those who thrive on massive amounts of detailed content and established credibility, PPI remains a powerhouse. If the civil PE exam is your target and you appreciate a strong community with targeted practice, Civil Engineering Academy is an excellent choice.

I believe that by considering these top options and their unique strengths, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision for your PE exam preparation.

FAQs

Is a PE exam prep course really necessary to pass?

While not strictly required, a PE exam prep course significantly increases your chances of passing by providing structured learning, comprehensive course materials, and practice exams.

How long should I study for the PE exam?

Most successful PE students recommend dedicating at least 3-6 months of studying, typically around 10-20 hours per week. This allows ample time to cover all exam topics, practice problems, and take full-length practice exams.

Do these courses cover all engineering disciplines?

Many general PE exam prep courses, like the School of PE and PPI, cover multiple engineering disciplines. However, some, like Civil Engineering Academy and Arrideo, specialize in specific disciplines like the PE civil exam or mechanical, HVACu0026amp;R, providing more focused content.

Are there any free resources available for PE exam preparation?

While full PE exam prep courses are paid, many providers offer free sample course materials, practice problems, or introductory webinars. NCEES also provides official practice exams for purchase.

What’s the difference between a breadth exam and a depth exam in the PE exam?

The PE exam typically has a breadth section covering general engineering principles for your discipline and a depth section that delves into a specialized area within that discipline. Most PE review courses will cover both or specialize in one.

How hard are the PE exams?

PE exams are tough, no doubt—they go deep into your specific field and test real-world problem solving. But if you’ve got solid experience and study smart, they’re absolutely passable. Most disciplines have pass rates between 50–70%.

What are the requirements to take the PE exam?

The main requirements are an ABET-accredited engineering degree and about four years of work experience under a licensed PE. Some states may have extra requirements, like specific documentation or ethics exams, so it’s smart to double-check with your state board.

Bryce Welker is a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc.com, YEC and Business Insider. After graduating from San Diego State University he went on to earn his Certified Public Accountant license and created CrushTheCPAexam.com to share his knowledge and experience to help other accountants become CPAs too. Bryce was named one of Accounting Today’s “Accountants To Watch” among other accolades.