From 2014 to 2019, only 50% of engineers became licensed Professional Engineers. At the same time, the first-time PE exam pass rate was just 65% across all disciplines, making the stakes even higher. It’s no wonder engineers—maybe you?—are considering computer-based exam prep courses to stack the deck in their favor. That’s precisely why I’m diving into this School of PE review.
Since 2004, the School of PE has boasted an impressive 93% average pass rate across all its programs, outperforming the averages mentioned above. They’ve trained over 63,000 professionals from 11,000+ companies in everything from FE exam prep to PE licensure—across multiple engineering disciplines.
But stats only tell one side of the story. The real question is: are they worth the investment? In this School of PE review, I’ll break down everything you need to know so you can decide for yourself.
Is the School of PE Right for You?
- If you’re preparing for the PE exam and want comprehensive video lectures from experienced instructors, then the School of PE’s extensive course library with discipline-specific content could be exactly what you need.
- If you prefer learning through practice questions and want access to thousands of PE exam problems, then the School of PE’s extensive question bank and detailed solutions will help reinforce your understanding.
- If you’re an engineer with limited study time who needs flexible, self-paced learning, then the School of PE’s on-demand format allows you to study around your work schedule.
- If you’re on a tight budget for computer-based exam prep, then the School of PE’s pricing might not be the most affordable option compared to some other PE exam preparation courses.
- If you prefer live instruction and real-time interaction with instructors, then the School of PE offers live online classes in addition to its self-paced OnDemand format, so you can choose the option that best fits your learning style.
School of PE Prep Courses
The School of PE isn’t your average engineering test prep. Instead of generalist teachers, they use subject matter experts who hold PE licenses and have industry and academic experience. They offer two different ways to learn: flexible on-demand courses and interactive live online classes.
Their Study Hub is probably their standout feature. It’s a learning platform that syncs across devices and offers round-the-clock support. Tools include progress tracking, annotated video controls, discussion forms, personalized study plans, and realistic exam simulations. And all study materials are custom-built by instructors and have been rated essential by 95% of students.
The school covers every stage of engineering licensure, from the Fundamentals of Engineering to specialized Practice of Engineering exams in civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering. They also offer California-specific licensing, architecture, exam prep, and project management certifications. With a Pass Guarantee for eligible courses, the School of PE is for any working professional looking for what might be the best path to getting their licence.
Pros
- Subject-Matter Expert Instructors: Licensed professional engineers and industry professionals who teach only in their areas of expertise.
- Exceptional Pass Rates: Their 93% average pass rate outperforms national averages by 26% to 52% across all PE exams and FE exams.
- Flexible Learning Formats: On-demand and live online options accommodate different schedules and learning preferences.
- Comprehensive Technology Platform: Study Hub provides seamless multi-device access with practice exams, progress tracking, and 24/7 support for exam prep.
- Proven Track Record: 20+ years in business with over 63,000 professionals trained.
Cons
- Premium Pricing Structure: Depending on the discipline, fees could be cost-prohibitive to some when compared to self-study options.
- Time Commitment: Courses require 200 to 300 hours of study over 6 months, and the depth may mean more study time than with other providers.
School of PE
“I used it for the FE exam prep and just passed PE exam after one on-demand session. I agree with the other comment that the practice exams and quizzes through SoPE were more helpful than the recorded lectures. The benefit of the lectures is the professors will highlight the topics and theory that are important to know and will spend less time on the obscure stuff that isn’t asked as often on the test. Pretty good email support when I had questions. Overall, I’d recommend it to test takers.”
r/Sellwinerugs
PE & FE Exam Course Options
Since 2004, the School of PE has built a reputation as one of the go-to destinations for engineering exam prep—especially for working professionals trying to follow the path to licensure. And they seem to know what works for getting people to the finish line.
One of the things I appreciate is how their study materials and instructors—who are experts in their fields—make the whole process feel more doable and less overwhelming. They take the stress out of preparing for NCEES exams. Whether you’re prepping for PE Civil, PE Mechanical, or another branch, the School of PE lays out a clear roadmap to earning a professional engineer license. Having said that, if you have a strict focus on nothing more than the civil engineering side of things, there are options like the Civil Engineering Academy.
PE Exam Courses at the School of PE
The School covers all the major engineering disciplines. Their PE exam day prep is available for:
- PE Civil: including Construction, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources.
- PE Mechanical: with specialties in HVAC, Machine Design & Materials, and Thermal & Fluid Systems.
- PE Electrical: Including Electronics, Controls & Communications, and Power.
- Other engineering exams: Environmental, Chemical, Petroleum, Fire Protection, and Control Systems.
What’s convenient is that you can choose how to prepare. Your options include both on-demand self-paced study and live, online classes. No matter which format you prefer, you get:
- The proprietary Study Hub platform.
- Instructor-prepared study materials.
- Comprehensive practice questions and mock examinations that mirror your actual exam day experience.
- 24/7/365 student support.
- A Pass Guarantee, so there’s a free repeat if you don’t pass.
Save Up to $300 on School of PE PE Courses
Save Up to $300 on School of PE FE Courses
PE Civil Engineering Exam Course
The PE Civil course is their flagship, with more than 80 hours. You can focus on water resources, transportation, construction, geotechnical, or structure—whatever fits your engineering discipline. The course includes video lectures, detailed materials, and tons of practice problems that reflect the real NCEES PE Civil exam.
Here are your options:
On-Demand: Self-paced video lectures, PE Civil review guides, question banks, and up to 12 months to work through your exam prep.
Live Online: Add a real-time classroom feel and interactive Q&A sessions with professional engineer instructors.
In my opinion, no matter which path you pick, the School of PE makes preparing for the PE exam—or any other engineering examination, for that matter—much more manageable, especially if you’re juggling work, life, and the demands of the practice of engineering.
| Service | PE & FE Courses |
|---|---|
| Course Formats | On-demand (self-paced).Live online (instructor-led). |
| Disciplines Covered | PE: All major disciplines. FE: All major disciplines. |
| Instructor Credentials | Licensed PEs, subject matter experts, with industry and academic experience. |
| Pass Guarantee | Free repeat if you don’t pass (with conditions). |
| Study Platform (Study Hub) | Centralized access, 24/7/365 support, multi-device, progress tracking, and practice exams. |
| Course Materials | Instructor-prepared notes, comprehensive practice questions, up-to-date with exam specs. |
| Practice Questions/Exams | Thousands of questions, full-length practice exams, custom quizzes, and exam simulations. |
| Access Length | Typically, 6 months, extensions are available for purchase. |
| Instruction Hours | Varies by discipline. |
| Course Updates | Up-to-date with the latest NCEES exam specs and changes. |
| Support | Email, phone, and live chat. |
| Pricing | PE: $1,290 to $1,790, FE: $990 to $1,290. |
Looking Inside the School of PE’s Prep Courses
It’s time to take a deeper dive into what the School of PE has to offer. Let’s start with a broad overview.
One thing that really impressed me was the depth of their exam content coverage. Every detail, from your specific discipline to your own timeline, is taken into account. For example, the PE Civil course adapts to whatever you’re targeting—Construction, Geotechnical, or Transportation, etc.—offering tailored strategies that address your PE exam requirements.
Overall, I really appreciated how comprehensive and structured the experience felt, and I can see busy engineers at all career stages finding real value in their approach.
Course Format and Learning Experience
The School of PE offers two delivery options, and I found that their dual-format approach would be efficient for a wide range of learners. You have the flexibility to choose self-paced materials—a huge benefit if you’re trying to balance your studies with a demanding work schedule. Or, if you’re someone who learns best in a structured environment, their live, online, instructor-led classes will provide accountability and real-time interaction. Both formats give you access to a comprehensive set of study tools, all designed to make you aware of your weakest areas so you can focus on them, but at the same time help you reinforce your strengths.
It’s worth noting that the School of PE’s comprehensiveness might be more overwhelming than helpful for some, and it definitely isn’t a “quick once-over and pass” kind of prep course. However, I can see this being more of a perk for some students than a pain, so consider your learning style before clicking “add to cart.”
Regardless of format, you get:
- An extensive question bank and practice resources.
- The ability to create custom quizzes by topic, each with detailed solutions and progress tracking.
- Missed question tracking, so you can revisit problem areas.
- Instructor-prepared flashcards for quick, focused review.
In my opinion, these features give you an organized and adaptable learning experience that will support your exam success.
School of PE’s Platform & Tech Experience
Their Study Hub platform stood out to me for its intuitive and flexible design. I was able to seamlessly switch between my desktop, tablet, and phone without ever losing my place. So, whether you’re on your laptop while on lunch or working through some problems on your phone while sitting on the train heading home, the School of PE has you covered. Your experience remains consistent thanks to automatic progress tracking, no matter where you are or what kind of schedule you have.
From my experience, here’s what’s included in the Study Hub:
- 24/7/365 access.
- Multi-device access.
- 80+ hours of instruction (varies by course).
- Centralized access to all course materials, practice problems, and assessments.
- Progress tracking and performance analytics.
- Practice exams that closely mimic the actual NCEES exams.
- All course materials are kept up to date with the latest exam specifications and standards of the professional practice of engineering.
School of PE’s technology-driven approach is built for the needs of professional engineers like you. It combines flexibility with comprehensive coverage of each engineering discipline.
What You Get for Your Investment
Looking at the School of PE, I’d say part of their value centers on their 93% pass rate. That’s a pretty big jump from the 65% for first-time PE exam test-takers mentioned at the outset. From my perspective, that difference alone underscores the School’s effectiveness—especially when you consider the $400 NCEES exam fee and the months of extra study that come with retaking the test. So I’d say that investing in this is really all about maximizing your chances of passing the first time and minimizing your stress about possible additional expenses.
Here’s what you receive for your investment:
- Comprehensive exam coverage that’s tailored to your discipline.
- Access to expert instructors and structured study plans.
- User-friendly tech tools that support efficient learning.
- High-quality practice resources and analytics to track your progress.
As far as I’m concerned, the combination of these features results in an exam prep program that delivers substantial value and peace of mind. That said, that peace of mind may come at a higher cost compared to some competing providers, so ensure the courses work with your budget and needs before making a purchase.
Support Quality and Course Access
Customer support operates 24/7/365 through email, chat, and phone channels. I found that response times averaged under twelve hours for technical questions (often closer to four) and the same day for interviews. What stood out to me is that their team isn’t just customer service reps; they include both technical staff and subject matter experts who really understand the unique challenges engineers face with exam prep.
Key support features include:
- 24/7/365 access to assistance through multiple channels.
- Quick, knowledgeable responses from experts.
- Guidance on technical issues and course navigation.
- Answers to engineering-specific questions.
As for course access, students get six months (180 days). However, if you need more time, you are able to purchase an extension.
“I just finished SoPE and felt pretty well prepared and luckily passed on my first attempt. I also skipped videos on topics I felt pretty good on like geometrics and geotechnical material. Their test bank was really helpful especially for the depth portion of the water resources and environmental.”
u/Radiant-Bad-3271
Comparing the School of PE to Competitors
| Feature/Service |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | PE/FE/SE exam prep for multiple engineering disciplines, and comprehensive review courses. | PE/FE/SE exam prep, core reference materials, textbooks, and practice books. | PE/FE for civil engineers, video-based courses, and community support. |
| Delivery Format | On-demand (self-paced), live online classes, and digital Study Hub. | Print and digital textbooks, reference manuals, practice problems, live online courses, and on-demand courses. | On-demand video lessons, practice problems, online community, and coaching. |
| Staff/Instructors | PE-licensed, expert instructors for each discipline. | PE-licensed instructors, authors, and expert contributors. | Practicing civil engineers, exam coaches. |
| Practice Problems/Exams | Hundreds of digital practice problems per course, full-length practice exams, and solution walkthroughs. | Printed and digital practice problem books, practice exams, and online quizzes. | Practice problems, sample exams, solution walkthroughs. |
| Textbooks/Reference Materials | Instructor-prepared notes, digital handouts (no standalone reference manuals/textbooks). | Industry-standard reference manuals (e.g. Lindeburg), textbooks, print/eTextbook packages. | Digital study guides, course notes (no major reference manuals or print textbooks). |
| Pass Rate |  (93% average pass rate, per website). |  pass rates or student statistics published. | pass rates or student statistics published. |
| Pricing | FE: $990–$1,290, PE: $1,290–$1,790 | FE: $699–$1,799,PE: $999–$2,399 | FE/PE: $397–$797 |
| Pass Guarantee | | | |
| Course Material Access Duration | 180 days (six months) from the course start date. | The length of your course plus one additional month. | One month to one year, depending on the course. |
| Best For | Students wanting structured, tech-enabled exam prep with instructor support and up-to-date resources. | Students seeking comprehensive reference manuals, extensive print/digital resources, and independent study. | Civil engineers seeking a supportive community, approachable content, and coaching from practicing engineers. |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
School of PE vs PPI
I looked into both the School of PE and PPI, and while they’re both leaders in PE exam prep, they offer exam support in different ways.
The School of PE has its technology-driven Study Hub, not to mention its impressive average pass rate of 93%. Their programs are a blend of discipline-specific video instructions from licensed PE instructors with hundreds of practice problems, up-to-date study materials, and full-length mock exams that are a close reflection of the actual NCEES test format. In addition, you have unlimited access—for the length of your course—to all your materials, and a pass guarantee.
PPI, on the other hand, is an industry staple that’s best known for its extensive library of textbooks, reference materials, and print resources. If a book-based approach is your thing, PPI can set you up with all the core materials you could want—even the books used in the exam. They offer a mix of print and digital, and you can supplement with online courses or live instruction.
Choose the School of PE if: You want a structured, interactive prep program, up-to-date video instruction, a tech-enabled learning platform, and a pass guarantee that helps protect your investment.
Choose PPI if: You want a study plan that’s built on proven textbooks and references, prefer print to digital books, and you’re comfortable leading your own study with more traditional resources.
School of PE vs Civil Engineering Academy
When comparing the School of PE to the Civil Engineering Academy, I couldn’t help but notice how the former stands out when it comes to how broad they are in terms of their engineering exam coverage, comprehensive technology platform, and detailed practice resources that mirror the actual exam. They really don’t miss a thing. Their approach is super structured, with personalized study schedules, mock exams, and access to experienced instructors who are licensed PEs themselves.
Civil Engineering Academy, by contrast, focuses specifically on civil engineers—I guess their name should be a clue. Their content is designed and delivered by practiced civil engineers who know exactly what exam day feels like. You’ll get targeted video lessons, practical application tips, and access to a community of fellow test takers and coaches. Their goal is to demystify the exam and provide ongoing support, not just during your studies, but as you continue your career.
Choose School of PE if: You want a comprehensive, all-in-one exam prep platform with robust technology, detailed practice tests, and support from instructors across every major engineering discipline.
Choose Civil Engineering Academy if: You want a focused, approachable program that’s designed exclusively for civil engineers, you place a high value on community support, and appreciate learning from instructors who are actively working in the field.
Bottom Line
If you want a structured, tech-forward, PE prep program with strong instructor support and clear pass-rate stats, School of PE is an excellent choice. While the School of PE’s in-depth courses and high-touch support come at a higher cost than competitors like Civil Engineering Academy, I believe the high pass rates, expert instruction, and engaging live classes make the investment worthwhile for the average student. Does School of PE sound like the provider you’re looking for? If so, learn more about School of PE below.
FAQs
School of PE is a professional exam prep provider, not a college or university, so it doesn’t have academic accreditation. However, it is an approved NCEES provider and recognized by engineering boards for continuing education for professional engineers.
To take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, you must first pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE exam) and have at least four years of professional experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer. This experience ensures you are prepared for the principles and practice tested on the PE exam.
To prepare for the PE exam, review the official NCEES exam specifications, use School of PE study materials, complete practice exams, and create a schedule that covers all topics in your particular engineering discipline.
Three months can be enough preparation for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam if you study consistently and follow a structured plan, especially with experience in your engineering discipline and quality study materials.
Most engineers find the FE exam less challenging than the PE exam. FE covers engineering fundamentals broadly, while the PE exam tests advanced knowledge in a specific engineering discipline, as well as the principles and practices of engineering.
