Looking into the licensure process for engineers? The fundamentals of engineering exam (FE exam) and the PE exam are known for stumping even the brightest of students, which is why thorough, targeted prep can make or break your exam day results.
Enter: School of PE.
School of PE consistently impresses me with its methodology, a structured system that leans on instructors who are genuine experts in their field. And a 93% pass rate that, in my opinion, speaks for itself, especially when the national average pass rate for first-time FE exam takers from ABET-accredited programs is about 70%.
Will School of PE Match Your Learning Style?
- If you need lots of interaction and accountability, then you’ll love the Online + OnDemand combo, with its clear schedule and live classes with teacher feedback.
- If you need to brush up on the basics, you’ll love their dedicated refresher modules on things like mathematics and probability, economics, statistics, and more.
- If your life is already hectic, then the OnDemand course lets you study when it fits your schedule, not someone else’s.
- If test tech intimidates you, School of PE’s cloud-based practice portal has a great CBT simulation that’s close to the real NCEES exam environment.
- If the cost of the course seems high, remember that failing means months lost and extra exam fees. The right prep course is an investment.
School of PE Review: FE and PE Course Overview
School of PE focuses on FE and PE exam prep. They offer discipline‑specific prep for major branches like civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and structural engineering, all aligned with current NCEES exam specifications. Their courses are delivered through Video OnDemand packages and structured Live Online classes. And bonus, if you’re in California, they also offer state-specific prep.
The exam prep market is crowded, but their Study Hub platform makes them stand out. Students have access to a huge question bank—including plenty of problems on differential equations—an exam-like CBT practice environment, progress tracking, and personalized study plans. Add in a Pass Guarantee and a strong emphasis on instructor-led training, and School of PE is one of my favorites in a pretty big crowd.
Pros
- Industry-leading pass rates that exceed the national averages for both FE and PE exams.
- Discipline-specific content covers all NCEES exam objectives.
- Their instructor support extends beyond the lectures with Q&A and resource tutorials.
- Lots of practice resources: custom quizzes, missed question tracking, and supplemental materials.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some competitors—but it’s a totally justified price.
- No free trial.
Save Up to $300 on School of PE PE Courses
School of PE Review
“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.”
Reddit u/sellwinerugs
School of PE Course Package Options (FE and PE)
School of PE offers several course packages that have been tailored to fit different study preferences, time commitments, and levels of instructor interaction. Their packages give you all the essentials, from baseline all the way up to immersive, instructor-led experiences with extended access.
Some features are available regardless of the delivery option:
- Study Hub
- Recorded video lectures
- Instructor prepared notes
- Question Bank
- Access to comprehensive reference handbooks and outlined material
OnDemand Review Course
If your schedule’s tight or you prefer to study at your own pace, the OnDemand option is your best bet. You get immediate access to all the materials without worrying about class schedules.
What this package offers:
- Access to pre-recorded lectures outlining the fundamentals required for the FE and PE exams lasts for the duration of the course, with the option to purchase an extension.
- 4, 6, 12-month, or monthly subscription options.
- Topic-by-topic tutorials, practice questions, and customizable study schedules.
- Custom quiz builder and statistics to monitor your progress and performance
Live Online Review Course
Ideal for anyone who wants an interactive classroom experience and schedule flexibility.
- Real-time, instructor-led classes that cover the entire syllabus by discipline.
- Live Q&A sessions, group discussions, and feedback on problem-solving methods.
- Includes all OnDemand resources plus scheduled break periods and live exam strategies.
- Pass Guarantee
| Service | School of PE, FE & PE |
|---|---|
| Course Formats | Live Online + OnDemand bundle; OnDemand-only (self-paced) |
| Disciplines Covered | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Environmental, Industrial, and others |
| Instructor Credentials | Classes are taught by licensed, experienced professional engineers and subject-matter experts |
| Pass Guarantee | Included with most standard courses (see eligibility guidelines); free repeat if you meet requirements |
| Study Platform (Study Hub) | Digital and eBook formatted class notes, reference guides or workbooks, flashcards, supplements |
| Practice Questions/Exams | Extensive question banks, custom quizzes, computer-based test (CBT) simulation, and full-length mock exams |
| Access Length | Depends on package: typical access is full course duration (4, 6, or 12 months) or a monthly subscription with the option to extend |
| Instruction Hours | Typically 80–120+ hours of instruction content per discipline; Live Online classes spread over 8–12 weeks (with all sessions recorded for replay) |
| Course Updates | Content is updated regularly and aligned with the latest NCEES exam specifications for each discipline |
| Support | “Ask an Instructor” feature, Instructor Connect for one-on-one help, email and chat support, and peer discussion forums |
| Pricing | OnDemand: ~1,099–1,799 (or $349/month); Live Online + OnDemand bundle: ~1,499–2,399, depending on course/discipline |
School of PE Individual Course Breakdown
Okay, it’s time for me to dig into everything that makes this company stand out for FE and PE exam takers.
Course Framework
With options for both on-demand and live online, nearly every learner has something that will fit their style. If you’ve already got a schedule you’re trying to fit this into, on demand likely fits your life better. But if you need structure to keep you on course, then the live online option would best suit you. Plus, you’ll have an instructor to keep you accountable.
And I love the fact that whichever you choose, you’re not shortchanged. You get an array of study tools that can point out your weak areas—so you can focus on them—while not losing sight of areas where you’re already strong.
While that all sounds great, I should point out that taken all together, it might be a bit overwhelming for some. There is a lot of depth to this prep course. It’s not something you can binge a few days before your exam, like some kind of refresher. So, depending on you, your needs, and your learning style, what I think about School of PE might be irrelevant.
Both formats include:
- Coverage for all disciplines
- Access to thousands of exam-style multiple-choice questions and simulated exams
- The ability to create custom quizzes that allow you to track your progress and focus on problem areas
- Supplemental study aids, including downloadable flashcards, audio lectures, and formula sheets
Honestly, as I was working through the custom quizzes feature, what really surprised me was how quickly it flagged the exact types of questions I struggled with most. I was really impressed with how the platform didn’t just give me endless practice. It actually helped me spot and address my weak spots.
Media and Platform
School of PE has a robust digital platform with easy-to-navigate dashboards and apps. Their Study Hub is available on both Android and iOS, so compatibility isn’t an issue. This gives you access to all your course materials and allows you to watch your videos, which you can annotate.
- Over 100 hours of video lessons per discipline, in many cases
- Adjustable playback speeds and video bookmarks mean you can blow through what you know, but mark spots you should watch again.
- Live online classes use interactive digital whiteboards and chat Q&A, and recorded sessions are accessible for review.
- Note-taking tools, integrated progress bars, and topic outlines will keep you organized and on track.
ROI Assessment
First up, when you evaluate their PE and FE review, the value proposition has to go beyond the price tag. Sure, the cost of failing your exam means another re-take fee, which may seem small in comparison to the cost of some of the courses, but the delay in your certification and earning potential could cost a whole lot more.
Here are some value-added features:
- Both the PE and FE courses come with a Free Repeat guarantee (conditions apply)
- No matter your discipline, there’s a tailored course for it
- Expert instructors and a study plan made just for you
- Personalized analytics mean you focus your study time where it’s needed most—super valuable if you’re juggling work and other commitments
From where I stand, the features and benefits offered by School of PE deliver unmatched ROI, not to mention some real peace of mind. But you and I are standing in different spots, so you need to determine for yourself if the things I’ve mentioned are value-added to you.
Getting Help and Course Access
Support is a strong suit for School of PE. Enrolled students have access to their Ask an Instructor feature, which means you can reach out if you’re stuck on a calculus problem or a confusing code provision in the Civil Engineering course. Whatever the issue, you can send a message to an instructor and get a detailed response from a subject-matter expert.
I tested their Instructor Connect™ feature when I sampled the OnDemand course—it’s available for both Live and OnDemand packages. This is a fantastic feature, because you’re never alone. If you need one-on-one help, you can reach out to an instructor for whatever support you need. All I had to do was reach out via Study Hub, and their turnaround time was quick.
Additionally:
- Customer support is available via chat, email, and phone, though live support is typically only available during business hours.
- If you opt for live online classes, you’ll have access to your instructor during your class.
Course access is available throughout your chosen course length or subscription, but you do have the option of buying more time if necessary.
How School of PE Stacks up Against its Competitors
See how School of PE compares to the best PE review courses.
| Feature | School of PE | PPI2Pass | Civil Engineering Academy | EET (Engineering Education & Training) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price range | OnDemand $1,099-$1,799Live Online + OnDemand bundle: $1,499–$2,399 | FE OnDemand $395-$1,1995, FE Live Online $1,795;PE OnDemand $545, PE LIve Online $2,595 | Ultimate Civil FE & PE Review Courses $397-$997 per month; | Civil PE Modules $950-$1,250;FE Modules $549-$949 |
| Discipline-specific courses | All disciplines | All disciplines | FE and PE Civil | FE Civil and Environmental and PE Civil |
| Live classes (instructor-led) |  | (select) |  | |
| On-demand, self-paced option | | | | |
| Practice problems & exams | Full-length practice exams/solutions plus hundreds of problems | Large question bank, quizzes, and full practice exams included in Learning Hub | practice problems, full‑length practice exams, step‑by‑step video solution walkthroughs | homework problems, workshops, full‑length practice exams with detailed step‑by‑step solutions |
| Pass guarantee | | | Limited | (varies by course) |
| Mobile access/app | Study Hub iOS & Android | Browser access, no app | Browser access, no app | Browser access, no app |
| Focus on Civil | All disciplines | All disciplines | Civil only | Primarily Civil |
| Supplemental resources | Reference guides and workbooks (eBook/print), flashcards, formula sheets, topic workshops, performance reports, and additional self‑study materials for purchase | Reference manuals, topical study guides, flashcards, problem sets, equation cards, and the online Learning Hub with quizzes and extra practice tools | Cheat sheets, reference guides, bonus problem sets, practice exams, and study roadmaps | Detailed binders/notes, summary tables, equation sheets, workshops, and extra problem sets |
| Instructor access | | | | |
School of PE vs PPI2Pass
Both School of PE and PPI2Pass cover all exam disciplines and offer live and on-demand classes, but their teaching styles are very different.
PPI2Pass is known for its extensive print and digital textbooks and deep reference materials. It’s a great fit if you like learning by reading, working through manuals, and building your own study plan.
School of PE focuses on structured, lecture-based learning. With a reported 93% pass rate, condensed exam-focused notes, a robust Study Hub, and a Free Repeat guarantee, it’s designed for efficiency and confidence going into test day.
Choose School of PE if: you want guided instruction, streamlined materials, and strong instructor support.
Choose PPI2Pass if: you prefer textbooks, heavy reading, and a more self-directed study approach.
Learn more in this comparison of School of PE and PPI2Pass.
School of PE vs Civil Engineering Academy
The biggest difference here is scope. Civil Engineering Academy (CEA) is civil-only and very community-driven, with lots of video practice problems and a strong YouTube/podcast presence. It’s a great supplement if you like learning alongside others.
School of PE is broader and more robust. It covers all engineering disciplines, offers advanced analytics, a realistic computer-based mock exam, and backs everything with a Free Repeat guarantee.
Choose School of PE if: you want an all-in-one, tech-driven course with structure and exam tracking.
Choose Civil Engineering Academy if: you’re a civil engineer who values community and extra practice problems.
School of PE vs EET (Engineering Education & Training)
Both offer live and on-demand courses, but the experience is very different. EET is old-school, known for thick printed binders and very challenging problem sets, especially for Civil and Electrical exams.
School of PE is digital-first, with a modern Study Hub, mobile-friendly access, performance tracking, and streamlined exam-focused content across all disciplines.
Choose School of PE if: you prefer efficiency, modern tools, and studying anywhere.
Choose EET if: you learn best from printed materials and want extremely tough practice problems.
Bottom Line
School of PE is a top-tier review provider for anyone who is pursuing licensure in either FE or PE. Whether you’re an undergraduate student about to graduate or a working professional with your four years seeking certification, their structured program, expert instructors, and advanced practice resources will give you some of the best exam preparation available.
Of course, there are alternatives, but as far as I’m concerned, their 93% pass rate, paired with their pass guarantee, makes them the best choice for peace of mind.
FAQs
The PE exam is considered tougher than the Fundamentals of Engineering FE exam. PE focuses on discipline-specific principles, while the FE is more about testing fundamental concepts.
The FE exam starts the engineering licensure process. Students enroll in an accredited engineering discipline and, once they pass, move on to the PE exam.
In most states, you need four years before you’re eligible to take the PE. This ensures you’ve applied engineering principles to real-world jobs.
It’s primarily intended for those with an undergraduate engineering degree or students close to graduation, but some industrial and state-specific rules may expand on that.
The concepts tested on the engineering FE exam include calculus, physics, mechanics, statistics, engineering economy, and other core principles.
