Test Prep Insight is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
School of PE vs PPI2Pass
We break down the key strengths and weaknesses of each prep package in this comparison of PPI2Pass vs School of PE
No two brands are more synonymous with FE prep and PE prep than PPI2Pass and School of PE. Both companies have been around for decades and are hands-down the most trusted resources for study materials. But the question is always the same given their significant similarities: how do you decide between the two? In this detailed guide, we explain the subtle differences between these study packages so you can figure out which course is right for you.
Since this is a lengthy, detailed review, we’ve added helpful jump-to links above for your convenience.
Video Review: PPI or School of PE?
In the video above, Lara from the Test Prep Insight team compares School of PE vs PPI2Pass. She covers course formats, pricing, study materials, practice problems, and which PE exam prep course is the better fit depending on how you like to study. For more detail, be sure to continue reading our full written comparison below.
Before we dive straight in, I just wanted to make clear that I took and reviewed the FE Civil course from both PPI and School of PE, not the other FE disciplines or the PE exam.
However, with that said, the materials, tools and structure for the PE exam prep course and other FE disciplines are the exact same.
Thus, while I only took the FE Civil course, this analysis today still applies to the other FE disciplines, as well as the PE offerings. Just wanted to note that before we dive in.
Program Overview: How Each Course Works
Let’s kick this comparison off by doing a quick overview of each company’s features.
And I’ll start with this: School of PE and PPI are very similar, with a few key differences that set each curriculum apart.
The School of PE study plan
Each course revolves around a digital student portal that houses all of your study materials. For PPI, their student portal is called their Learning Hub, while for School of PE, it’s called their Study Hub.
From either hub, you’ll be able to access all your materials, including your personal study plan, practice problem sets, performance metrics, and recorded video lectures.
So let’s break down each of these features. For each company, you have your choice of two course formats: On Demand or Live Online. No matter which package go with (for either company), the core curriculum is essentially the same.
It’s really just a matter of whether you need the accountability and structure that comes with live classes, as well as the ability to ask questions in real time, or whether you’re good with driving your own studies.
And that’s because the video lectures that make up the backbone of your learning in the On Demand packages are just recorded live classes (for both companies).
It’s not just the structure of the packages from both companies that are similar though – even the layout of their online lectures is the same. I’ll paste pictures of both video lectures below so you can see what I mean.
School of PE:
School of PE video lecture / live class
PPI2Pass:
PPI video lecture / live class
They both have a static picture of your instructor in the upper corner, and as they speak, they mark up the onscreen slides with notes and problem breakdowns.
Each company even has the same chat box for students in the live class version to ask questions. In short, the two class formats are eerily similar.
In addition to the live classes and video lectures, most other aspects of both of these companies are the same as well. You’ll get the following from PPI and School of PE:
Quiz generators that allow you to build custom problem sets based on whatever parameters you set
Personalized study schedules that are created to fit your availability and exam timeline
Digital practice books
PPI2Pass lecture slide
Anyway, that’s how the programs from each company work in a nutshell.
Next, let’s briefly cover pricing, as this is one area where these courses do differ a bit. With School of PE, you’re looking at around $1,500 to $2,400 for their FE and PE Live Online packages.
PPI, on the other hand, generally costs around $1,800 for the FE Live Online package and around $2,600 for their PE Live Online bundle.
Then looking at both companies’ On Demand packages, it simply depends on your discipline. For School of PE, most On Demand options cost about $2,000 for PE courses, while the PPI PE On Demand option typically costs about $2,300. The two competitors’ FE On Demand courses, however, are priced exactly the same at about $1,500.
Overall, School of PE is usually the more affordable option. Generally speaking, they come in a few hundred dollars cheaper than PPI.
However, it is worth mentioning that those are just the full retail prices, and both companies frequently run sales and special promotions.
In fact, you can usually snag a discount, so be sure to check for coupon codes before buying.
Now let’s get into the good part – where I think each program wins over the other. And let’s start with PPI2Pass.
Live Classes
My first major win for PPI is the live classes. After taking live classes from both companies, I personally prefer PPI’s classes to School of PE’s.
The PPI lesson plans just felt a little more efficient and streamlined, and the instructors did a great job of keeping things moving while still managing to pick up student questions and provide clarification where needed. I also liked the targeted assignments after each session, which I found very helpful for reinforcing the content.
Recordings of live classes are available online right after class ends
Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a massive disparity in quality here, but all else being equal, I like PPI’s live classes a little better.
Gold-Standard Review Books
PPI’s FE Civil Review Manual (for the FE Civil courses) is so popular that other companies actually leverage those materials within their own study packages.
It’s packed with content review, equations, sample problems, and figures and tables. They’re loaded with material and probably the most comprehensive study books in FE and PE prep. Now, keep in mind that the physical copies are no longer included in any of their study packages – you’ll have to invest a little extra if you want a paperback you can flip through and mark up.
But for students who do well with eBooks, you’ll love the interactive review books that come with all of PPI’s packages. They make it really easy to click straight from the chapter you’re studying to related practice problems, so everything is super connected.
More Realistic Practice Opportunities
My other major victory for PPI is with respect to problem solutions. And this one’s pretty simple. While I love the practice work from both PPI and School of PE, finding each company’s practice problems to be highly realistic of real exam questions, the PPI problem solutions are more detailed and better explained.
PPI’s course comes with calculator trainings as well
On average, their explanations go into greater depth and are better articulated. Plus, for whatever reason, the PPI diagrams and figures that they use to help demonstrate points just resonated a little better with me.
Even better, PPI includes two full-length practice exams, while School of PE provides none. This is a huge win in favor of PPI. To me, getting an exam-like experience is indispensable while preparing for the big day.
PPI also throws in a few extras you don’t get with School of PE, such as an AI tutor and a customizable diagnostic that ensures a more focused study plan from the start.
Now that you understand the pros in favor of PPI2Pass, let’s flip the script and talk about the pros in favor of School of PE.
Better Mobile App
First, the School of PE mobile app is more comprehensive. PPI’s app is essentially just a flashcard app, whereas you can access the entire program from any device. That’s a great feature for anyone who’s constantly on the go and needs a little more flexibility.
Instructor-Prepared Notes
The second winning category for School of PE is their instructor-prepared notes. Before every class (or with every on demand lecture), you get a set of notes with School of PE, and they are really helpful.
The refresher notes are fantastic
These note sets are essentially instructor handouts that summarize everything you need to know about the topic that you’re covering that day in 30 to 50 pages.
And I don’t mean dense pages. In reality, they’re almost more like slides. They contain bullet-pointed key points, sample problems and test taking tips. In short, they are a massive value add.
School of PE Study Hub
My third pro is the Study Hub. The bottom line is that both companies provide digital study hubs for students, and they’re both good; however, I just like School of PE’s hub a little better.
It just felt more organized and intuitive, and I never had to hunt for anything. Not a massive value add I suppose, but for really organized personalities, I personally think it’s a better setup.
Also, keep in mind that in 2025, School of PE made a major program overhaul with a new emphasis on practice over theory and more multi-step problems worked into the curriculum. Now, these problems aren’t designed to imitate what you’ll actually see on the test – so for the most realistic prep experience, you’re probably better off sticking with PPI. Still, they do a good job working in constant quizzes and checkpoint reviews, which is great for hands-on learners.
More Affordable
The last point in favor of School of PE is the price tag. And I know I just covered this above so I won’t harp on it, but on average, they’re a few hundred dollars cheaper than PPI.
If your firm is paying for your prep course, then great, it doesn’t matter. But if you’re paying out of pocket, a $1,500 price tag versus an $1,800 price tag can make a difference.
That’s all I have for you in the way of detail in this comparison, so let’s get to the final verdict. Should you use School of PE or PPI for your prep?
If you’re looking for truly comprehensive resources with the best live course out there, I’d say the best option is PPI2Pass. Whether you pay a little extra for the paperback review books or just stick with the included digital review manual, you’re getting the absolute best written materials on the market. PPI also throws in more practice materials than School of PE, including two full-length practice exams and more realistic practice questions.
That said, School of PE does have a superior mobile app for anyone who needs to do a lot of studying on the go, and I’m also a big fan of their streamlined instructor-prepared notes. Honestly, PPI2Pass and School of PE are the best names out there when it comes to FE and PE exam prep.
Either one is a good option – but if you’re looking for a live online package with all the bells and whistles, or you want a review book so good that other prep companies use it, then go with PPI2Pass.
Which FE/PE prep course is better, School of PE or PPI2Pass?
Both companies offer top-tier prep options that rate out very highly, but ultimately, we grade the courses from PPI2Pass as being slightly better.
What is the main difference between PPI2Pass and School of PE?
For us, we found PPI’s live classes to be more streamlined, while School of PE’s review guide is better integrated into the overall course.
Which course is cheaper, School of PE or PPI2Pass?
On average, School of PE offers more affordable study courses than PPI. No matter how you cut it, even when considering on demand vs live online and the differences in exams, School of PE is cheaper across the board.
Editor's Choice 
