16 hour SE Exam 1

[MommaRe]

I just saw on the NCEES website that in April 2011, all states are going to administer the 16 hour exam instead of SE1 and SE2.

Now, I've failed the SE1 three times. I'm a horrible test taker and won't go for the General PE with Structural because I've only worked buildings in the last 4 years. Previous to that I did work in bridges. I still dabble in bridges, but I'm mostly buildings now.

Anyway, so what is everyone's thoughts on this? I saw the breakdown, and it doesn't see so scary. I'd MUCH prefer the essay type questions to multiple choice. I'm thinking about just opting to wait on retaking an exam until then.

 

[steellion]

I wouldn't recommend waiting for the 16-hr exam in your case. It's basically going to combine the current SE1 and SE2 (which is significantly harder). Why would a test that covers twice the material be easier? Plus, it's going to be a brand new exam, so who knows what it will be like. I wouldn't want to be the guinea pig taking the first round of a new exam with a brand new format.

If you're struggling with the SE1, try the Civil PE with the Structural option. I've known engineers that have failed SE1 a couple times, then bounced back and passed the Civil PE on the first shot.

 

[neffers]

I have taken and passed the Civil PE, SEI and the SEII exams...I have done building design for about 10 years now and I thought the civil PE exam was very easy. I would recommend taking the Civil PE exam to get your license and then if you so choose take the 16 hr. SE exam in 2011. I plan on taking the 16 hr. SE exam..but that is because I am a glutton for punishment.

neffers

 

[SteelPE]

Neffers,

What would happen to your current licenses if you take the new PE test and fail? Would you loose your license in states you are currently registered?

 

[MommaRe]

Well, honestly, I shouldn't count the first time I took it. It was HEAVY in Precast. That being said, I am NOT familiar with the LRFD AASHTO at all. I have never done an LRFD bridge. I am so much more comfortable with buildings. I don't think the test would be easier, per sey. I just think it would be nicer to get it all done in one shot. I don't want to take the General PE and then have to turn around and STILL take the 16 hour test. To get an SE license I still have to go through it. So, why bother now getting a PE then still having to suffer? I'd just rather go through it once. Well, one test instead of multiple ones. Plus, I really like the essay problems that gives me partial credit instead of multiple choice that is right or wrong.

I am a HORRIBLE test taker. Plain and simple. I've cried over this, I'm a girl, I can do that, and I'm just worn down. I've seen multiple people fail the General PE. I thought about it, but I just don't think that's the right answer for me.

 

[Lion06]

We don't do any bridge work at all. I've never even looked at AASHTO, but I feel comfortable enough with building structures to expect to pass.

We haven't had anyone fail to pass the exam on the first shot in a VERY long time. I don't attribute that to us having exceptionally smart people as much as I do the varied work that we do.

I'm at a point where I need to decide if I'm taking it in October (SEI) or waiting for the new exam in April, '11. I'd like to get licensed asap, but my work only pays for the exam the first time you take it. If I have to take the new exam at some point (which I'm sure I will), I'll have to pay for it out-of-pocket (if I take the SEI in October).

I'll expect the new exam to be more difficult than the SEI.

 

[dakota99]

I have taken and passed the PE exam with the emphasis in structural. In my state I am able to practice structural engineering under this license and earned me the title of PE. I can honestly say that the test really was not a challenge but I did put in my time studying. This will be your easiest way to get a license. (In my opinion) however, your stat may require you to obtain an SE license to practice structural engineering and the PE would have little value to you.

I still wanted to push myself and take the S1 and S2 exams to obtain a SE designation. My plan was to take the S1 this coming April and pending passing the S1 I would take the S2 in October. However, NCEES pointed out to me that if I did pass the S1 in April 2010 and failed the S2 in October 2010 I would need to start over and retake the S1 under the new exam format. Both exams need to be taken and passed under the same exam format. After reading about how horrible of an experience it is to take the S1 and S2 I decided it wasn’t worth it so I am waiting to take it under the new format. If I passed the S1 and failed the S2 I wouldn’t have the will power to retake the S1 again.

As far as comparing the two formats, I feel the new format will fit me better. Both formats are 16 hours both formats have multiple choice and essay and under both formats you can take each S1 and S2 independently. It looks like they just broke it out into depth and breadth for S1 (gravity) and breadth and depth S2( lateral).

I just want to know if I can get a cut of the profits from selling all new exam reference books.

 

[westheimer1234]

i have a friend who failed PE exam twice.. he took his 3rd exam a few months ago.. what's funny is he forgot his CALCULATOR!! i dont know if the results has been released already but i expect him to fail the 3rd try..

 

[neffers]

SteelPE

I don't believe so...but I guess it wouldn't hurt to check on that.

neffers

 

[ImminentCollapse]

dakota9 makes a good point. If you have not already passed the SEII (not sure from you post), just wait until 2011 and take the new 16 hour exam.
If you've passed the SEII, from what I've read, you have only two chances left to get the SEI to qualify for an SE license. Even though I believe the SEI will still be around in 2011 (the SEII will go away), I think after 2011 the states will require the new 16 hour exam for an SE.

If you are only taking the SEI for a PE licnese, keep in mind some states don't take the SEI for a PE, Illinois for example. What is not clear to me is if you pass the first session of the new 16 hour exam, will your state accept that as the SEI for a PE license?

I'm confused now, good luck.



IC

 

[steellion]

Unless you're in one of the 4 (?) states where an SE license is required to practice, the PE is so much more important to your career. We have 3 SE's in the office that almost never use the designation, it amounts to a feather in the cap.

Momma, the 16-hr exam will still have multiple choice. It's half and half between mult choice and essay. Also if you're worried about bridges, the Civil Structural PE exam is general in the morning, and then in the afternoon you need to choose buildings OR bridges. I'm in the opposite situation from you, I become first eligible to take the exam in Oct. 2010 and I'm going to make sure I pass the first time so that I don't have to take the 16 hr exam, until the point where it may be practical to get an SE.

SEIT, I don't do any bridges either, but I recommend at a minimum learning your way around AASHTO before the exam. The SE1 is supposed to be approx 20% bridges, so if you get 0 on that it's going to be tough to pass.

 

[steellion]

NCEES News Release:

http://www.ncees.org/About_NCEES/News/News_Pages/NCEES_revising_structural_engineering_exam.php

 

[neffers]

Steellion,

Unless they are changing the format of the civil pe exam you don't choose buildings or bridges in the afternoon. The SE II exam you have to choose buildings or bridges but the afternoon civil pe is 40 questions, some of which may be bridge questions. I just took the civil PE exam in October and that is how it was then. I have not read anything regarding any upcoming changes...but I may be wrong.

neffers

 

[steellion]

Neffers, that must have been what I was thinking of. I've been looking at it a lot lately and some things are blurring together. Thanks for the correction.

 

[MommaRe]

Ok, I am in Missouri, but live in IL. We DO IL work so in the end I DO need an SE license. That being said, ya'll made up my mind. I wasn't planning on taking the test again until October 2010. That would mean I would still have to turn around and take the new exam. So, I might as well wait.

Oh,and I know it still has multiple choice questions. My point was that it wasn't the ENTIRE exam. And yes, it does say on the NCEES website that for each afternoon you choose Bridges or Buildings for your essay type questions.

I know AASHTO, I am just not familiar with LRFD bridge design. I can handle the regular AASHTO manual. Throw in the LRFD loadings and factors, you just lost me. /

My problem is that I panic. I know that. I just wish there were more review courses for just STRUCTURAL only.

 

[paddingtongreen]

Forgive me, I have been retired for a while now. Is SE different from PE, I noticed some people, particularly some of the AISC people, carrying both designations.

I ask because Structural Engineers used to take the civil exam except that the year I took the PE, they offered it in structural, a great relief to me because I was already a structural steel specialist.

I did look at the NCEES site but couldn't find an explanation.

Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

 

[steellion]

The SE designation is a step beyond the PE. It is a separate license. It's heavily weighted on seismic design so it's required for mid-rise and high-rise design in earthquake prone states (Cali, Washington, Illinois, Hawaii(?) )

Pass Civil PE = PE
Pass Structural I = PE
Pass Struct I + Struct II + State-specific requirements = SE

 

[dougantholz]

Paddington -
NCEES has had multiple tests which have been adopted by states which cover the practice of structural engineering. Currently the SE1 counts to the PE (mine is in MO too) and that is all. The SE1 is just an alternative the general civil or other PE exams.
Some states have a practice act which requires passing the SE2 exam. There are 5 or 6 of these states as I understand it.
Then there is CA + WA which require an SE3. Those are unique.
What the NCEES is attempting to do is have one 16 hour exam which would work for all jurisdictions. Problem is states currently which have only a PE do not except the new 16 hour exam for reciprocity. So in order to be in responsible charge of a project in IL, NV or CA I would need to pass the new 16 hour exam. In order to practice in MO, KS, etc I would need to take a separate 8 hr exam.
Thankfully I already have my PE + SE.

 

[westheimer1234]

only few states has actual SE designation california being one.. in california you need to be PE first and have 3 years exp after being PE to qualify for the SE exam which is str1 + str2 + seismic exam

note that not because you have PE say in texas and more than 3 yrs post PE exp you qualify for SE california exam.. coz technically you are not a PE in california until you passed the seismic and surveying PE exam of california..

 

[JAE]

douganholz,
I don't think it is correct that there are states (with PE only) that wouldn't accept the SE 3. I think they would...it is just that there are some states that have stated that they won't procter the SE 3 exam (like Kansas for example). So if I've passed the SE-3, I should be able to get licensed in most all states (except perhaps California for the SE...time will tell).

Here's how I understand the lay of the land right now:

If you pass the PE exam:
Most states accept you as a PE and you can practice structural engineering.
Some states allow you to practice structural engineering but limit you to certain types of buildings (ex. - Calif where only SE's can do hospitals, 160' plus tall buildings, etc.)
Some states won't accept the PE for structural engineering (Illinois requires SE 1 and SE 2 and eventually SE 3)

If you pass the SE-1
Most states accept you as a PE and you can practice structural engineering
Some states allow you to practice structural engineering but limit you to certain types of buildings (ex. - Calif where only SE's can do hospitals, 160' plus tall buildings, etc.)
Some states won't accept the PE for structural engineering (Illinois requires SE 1 and SE 2 and eventually SE 3)

If you pass the SE-1 AND the SE-2
Most states will accept you as a PE and you can practice structural engineering
Some states have title acts where you can practice structural engineering AND call yourself a "Structural Engineer". In these states those who pass the PE exam can practice structural engineering but CANNOT call themselves a "Structural Engineer".
Some states like Illinois will allow you to practice structural engineering while not allowing PE's to do so.

The others above are correct that the SE-1 and SE-2 will soon go away and be replaced by the SE-3.

I believe that you have to pass ALL the SE-3 to pass....no partial passing allowed as in the SE-3 where you used to be able to pass the morning or afternoon and then retake the other if failed.

Keep in mind, whatever you do, that you may very likely need to have the SE-3 to get comity in other states in the future.