dual PE structural and mechanical 1

[delagina]

I have a PE Structural in Texas and Texas board allows you to add another PE branch regardless if you have experience as long as you pass the exam.

I was thinking of taking Mechanical.

What do you think?

 

[ShaggyPE]

Seems reasonable if you have a solid background in HVAC or machine design.

Head over to

http://www.engineerboards.com

for more input on PE related questions.

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks

 

[delagina]

I actually dont have background in Mechanical. But since Texas allows me to take the PE, I want to take it.

I think it will make me more marketable.

 

[ShaggyPE]

You may want to take a review course for the ME PE. This will give you directed study. Your background in structures will be a good starting point... how's your thermo?

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks

 

[delagina]

i forgot everything about thermodynamics.

it's weird though that Texas allows you take whatever additional branch without supplementary experience after you get your 1st PE.

 

[dhengr]

Of course, you can take the M.E., P.E. exam, just because you can; but without any real experience can you pass it? And, if you pass it, what will you have to sell without experience, which you could get without the exam. The important thing about registration is that we practice within our experience and real abilities; so get the experience and practice within your abilities, with the P.E. you have. This cuts both ways, you shouldn’t be practicing serious engineering in many areas without a P.E., but I think you can practice outside your specialty as long as this is done within reason and it is within your abilities. There are plenty of P.E’s. practicing both Struct. and Mech. engineering who shouldn’t be practicing either, and many of them cross the lines in both directions. As professionals we grow in many directions, with each new step, as we tackle new problems in small enough steps to allow us to learn and absorb the new subjects, and not cause harm in the process, probably best done under the supervision of someone more knowledgeable in that particular area.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Most state boards have a rule/law that you cannot practice outside your area of experience and/or training. So, don't run afoul of that.

Theoretically, I could sign off on a nuke plant - but would be nuts to do so and in violation of the rules.

 

[photoengineer]

Do you have to pay annual licensing fees for 2 disciplines if you are licensed in two?

 

[metengr]

In certain States once you receive a PE license you practice within your competency. In the State where I practice I cannot receive a second PE license because only one license is issued, is a unique number, and it states that you are licensed as a PE. How you practice as a PE is up to you.

 

[delagina]

@photoengineer... NO in Texas, you only pay one. same PE number but multiple branch