Eligibility to sit for PE 1

[kontiki99]

I have a BSEE (somewhat dated) and am looking to refresh my credentials. After I got my EE degree, I worked in the technical division of large non-technical companies (passenger/freight airlines).

An acquaintance once told me I'd have a very difficult time establishing eligibility to even sit for the PE. Can someone out there that's been through this sort of transition before help me understand what I'm up against.

I see the PE as a valuable credential and the review process as a great way to recover stale memories of the basics, before pressing on for additional credentials.

I think in terms of the half life value of engineering training and knowledge. I just haven't done anything but work for too long.

Although I have valuable experience and trade knowledge (mostly regulatory), I think additional credentials would open doors.

Thanks,

 

[Lion06]

First you'll have to apply for and sit for the FE exam. Then you'll have to work under a PE for four years in order to take the PE.

 

[Lion06]

I should say that is the general rule. Check your state law for exactly what is true in your state.

 

[zdas04]

StructualEIT,
Those requirements are not necessarily required to be sequential. I took the FE 11 years out of college and the PE 12 years out of college--the board counted my experience prior to taking the FE as credit towards the PE. I waited a year between them because I thought the study regime I had planned was just too different for the two tests (the FE is more a rehash of college and the PE is a lot more practical so study for the FE was just not a lot of help in my PE prep and vice versa).

David

 

[SWComposites]

"Then you'll have to work under a PE for four years in order to take the PE."

WRONG.

If you work in an industry that typically does not require PE's, then this requirement generally does not apply. Don't listen to the Civil/Structural types - they live in a whole different world. If I recall correctly, all I needed was one reference who was a PE, and some other references from people I had worked with. Check with your state Board for specific requirements; you may have to call them and explain your situation as they are used to dealing with the Civil Eng field.

I worked for 18 for an aircraft company and rarely ever met a PE and don't recall ever working for one. Decided to do some consulting, so took the FE after being out of school for 18 years (after a bunch of studying topics I had not seen for 20 years and would never use anyway), passed that, took the ME PE 6 months later, walked out the exam room pretty sure I passed, so immediately purged everything I had studied from my brain (nothing on either exam had anything to do my line of work). So after that great waste of time and effort I can "legally" be a consultant, even though no one that I work for asks about or even cares if I have PE. /rant off

SW

 

[kontiki99]

Thanks SW,

Your story sounds similar to mine except I'm in avionics.

I'll give them a call.

 

[KENAT]

kontiki99 - do you plan on doing anything with the PE?

Or is literally as you say, more of an excuse to do a bunch of revision and at least get some kind of certification out of the effort?

Unless you plan on going into business I'm not sure the PE will buy you much in our exempt industry world.

I looked at doing similar to you after I first moved to the states. Figured it would be good revision/refresh and 'Americanize' my qualifications.

Then I started to realize that my education may or may not count (not being directly ABET accredited), a chunk of my experience probably wouldn't count (as it might fall under drafting depending where you draw the line on Designing in CAD V creating drawings), didn't know any PE's, couldn't find a vaguely relevant section in the exams and few if any job adds for any line of work I was interested in asked for PE or EIT/FE.

I'm not saying I'll never do it, but unless planning to start my own business I just struggle to see the pay back.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[kontiki99]

Kenat,

It's something I think I might leverage a couple different ways. In my current position, I believe it makes me eligible for one pay grade increase of 5%. Honestly, I don't see the application, but I'll take it.

My regular job keeps me close to a lot of what's happening from a regulatory standpoint in aviation avionics. There is a lot that's going to change over the next 10 years.

I'm active in general aviation from a hobby standpoint now. I believe I see a demand for some kind of services coming.

I just haven't exactly figured out how to put it all together to create a business plan for a small General Aviation Engineering business of some sort, or even if that's really a profitable target. Maybe it would be a permutation of that.

I'm actually happy now. I do like having options. I need to network and explore a bit more, keep developing skills and credentials.

I also want to tailor for a partial retirement fall back scenario if something unexpected happens. Possibly teaching part time (in a favorable location) consulting, or doing some contract work. I like what I do, so I see it as all good.

 

[rbulsara]

Agree with SWComposites. Working under PE is not a requirement. Getting references may be. All you have to have is "engineering" experience.

Rafiq Bulsara

http://www.srengineersct.com