Getting an SE License 2

[PEFLWI]

I am a PE in two states and the company I work for provides equipment and structural supports for the utility industry all over the country. I am interested in becoming an SE. In the past states required both the Structures I and Structures II test. I understand that each state is different, but that most states now require a 16 hour test to get an SE license. Is that correct? I have passed the Structures I test in 2001. Does that mean I am still required to take the full 16 hour test? If I take the test for one state, do other states recognize this? For example, I was considering getting an Illinois SE. Would California recognize this or do they require additional testing?

 

[KootK]

The seismic is easy. The surveying is easy too but, for most folks, will require some definite preparation as most SE's don't spend a lot of time designing vertical curves etc. Also, there are some surveying California-isms that one needs to be aware of. A read through PPI's surveying book is sufficient. And maybe some calculator programming to shave time...

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[PEFLWI]

Thanks to all for your thoughts.

 

[BS2]

Last year I took and passed the 16 hour SE exam. Now I am considering the CA specific exams. Any recommendations on reference material? Specifically for the surveying exam?

 

[woodman88]

KootK
When did you take the test?
Mine was almost twenty years ago and my friend was last year.

Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.

 

[KootK]

@Woodman: class of 2007 for SEI; class of 2012 for the new exam.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[woodman88]

KootK
"new test"?
I was referring to the California additional tests (Seismic and Surveying).

Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.

 

[KootK]

@Woodman: in that case, 2009 at the rustic Cow Palace. If it's good enough for Prince, it's good enough for me.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[woodman88]

KootK
So you have not then taken the California tests (Seismic and Surveying) that you are commenting on?

Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.

 

[KootK]

@Woodman: I took the state specific seismic and surveying exams, in California, at the Cow Palace, in San Franciso, in April of 2009. It was foggy and I almost soiled myself because the fob key on the cool muscle car that I rented crapped out the morning of the exam.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[KootK]

My wife wrote the CA exams with me and did't pass surveying. Lack of prep and good calculator programs. Of course, she took the civil PE the same weekend whereas I did not. A pretty tall order in retrospect. We befriended a DOT bridge engineer in the wait line who claimed to be on his 6th attempt. He was pretty high strung for a Californian.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[woodman88]

KootK
Okay, I am from southern California so I did not get the "Cow Palace" reference.
Sorry about that.

Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.

 

[KootK]

And I guess that it's relevant to mention that the villagers did not, in fact, assemble with pitch forks in hand to reclaim my wife's existing SE licenses. At least... not yet.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[KootK]

@Woodman: no sweat. Upon reread, you were clearly asking about the CA specific exams. I'm curious though, were you asking because you disagree with my assessment? To me, it sounds as though we're on the same page: seismic doable; surveying tough due to lack of practice.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[woodman88]

KootK
First off, I pretty much disagree with almost everything California does regarding CE and SE engineering licensing.

As for the Surveying test, first time I studied for the main test only. so did not pass the Surveying. Second time the Surveying test was all based on CalTrans information. Not only did they have their own equations, they had a difference surveying stick that all test takers were question about. So I did not pass again. Third time (as I complained and knew others had too) I just restudied Surveying. The test had no CalTrans questions so I passed.

So I am interested in how others feel about how they are testing Surveying now.

Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.

 

[KootK]

In 2009, surveying seemed very well coordinated with PPI's book which was crucial for me. I also seemed to have just the right programs on my HP48 which got me through about half of the questions at a very good clip. I'm still a little annoyed that I mastered photogrammetry for no reason. It's taking up limited KootK disk space that I could dedicate to worrying more about shear friction or Aaron Rodgers' health.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[PEFLWI]

@KootK

Looking at the NCEES web site, it appears that in the afternoon sessions you are required to work a steel problem, a concrete problem, a wood problem and a masonry problem. Am I reading that correctly or can you choose just one problem?

 

[KootK]

My recollection of it is foggy but I think it was two of four problems, your choice.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

@PEFLWI: For the 16 hour SE exam, for buildings, in the afternoon session; you are required to work a steel problem, a concrete problem, a wood and/or masonry problem, and a general analysis problem (which likely includes a mix of materials). Essentially you need to know concrete, steel, and wood really well, masonry and foundations sort of well, and general structural analysis really well.

You cannot pick or choose which problem to complete, all 4 must be completed. Looking at historic failing grades it appears that any "unacceptable" mark on these problems is an automatic fail (unless you aced the morning session perhaps).

Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.
(Just passed the 16-hour SE exam, woohoo!)

 

[KootK]

Thanks for correcting me on this TME. It's shocking how little I remember really. Back it 2009, when I wrote the exam, it seem like my whole life.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Probably confusing it with the older PE exam which, if I recall, my boss mentioned you could choose 2 of the 4 problems or something like that.

I'm in the process of trying to blank all the struggle of studying for the SE exam from my memory. Also, did you mean to write "when I wrote the exam"? If so don't ever tell me your address, I hear there's this guy that ships an exploding package of glitter to someones house and it may or may not end up at your door.

Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.
(Just passed the 16-hour SE exam, woohoo!)