materials or mechanical PE?

[scott82crg]

I plan to take the PE this next year, but I am debating between going the mechanical route or the metallurgical/materials route. I have a degree in each, so I don't believe one will be harder than the other. Which would serve me best in my career? I plan on spending most of my career as a composite engineer or R&D engineer. Is there an advantage to one versus the other?

Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[fegenbush]

scott82crg,

In my jurisdiction (Kentucky) there is no difference between a Mechanical PE and a Materials PE. The law states that you must be competent in the area in which you practice. So, if you were to get your Mechanical PE, you could still practice Materials/Metallurgical, assuming you are competent in that subject matter.

That being said, I am a Mechanical PE, and I found there to be many resources available to me to prepare for the exam. I cannot say if those same resources are available for the disciplines with markedly fewer test takers, such as Materials. In the end, you should take the test covering the material you know best. However, you will need to study extensively, even if you work in the area every day. The exam is quite comprehensive, and it takes a lot of work to have a diverse enough knowledge to perform well.

Best of luck,

Fegenbush

 

[scott82crg]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the help. I think I'm leaning towards the Mechanical PE exam. Now for the studying.....