P.E. exam choice for mechanical/facilities engineer

[engr2GW]

Hi,

I am planning to take the P.E exam this fall, I am a facilities engineer in the up/midstream oil and gas industry, I work for an independent operator, I understand that there might not be an immediate and direct impact of the certification on my career, but I wanted to get the license while my brain is still fresh.
I have a B.Sc in mechanical engineering and my work in the past four years involves the design of surface production and facilities at the well sites and pipelines. I'm trying to decide between the
1. Mechanical systems and materials
2. Thermal and fluid systems

I feel like I"m more comfortable passing the first one, but that the second one might be more applicable to my career, am I off in my thought? or taking the first time (which I think I can pass more easily) might be just as useful?

thanks for your advice.

As much as possible, do it right the first time...

 

[zdas04]

I studied for both, but in the end my work experience (Upstream Facilities) made Thermo and Fluids the only logical course. The study material for Mechanical systems was too tied to mechanisms that had nothing to do with Oil & Gas.

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"

 

[engr2GW]

Thanks zdas04,
that's what I was thinking, but wanted to hear from someone witih experience. Did you ever think that the certification helped you in anyway, as far as recognition, advancement, etc...?

As much as possible, do it right the first time...

 

[jpankask]

Your license will not specify which exam you took, only that you are licensed Professional Engineer. There might be some states that further specify whether it's Mechanical, Civil, etc. (my state does not). Take whichever exam you have the highest confidence in passing. Good luck.

 

[zdas04]

In my state (as in most states) if you "hold yourself out to the public offering Engineering Services" you must be a P.E. When I took the exam I was a year from retiring and wanted to start my business offering Engineering Services. The P.E. facilitated being able to do a job I love. As to stamping things, I couldn't stamp anything while working for an Oil & Gas producer (no insurance and they couldn't provide coverage). Since starting MuleShoe Engineering the only things I've stamped have been SPCC plans and Evaporation Pond designs. EPA is big on requiring P.E. stamp on stuff, but I don't do much work in the states anymore so I haven't had do any of those recently.

If you work for a Producer, then your P.E. is just bragging rights for you and/or your company (my company encouraged [and paid for] my P.E. because they wanted to include my on their count of P.E.'s that they used to brag about their "technical expertise"). It didn't get me any more money and if I'd stayed it would have no more influence on promotions than my MSME (i.e., zero).

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"