PE exam for structural 1

[oregoncraig]

I am a very experienced mechancial engineer (>25 years at a national lab). I moved to Oregon with my family 3 years ago where I really want to stay. There are no ME jobs in this area. However, there seems to be oppurtunities for structural PE work. Is it ridiculous for me to think about trying to study for and pass the PE for structural in, say, 4-6 months?

 

[JedClampett]

It's not ridiculous to think about it. However, it is ridiculous to actually expect to do it.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

oregoncraig - There is no time like the present to begin. Here are a few hard facts and suggestions:
To take the the October 29, 2004 exam you must submit your application (Oregon requirement) by July 15, 2004. This type information, and a lot more required details at these and other websites:

http://www.ncees.org/

http://ppi2pass.com/catalog/servlet/MyPpi

http://www.osbeels.org/

Suggestion - Forget about the October 2004 exam.

To take the April 15, 2005 exam submit you application (Oregon requirement) by January 15, 2005. Only you can decide if this is doable.

Suggestion: Decide wheather you will take Civil (Structural) exam or Stuctural I exam. With a mechanical background, take Civil (Structural), BUT you will have to see (now - not later) if Oregon allows you to practice without a Structural I license.

Suggestion: Look for and enroll in a PE Review course for Structural. This is to accomplish two things: help you determine for yourself if you have a real chance, and if you do - to start preparing for the exam. From looking around the web, you may have to do this online in Oregon.

Suggestion: Take the selected exam at the time you have set (there is no real penalty for failing - and I have seen people come up with excuses & delays lasting a decade or more).

I have taught a continuing education Civil (Structural) PE Review Course for the last two semesters as a local college. What you are talking about is reasonable, over a period of time (maybe a year or two). I do not consider it reasonable within the next 4 to 6 months.

Best Wishes

p.s. I am also an ME who "became" a Structural many years ago.

 

[DTGT2002]

Why not apply at one of the structural firms. See if they respect your knowledge and experience and try to go from there. Surely someone at the firm can guide on your path and help you to get where you need to be.

Good luck,

Daniel

P.s. Luckily, I went from ME to CE BEFORE finishing school.

 

[ml13]

I think that time is sufficient to pass the test, but I don't think it is enough time to become proficient at structural engineering. In fact, you will have to check Oregon's rules & regs on this, you might need the EIT experience in structural prior to taking the PE.

The question really is, even if you pass the test, can you practice structural engineering so as to uphold the oath to protect the safety and welfare of the public?

The good news is that most of our equations equal zero, so you are probably a leg up already.

Good luck.