PE Exam

[gml2059]

Does it matter which PE exam you take?

I have two undergraduate degrees. The first is a BS in Architectural Engineering Tech and the second is a BSME. I have worked several years for structural engineering and architectural firms. I am currently working in the automotive industry where I manage a structural analysis group. I would like to take the PE but am not sure which exam to take.

If I take the ME exam would it prevent me from working as a structural engineer (where my interest lies) in the future? Or should I STUDY and take the Structural I exam?

Thanks for any advice that anyone can give.
Mark

 

[Ron]

Take the Structural 1 exam. You are more likely able to convince a board of inquiry (if you ever had to have one...hopefully not!)that structural analysis outside the building realm is still within your expertise, moreso than trying to convince them that a mechanical engineer can practice structural engineering.

 

[gml2059]

Thanks Ron. Now all I have to do is study, study and study some more.

 

[Ron]

Good luck!

 

[HgTX]

Will your license reflect which exam you took?

Check the requirement in your state. Some have specific requirements for structural engineers. Others don't.

Theoretically, in Texas, I could take an EE exam (if I could pass an EE exam, which I can't) and then practice structural engineering. The ethical component of the requirement prevents me from doing this--not because I didn't take the right exam but because that's not really where my expertise is. Civil engineers here working in structural design are not required to take the structural exam; they can take the civil exam, and they don't even need to take the structural component in the afternoon--they could take transportation, geotech, etc.

(Then again, if I wanted to move to California I'd have to take that structural exam after all.)

Hg

 

[steve1]

Another thing to consider is whether or not you plan on obtaining multistate licenses. I think that you will find that your BSME degree will carry more weight than your BSAET. Chck out the NCEES website with regard to "model law" engineer.

 

[gml2059]

Thanks to all for the comments.

Steve1,
The multistate license issue is one that I had not thought of. In my current state, the license will not reflect the exam that I take. With all of that said and my BSME carrying more weight, do you see an issue with taking the Structural 1 exam?

Thanks
Mark

 

[steve1]

There is no issue with taking the Structural 1 exam. The issue will come up when you attempt to gain reciprocity with other states. As I mentioned earlier there is a concept known as the model law engineer. If you meet those requirements it becomes very easy to gain reciprocity. In your case I believe that you will have your background more closely examined if you opt for structural over mechanical. This is not to say you won't gain reciprocity, just that it will take longer since those who fall outside the model law must be reviewed by the engineering board as opposed to just staff review.

In either case I personally believe that you should take the exam that you feel most comfortable with. As has been previously mentioned, in most states you get a PE and it's up to you to decide what you are qualified to do.