References to take the PE exam

[fmaldon]

I will be taking the EIT exam soon and eventually the PE.
Here is my dilema. The company I work for doesn't employ any registered PE's. I understand that to take the PE one has to pass the EIT and gain 4-years "experience" under a registered PE as a prerequisite to taking the test.

And so there it is.....how do I gain this valuable "mentor" after I pass the EIT and eventually work towards the "experience" to take the PE.

Does anyone have the same problem?

 

[DanDel]

Try to set up relationships with PEs in your field through your work connections (or school professors) so you can ask them for recommendations on the PE application when you need them.
Working under a PE is 'almost' required; that is, I have heard of some people being allowed to take the PE test without working under a PE, but not very many. Perhaps it depends on which state you're in.

 

[jproj]

My boss just got his PE and he has worked for the same company since he graduated (no other PE's here). Now, the owner has his PE, but in a different discipline and my boss really doesn't "work" for him (yes, the owner signs the checks, but works in a different company). Anyway, I believe he had to get letters of recommendation from 4 different PE's in order to take the test. Like DanDel said, it probably depends on the state (this was in Missouri).

Good luck on the EIT!

jproj

PS: buy some pain reliever.... my neck killed for 3 days after that D#$% test!

 

[swertel]

Yes, it definitely depends on the state.

Some states require you to have 3 PE references. Some realize that not everyone can have 3 PE references, so they take 4 or more non-PE references as long as they are recognized "professionals."

As both DanDel and jproj mentioned, you only need PE references... someone who is willing to put their license on the line stating that the work you do is of professional engineering quality. You do not necessarily have to be employed with or for them.

For example, I am just starting to read all the requirements of licensure in my state because I feel I have enough qualifying experience. I've also been talking with the ONE PE that works for my company, and he does not utilize his status what-so-ever. He will be one reference, I will also be using a referene from a previous collegue, and my best friend from college just got his PE so I'll be using him as my third. Problem is, two of the three are outside of my PE field (their civil, I'm mechanical) and also out of state. From what I understand, this should not be a problem for Arizona, but that's why I'm reading!

 

[ICman]

The PE references do not have to be in the same field. They should have a good idea of your capabilities, so they can "recommend" you for PE licensing.

It really depends on your local Board. Some get anal retentive when it comes to PE references, others don't care. The same goes for experience.

The PE exams are written to determine if the examinee is competent to practice engineering in his/her chosen field of endeavor. The question writers are directed to submit problems that require specific knowledge to answer - knowledge that is not likely to come from college courses, but from real-world experience. It's difficult to do, but I think the NCEES (who governs all aspects of the exams) does a pretty good job.

You may want to apply for your PE in a neighboring state that may have more relaxed rules about references. Once you pass the PE exam and get licensed, then you might be able to register in your state under reciprocity. However, some states require PE references even for reciprocity applicants.

WARNING!: You cannot practice as a PE in a state unless you are registered in that state.

You can also call your Board and ask them about references. Just because someone doesn't know any PE's doesn't mean they aren't qualified to practice engineering. One of the Board members should be able to help.

 

[EngineerDave]

All these requirements are difficult for me as well, as I only know one PE in metallurgy and he moved out of the area recently.

I'll let you know what happens for me, as I planned to take the PE in October and would only lack the references.

For the record does anyone know Ohio's rules on this? Maybe I won't need references, I sure hope so!

 

[leanne]

Find the requirements for the PE for any state via the links here:

http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_boards/