Registration vs Experience 4

[Cycloid]

Hi all:

Can somebody tell me what is more important, Registration or experience? I have 18 years experience, but am currently out of work. It seems to be harder to get on without EIT or PE.

Since I need a lot of study to pass the exams, (I can not Granny in here) Do I already have enough practical experience to use anyway to just study for the next 6-12 mos or whatever while working part-time somewhere else?

Thanks and happy engineering.

 

[PJones]

My vote goes for experience. My PE hasn't done a thing for me, other than let me say that I passed a test a lot of engineers are afraid to take.

 

[swertel]

What industry?

Experience counts more for most industries. But, if you are in an industry that requires routine stamping, I can't hire you without you being a PE or at least on your way to earning a PE. That little piece of paper makes a huge difference.

With 18 years of experience, assuming it is "qualifying experience," you should be able to waive the requirement for the FE exam and just sit for the PE exam. Good luck.

FYI: You will need a PE if you decide to provide engineering services on your own.

--Scott

http://wertel.eng.pro

 

[ctopher]

If you are confident with the PE, why not take the test? It can only help you, not hurt you. More doors will open for you with it.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 06/08
ctopher's home (updated 10-07-07)

 

[whyun]

Pure Civil, I would take an experienced engineer (no license) over a freshly licensed engineer.

Structural on the other hand, so-called experienced engineers without licenses typically are not "experienced"... they are just old. Of course, there are exceptions.

When engineers pass the SE exam, many act like they've reached the finish line. It's just a beginning.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Check with your state's requirements. Do you have a 4 year degree from an accredited university??

If not - you may have trouble taking the PE!! There are a couple of states that will accept experience over a college degree - but not many. Check NCEES.com Look at Wyoming - I don't think they require a 4 year degree.

The PE is definitely worth it - in many applications - esp if you go into the public sector.

If you are designing the left landing gear on a Boeing 777 - probably not. Yes - I have had resumes that state they spent the last five years doing something just like that!! And they don't need a PE

Good Luck

 

[KENAT]

Simplistically & from my limited understanding:

In exempt industry the experience will generally be worth more than just PE, although obviously the combination will be best.

In non exempt industry, which I understand a lot (most?) civil and related work falls into the PE may be more highly prized as it will allow you to stamp drawings etc. and not having it may limit what you can do with regard to offering services to the public.


KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[Senselessticker]

Hmmm... that reminds me, I just skipped out on taking the FE this spring (again)... Then again, I spent 10 years obtaining my BSEE...

 

[JStephen]

In your situation, I'd sure be working on the PE while out of work. It can't hurt.

Asking which is more important is fine, but you can't do anything about your experience level. You can do something about PE registration.

I would not assume that experience got you out of any exams in this case. Check with your state board for requirements.

 

[TheTick]

In WI, you can skip the FE w/ degree plus experience. No one is exempt from the PE exam.

How important is the PE? Sounds like it just got real important for you.

 

[csd72]

I think the crux of the issue is:

Yes sure you know what you are doing and do a good job but if you dont have a PE then someone else (with a PE) must take legal responsibility for your work.

In engineering you tend to get paid for responsibility level rather than experience.

 

[Hoagie]

The normal path for most disciplines is: education; thence, experience; thence, registration.

If you have the education and experience, then you're 2/3 the way there. Go on now, finish it off!!

good luck,

h.

 

[cvg]

what were you doing for the last 18 years of experience?

If it was in an exempt industry, then you will need to find another job in another exempt industry company where your experience will be valuable and the PE is not so important.

If you plan to jump into another industry which requires registration (such as civil or structural engineering), then you need to take the exam as soon as possible.

You will also need to realize that your experience may or may not transfer across industries that much. For example, if you have been doing structural detailing for an aircraft company for 18 years, now you want to start designing bridges - neither your experience or the PE will do much good.

 

[Cycloid]

Thanks all...My experience is pretty diverse from the oil industry to water resources...education is BS Geology and MS Civil...skipped some classes in there somewhere...but anyway..I have most experience in Civil Design/Water Resources US Govt...planned, designed, and had a fair number of projects constructed big to small...somebody else did the stamping...nothing has fallen down yet anyway! Since consulting is the eventual goal, looks like review time is on tap...starting with Algebra...nothing like factoring after 20 years...and I'm sure thermodynamics will add tremendously to my designs...
Thanks Again for the great info!

Build it to Last.