Should I Be Taking the PE exam or the SE exam???? 1

[Madavids2010]

I have scoured the internet looking for practical advice on this issue, and it is incredibly hard to come by.

I am in Massachusetts, so you do not need the PE to become an SE. Also, currently there are no restrictions on PE to stamp drawings in my state.

Specifically, if I am going to want to be a structural engineer for the rest of my career, is it a mistake to just get my civil PE. I am planning on working on mostly residential and light commercial projects, so nothing that would legally require the SE license at this point.

I know that a lot of engineers in their 50s have their structural license because they got grandfathered in from taking the civil PE. However looking at current tests from the NCEES, the numbers are staggering in favor of people that elect to take the Civil PE vs the SE. It seems that this would mean that there will be fewer and fewer true licensed structural engineers in the future.

I need to make a decision on which test to study for, and I do not want to overextend myself studying for the SE if it is not necessary, but at the same time I do not want to spend the time studying for the PE and then realize that I should have done the SE.

I know that there is no concrete answer here (no pun intended), I am just trying to get a few more inputs from people in the field before making my final decision.

I'd love to hear from people with a lot of experience in the field, as well as people who recently made the decision on which to take.

Thank You,
Mike

 

[SlideRuleEra]

This is not an "either... or" question. Take the PE now, then take the SE later.
In the "distant" future, your resume will appear to look "better" to have a progression of accomplishments over time. Just a perception, but preception can be important, too.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[jpankask]

I'm not a Civil Engineer, but I do know a lot of Civil Engineers. I think the reason that the numbers are overwhelmingly for the civil PE vs the SE is because most civil engineers are not doing structural engineering, so all they need is the civil PE. It sounds like from your post, you are in the same/similar situation. Agree with SlideRuleEra, get your civil PE now, and then later if you find you need or would benefit from the SE, then get it at that time.

 

[cvg]

well, unless you are absolutely shutting the door on doing anything but structural engineering - than getting the PE first will allow you to continue down the residential structural path and give you the flexibility to do other things as well. At some point in the future, you might decide to move to another state or country that requires additional qualifications. You would need to meet the requirements of that state or country, and it might be different than requirements in Mass.

 

[steellion]

Get the PE first, then worry about the SE if it something that you desire or think this will progress your career. The PE is the moneymaker if you're in a state that doesn't have a separate SE licensure.

 

[Madavids2010]

Massachusetts does not have a separate SE licensure, but my stamp would say civil engineer not structural engineer. I don't know if that would look bad if I am trying to practice as a structural engineer.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

...my stamp would say civil engineer not structural engineer. I don't know if that would look bad...

With all due respect, you asked the question, you've received four responses (with explanations) so far - all say take the PE first. If you don't like the answer... do what you think best.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

I guess you double posted in the structural other topics or something because it's not there anymore. Did you see the long reply I posted?

Professional and Structural Engineer (ME, NH)
American Concrete Industries

http://www.americanconcrete.com

 

[Madavids2010]

yes I did. Thank you. I reposted here on the advice of another commentor.

Thank You

 

[JedClampett]

Another advantage of getting the PE first is that it makes reciprocity easier. Every state has a PE, but most don't have a separate SE. So they understand the reciprocity application of getting a PE if you have one. If you have just an SE, you're going to have to explain. And believe me, you don't want to explain to the workers at the State Board of Technical Registration. They have boxes to check and if it doesn't say PE, it doesn't get checked. You might as well have a registration as a hairdresser.

 

[Ron]

In Mass. your seal will say "Professional Engineer". The discipline is optional.