Structural 1 Exam 7

[zam08]

I passed my P.E. Civil and want to take the S.E 1 exam in April 2008. Is there any review course available in Houston or Austin. Any help in preparing for the exam would be useful. Thanks!!!!

 

[msquared48]

There should be a local chapter of the Structural Engineers' Association in Houston. They are constantly offering review courses for that. Check with an older structural engineer in the area. He or she can lead you in the right direction. Good hunting.

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

 

[civilperson]

Does Texas recognize the SE license?

 

[frv]

Yes, Texas does recognize the SE. In fact, you don't need the PE to take the SE (and be licensed).

 

[shin25]

But, I think the designation that you can write (even with SE 1) in Texas is P.E. A lot of states are in this way, like VA, they will accept passing only SE 1 to have a P.E.

 

[frv]

That is correct. But why would you want to use P.E., when it's so much cooler to be an S.E. (jk)

 

[Qshake]

frv - Unless your state has a separate license recognizing the Structural Engineering, you have only substituted the SE1 exam for the PE exam and thus you are a PE. For that state, you can only legally call yourself or your practice that of a professional engineer.

There are several different levels of registration and what state recognize, to wit:

Professional Engineer, no title designation
Professional Engineer, title designation called title act,
Licensed Structural Engineer, legislative act.

And in some states like CA you can take extra exams but still only be a structural engineer in title only. States like Illinois, Washington, etc have a legislative, Licensure act, for the Structural Engineer.

So, legally you haven't got that 'cooler' designation yet.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

 

[frv]

You are right in that the seal reads "P.E.". I was simply alluding to the fact that it is perfectly legal (and ethical) to advertise yourself as a "Structural Engineer" (even though your seal reads "Professional Engineer") in Texas. My post wasn't very clear on that.

 

[Calif]

What material are you using to study for the SE exam?

The resisant virtues of the structure that we seek depend on their form; it is through their form that they are stable, not because of an awkward accumulation of material. There is nothing more noble and elegant from an intellectual viewpoint than this: to resist through form. Eladio Dieste

 

[frv]

Calif-

Although I agree that form is paramount, I'm willing to bet that the majority of failures result from factors other than form. Connection failures, bracing failures, corrosion, poor workmanship, soil behavior are just some examples.

 

[civilperson]

I have the designation PE from the standard PE exam and I do structural engineering as a PE. What is the benefit in paying for and studying for a second exam? Form is a nebulous term!

 

[Qshake]

Civilperson - Unless you intend to work in a state where a new license is required to practice structural engineer there is no benefit at the present moment.

I say at the present moment because there is a movement by structural engineers to be certified. I believe the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations has a certification board for structural engineers. There is also another organization that has a Model Law Structural Engneer designation. While at the present moment this may not mean anything, in the future, it will likely represent a minimum of knowledge and continuing education for structural engineers such that SE's with only a PE and with out certification or licensure will have a more difficult time plying their trade.

That's my understanding is not necessarily the opinion of this poster.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

 

[zam08]

By taking this exam, my understanding is that I would be able to get Struct listed as my branch in adition to Civil and be prepared for any requirements in future.

 

[frv]

civilperson-

Some companies who do not engage in structural engineering in states where an SE license is required will nonetheless give you a raise upon obtaining the SE license. Otherwise, you're right; there is no real benefit to it if you do not intend on practicing in these states.

 

[Calif]

fvr, what you are responding to is my signature by Eladio Dieste, a structural engineer and architect.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eladio_Dieste

I am asking what material is being used to study for the SE exam. I want to take it once I complete my master degree although, I plan to move out of the country, it may help in finding a job.

Thanks



The resisant virtues of the structure that we seek depend on their form; it is through their form that they are stable, not because of an awkward accumulation of material. There is nothing more noble and elegant from an intellectual viewpoint than this: to resist through form. Eladio Dieste

 

[frv]

Calif-

It's fairly obvious it's a signature.. I was just giving my unsolicited (and frankly irrelevant) 2 cents

 

[zam08]

Calif,
I'm planning on using Structural Depth Reference Manual by Alan Williams, the NCEES PE Structural I Sample Questions and Solutions and standard textbooks on steel and concrete design as my study material.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Atomic25]

In my experience, the publications by Alan Williams are a waste of money. They just aren't practical for the real world or an exam.

Use the NCEES SE I sample questions and the 6 second solutions for structural 1 exam. If you dont have the ones from college, get GOOD reinforced concrete, steel, Structural Analysis, Mechanics of Materials, and foundation books...they should be in your permanent library anyway.

You should also be studying the IBC/ASCE wind and seismic chapters very thoroughly.

 

[zam08]

Atomic25,
Thanks a lot for the info.

 

[AlmostPE]

I am in the same situation as zam08. I already have my civil PE, if I obtain SEI and then SE II in a few years, do I need to attend continuing education classes to keep it updated? Because in my state I dont have to attend any classes for civil PE.