Importance of Becoming a PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER

Importance of Becoming a PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER
Presenter: Mark Austin, PE, FNSPE CT Society of Professional Engineers It is my pleasure to be with you today to discuss processional licensure for engineers. I am [provide your name, title, and relevant background associated with engineering licensure]. I want to provide a broad overview for you of professional licensing for engineers and particularly 10 OR MORE reasons that you should become a Professional Engineer! Sponsored by CTSPE

But first, what is a professional engineer?
A professional engineer ( P.E.) is a person who is licensed to practice engineering in a US state or jurisdiction after meeting all requirements of the law. To practice in multiple jurisdictions, the P.E. must be licensed in each jurisdiction in which he or she wishes to practice. Before getting into the details of professional licensing, let’s answer the question “What is a professional engineer?” Like other professions such as medicine, law, or accounting, engineering is a profession regulated by certain laws. Thus …[Read statement on slide.] [Add DATE/LOCATION]

OVERVIEW Legal Requirements for Engineering Practice
Professional Licensure Process FE Examination Specifications Strategies for Passing the FE Exam Study Materials PE Exam Answers to Common Questions Why Become a Licensed Professional Engineer? What’s Coming?? Let me give you a quick overview of some of the topics I intend to discuss with you today, so we will all share the same concept of where we are going in this discussion. And please, feel free to ask questions at any time. We will discuss…[Read the bulleted items, providing emphasis on those items of particular importance to this specific audience.] [Add DATE/LOCATION]

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS All States and Jurisdictions have Licensure Laws Governing the Practice of Engineering Most States prohibit persons who are not licensed PE’s from: Advertising or otherwise indicating to the public that they are an engineer practicing, offering to practice or holding themselves out as qualified to practice as an engineer Exemptions for Industrial Practice In 1907, Wyoming became the first state to require professional registration for those persons who wanted to practice engineering and land surveying. Now all states and jurisdictions of the United States have registration laws governing the practice of engineering, as do many foreign countries. These laws are often both “title acts” and “practice acts”, i.e.…[note the difference, giving examples if you have the time] Despite these legal provisions, the majority of engineers in the U.S. are not licensed. Why? ...Because in most states there are certain exemptions for industrial practice.

What are the requirements to become licensed as a P.E.?
Education (EAC/ABET) Some states still allow other degrees such as related science degrees FE Exam (FE) Experience (4 years) PE Exam (P&PE) What are the requirements to become licensed as a P.E.? While there are minor differences from state to state, generally licensing for engineers, just as in other professions, is based on education, experience, and examinations.... In engineering, this means getting a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, sometimes called the EIT Exam, then obtaining four years of engineering experience, and finally passing the Principles and Practices of Engineering Exam in your chosen discipline (Electrical, Civil, etc.) [Should the question arise about whether the experience must be under the direct supervision of a PE, it is important to explain that this varies from state to state. However, the general rule is that experience under a PE is preferred, but other experience can be credited with appropriate additional references from PE’s who were not in direct supervision. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

First Step – College Education
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What is an “accredited” degree?
Engineering programs at most colleges or universities award engineering degrees from programs that are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc. If you do not have a degree from an accredited program you may not be able to get a license in some states. If you have never heard of EAC/ABET, you might first wonder if your school is accredited. You can usually find out by consulting the school’s catalogue or asking a faculty person. If your school is accredited you can typically become licensed with an engineering BS degree, four years of qualifying experience after graduation and passing the FE and P&PE examinations. If your school is not accredited, it may take additional experience or, in some states, you cannot become licensed as a P.E. (Note: It is recommended that the presenter be prepared to answer the question about which schools are EAC/ABET accredited within the territory of interest to the audience. Such a list is available from the ABET web sit, [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Second Step – FE Exam [Add DATE/LOCATION]

FE Examination Format Electronic as of 2014
110 multiple-choice questions. Closed book with electronic reference Appointment time is 6 hours long, a nondisclosure agreement, tutorial (8 minutes), the exam (5 hours and 20 minutes), a scheduled break (25 minutes), brief survey. The first examination, called the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, or “FE” exam and sometimes the “EIT”, is normally taken in the final year of engineering school or soon after graduation. The NCEES recently changed the format of this eight hour examination The morning examination covers subjects common to most engineering disciplines, [read at least some of the text in the top of the slide]. In the afternoon, the candidate chooses to work problems from one of the major engineering areas. [Read titles] Note that there are 120 problems in the morning worth one point each and 60 problems in the afternoon worth 2 points each. Thus the two parts have equal value and total possible is 240 points. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Mechanical CBT Specifications
1. Mathematics 6–9 questions Analytic geometry Calculus Linear algebra Vector analysis Differential equations Numerical methods The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

2. Probability and Statistics 4–6 Probability distributions Regression and curve fitting 3. Computational Tools 3–5 Spreadsheets Flow charts The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

4. Ethics and Professional Practice 3–5 Codes of ethics Agreements and contracts Ethical and legal considerations Professional liability Public health, safety, and welfare The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

5. Engineering Economics 3–5 Time value of money Cost, including incremental, average, sunk, and estimating Economic analyses Depreciation The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

6. Electricity and Magnetism 3–5 Charge, current, voltage, power, and energy Current and voltage laws (Kirchhoff, Ohm) Equivalent circuits (series, parallel) AC circuits Motors and generators The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

7. Statics 8–12 Resultants of force systems Concurrent force systems Equilibrium of rigid bodies Frames and trusses Centroids Moments of inertia Static friction The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

8. Dynamics, Kinematics, and Vibrations 9–14 Kinematics of particles Kinetic friction Newton’s second law for particles Work-energy of particles Impulse-momentum of particles Kinematics of rigid bodies Kinematics of mechanisms Newton’s second law for rigid bodies Work-energy of rigid bodies Impulse-momentum of rigid bodies Free and forced vibrations The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

9. Mechanics of Materials 8–12 Shear and moment diagrams Stress types (axial, bending, torsion, shear) Stress transformations Mohr’s circle Stress and strain caused by axial loads Stress and strain caused by bending loads Stress and strain caused by torsion Stress and strain caused by shear Combined loading Deformations Columns The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

10. Material Properties and Processing 8–12 Properties, including chemical, electrical, mechanical, physical, and thermal Stress-strain diagrams Engineered materials Ferrous metals Nonferrous metals Manufacturing processes Phase diagrams Phase transformation, equilibrium, and heat treating Materials selection Surface conditions Corrosion mechanisms and control Thermal failure The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

11. Fluid Mechanics 9–14 Fluid properties Fluid statics Energy, impulse, and momentum Internal flow External flow Incompressible flow Compressible flow Power and efficiency Performance curves Scaling laws for fans, pumps, and The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

12. Thermodynamics 13–20 Properties of ideal gases and pure substances Energy transfers Laws of thermodynamics Processes Performance of components Power cycles, thermal efficiency, and enhancements Refrigeration and heat pump cycles and coefficients of performance Nonreacting mixtures of gases Psychrometrics Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) processes Combustion and combustion products The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

13. Heat Transfer 9–14 Conduction Convection Radiation Thermal resistance Transient processes Heat exchangers Boiling and condensation The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

14. Measurements, Instrumentation, and Controls 5–8 Sensors Block diagrams System response Measurement uncertainty The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

15. Mechanical Design and Analysis 9–14 Stress analysis of machine elements Failure theories and analysis Deformation and stiffness Springs Pressure vessels Beams Piping Bearings The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

15. Mechanical Design and Analysis 9–14 (continued) Power screws Power transmission Joining methods Manufacturability Quality and reliability Hydraulic components Pneumatic components Electromechanical compo The first four hours of the FE exam covers topics that form the basis for all disciplines of engineering.... Note that engineering ethics is included in this exam, so if you are not already familiar with one of the Codes of Ethics for Engineers, you should study the ethics section furnished by NCEES. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

FE EXAM STRATEGIES Watch the time THINK before you start
Eliminate incorrect choices Answer all questions Prepare for the test Since the FE is a multiple choice exam, there are certain test-taking strategies that you should employ to help you pass the test.... [I find it useful to discuss each bullet at some length. By THINK BEFORE YOU START I mean making sure you think about the problem and try to select the easiest way to work it. Many problems that could be done with integration might also be done by finding the area under the curve or energy methods, etc.] [Add DATE/LOCATION]

FE Pass Rates (J/F & A/M 2014)
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STUDY MATERIALS FE Sample Questions Book
FE Exam Supplied Reference Book National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) 280 Seneca Creek Road Seneca, SC 29678 Phone: (800) Fax: (803) Internet: There are many different study guides and review manuals available to help you prepare for the FE and PE exams. Since the NCEES is the organization that prepares the tests for all jurisdictions to use, I particularly suggest that you get materials from NCEES. They can be ordered from the web site. Note that in most jurisdictions, you are given a copy of the supplied reference book at no cost when you sign up for the exam. It can also be obtained directly from the web, but requires many pages of printing. [Where appropriate, include information about available review materials like those from NSPE and ASCE for the CE exam, IEEE for the EE exam, etc. Examples would be the PE Readiness courses from NSPE, the PE Review CD ROM from NSPE, PE Review videos from IEEE. More info available from these organization on their web sites.] [Add DATE/LOCATION]

FREQUENT QUESTIONS Can I transfer my Engineer Intern (EI) Registration? Will graduate school count for the 4 years experience requirement? What score is required to pass the test? If I fail, can I take the test again? How can I contact the licensure board in my state when I’m ready for the PE exam? Let me answer a few of the questions that I am frequently asked about professional engineering registration. I’ll begin with some of the simplest ones.... [No need to transfer –all jurisdictions recognize EIT status from other states] [Graduate work counts for one year, only if it is in engineering, not MBA, etc.] [Exam is equated, so no set score is known ahead of time, but typically about 50% correct will pass] [Yes, the exam may be repeated – but who wants to endure it again, so get prepared and pass the first time] [Go to and find address, telephone, of your state board.] [Add DATE/LOCATION]

PE LICENSE The next step is to gain work experience.
Four years of “progressive engineering experience” Three years with an MS degree (most states) Two years with a Ph.D. degree (many states) The Principles and Practice exam (PE) If you have never heard of EAC/ABET, you might first wonder if your school is accredited. You can usually find out by consulting the school’s catalogue or asking a faculty person. If your school is accredited you can typically become licensed with an engineering BS degree, four years of qualifying experience after graduation and passing the FE and P&PE examinations. If your school is not accredited, it may take additional experience or, in some states, you cannot become licensed as a P.E. (Note: It is recommended that the presenter be prepared to answer the question about which schools are EAC/ABET accredited within the territory of interest to the audience. Such a list is available from the ABET web sit, [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Next Step – PE Exam [Add DATE/LOCATION]

PE Exams Group 1 – Offered twice per year
Group 1 Exams offering multiple afternoon depth modules Civil Construction Geotechnical Structural Transportation Water Resources and Environmental Mechanical HVAC and Refrigeration Mechanical Systems and Materials Thermal and Fluids Systems Group 1 Exams without multiple afternoon depth modules Chemical Electrical and Computer – Computer Engineering Electrical and Computer – Electrical and Electronics Electrical and Computer – Power Environmental Structural (16-hour) [Add DATE/LOCATION]

PE Exams Group 2 Exams – Offered once per year APPROVED CALCULATORS
Agricultural Architectural Control Systems Fire Protection Industrial Metallurgical and Materials Mining and Mineral Processing Naval Architecture and Marine Nuclear Petroleum APPROVED CALCULATORS NCEES 2012 Approved Calculator List Casio: All fx-115 models Hewlett-Packard: HP 33s and HP 35s only Texas Instruments: All TI-30X and TI-36X models [Add DATE/LOCATION]

PE Exam Open Book Exam, bound materials.
8-10 weeks after exam Boards get score Test results vary by state board Pass / Fail exam with diagnostic About a dozen of the states license engineers by their discipline. Most of the states provide a license simply as a Professional Engineer, or P.E. Even in some of these states where the license states only professional engineer, the Board may publish a roster of registrants which lists your primary discipline. [Be sure to note second bullet and that you must limit your practice to areas in which you have demonstrated competence.] [Add DATE/LOCATION]

PE Diagnostic Report [Add DATE/LOCATION]

PE Pass Rates (April 2014) [Add DATE/LOCATION]

After qualifying, am I licensed as a P.E. in my engineering discipline?
In a few states, yes. In most states, you are licensed as a P.E. without any other designation, however, you can practice only in your field of expertise gained by education and/or experience. About a dozen of the states license engineers by their discipline. Most of the states provide a license simply as a Professional Engineer, or P.E. Even in some of these states where the license states only professional engineer, the Board may publish a roster of registrants which lists your primary discipline. [Be sure to note second bullet and that you must limit your practice to areas in which you have demonstrated competence.] [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Can I become licensed nationally?
No. Just as with other professions, the requirements for licensure are left to the states. However, most state laws are similar to the NCEES model law so usually you do not have to pass exams again and you can be licensed by “comity”. Licensing professional practitioners is not mentioned in the US Constitution, so it is among those powers “reserved to the states”. However, since engineering has adopted quite uniform licensing requirements and national examinations, it is usually very easy to obtain your license in additional states through a process called comity. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

“Expedited Comity” If you obtain and maintain a “Council Record” with NCEES, and you are determined to be qualified as a “Model Law Engineer”, many states will grant you a PE license quickly–within a week or two. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

What are the 10 reasons for becoming licensed as a P.E.?
There are really more than 10 reasons but most will fall in four categories . . . 1. A legal necessity. 2. Improved employment security. 3. Better opportunities for advancement. 4. Personal satisfaction. Well, finally we are ready to address those top ten reasons for becoming licensed as a Professional Engineer..... [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Legal Necessity 1. If you ever want or need to practice as a consulting engineer, you must be licensed as a P.E. 2. Only a P.E. can practice as a professional engineer and sign and seal engineering documents that are submitted to a public authority or for public and private clients. Some engineering graduates may initially be employed by a Consulting Engineering firm. They cannot sign and seal documents until they are licensed. Increasingly, engineers who change careers or are required to leave employment of a company, turn to consulting if they are licensed. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Improved Employment Security
3. Restructuring, downsizing and outsourcing ARE REAL! A P.E. license may make the difference in finding new employment. 4. Industry and utility exemptions are being considered for elimination by some states. 5. Continuing education is required for a professional engineer-- in many states by law but in all states in practice. Current trends are for some companies to downsize by reducing employees on their payroll, but hiring them back through a consulting engineering firm. In this case, the engineer must be licensed or must work under the direct supervision of a P.E. employed at the consulting firm. Some states have already eliminated industry and utility exemptions as not in the public interest. Others are considering the same step. The PE licensure will assure potential employers that you are maintaining professional competency. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Opportunities for Advancement
6. Many companies encourage licensure and some even pay a bonus for becoming a P.E. 7. In education, there is movement towards requiring a P.E. license for engineering faculty or for holding certain titles. 8. In many industry, utility, and government positions, a P.E. is required for specified jobs or levels. Look at advertisements for engineering positions. You will find that many employers encourage their engineers to become a P.E. Some of you will decide to become faculty members, and some colleges require the faculty to be licensed P.E.’s. Many senior engineering positions require the P.E. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Opportunities for Advancement – (Con’t.)
9. With the engineering profession now operating in an international environment, licensing may be advantageous in the future to work in other countries. You will be better prepared in the event your career moves in this direction. Don’t forget that most foreign countries recognize the P.E. license! [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Personal Satisfaction
10. Licensure is the mark of a professional. Ethical standards, continuing education, and professional competency are expected. P.E. after your name indicates you have met the standards and can be respected as a professional. Perhaps the most important reason to become a P.E. is the personal satisfaction that it brings to you. It is a credential that belongs to you, not your employer or your position. It brings the respect of your peers and goes with you wherever you career interests may take you. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

... And One More Reason Oh....and there is one other reason for becoming a PE that may interest you. While there are many things that will affect your salary, the results of this survey of several thousand engineers a few years ago illustrates that .... [Add DATE/LOCATION]

OK …. What’s Coming?? [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Additional Engineering Education as a Prerequisite for Licensure
Implementation of Master’s or Equivalent (MOE) - The Future of Engineering Education ASCE NSPE [Add DATE/LOCATION]

WHY?? College education is not what it used to be. Less credits required (154 to 120). Engineering is becoming more complex. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

National Academy of Engineering, 2005
“It is evident that the exploding body of science and engineering knowledge can not be accommodated within the context of the traditional four year baccalaureate degree.” National Academy of Engineering, 2005 [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Body of Knowledge Knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become a licensed professional engineer. [Add DATE/LOCATION]

How Does Additional Engineering Education Fit into the Process?
Practice of Engineering at the Professional Level Body of Specialized Knowledge Licensure More Experience and Lifelong Learning and Possibly Specialty Certification Baccalaureate Education Experience Add’l Education FE Exam PE Exam [Add DATE/LOCATION]

Example – Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge ASCE
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The future . . . Are you ready?
Having a P.E. license is the best insurance policy and could affect your career. The time to start is now. Contact your state licensing board for requirements and examination dates. Licensing board addresses and phone numbers can be obtained from the Internet -- So, I hope this has given you some perspective on professional licensing of engineers and convinced you that your future would be well served by deciding now that you will become a P.E. There is no question that it will never be easier to start the process than right now. As you graduate from your engineering school, your command of the basic areas of engineering is the best it can be.... [Add DATE/LOCATION]

NSPE encourages you to get it.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND STUDY MATERIALS
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 280 Seneca Creek Road Seneca, SC Phone: (800) Fax: (803) Internet: NSPE Web site: There are many different study guides and review manuals available to help you prepare for the FE and PE exams. Since the NCEES is the organization that prepares the tests for all jurisdictions to use, I particularly suggest that you get materials from NCEES. They can be ordered from the web site. Note that in most jurisdictions, you are given a copy of the supplied reference book at no cost when you sign up for the exam. It can also be obtained directly from the web, but requires many pages of printing. [Where appropriate, include information about available review materials like those from NSPE and ASCE for the CE exam, IEEE for the EE exam, etc. Examples would be the PE Readiness courses from NSPE, the PE Review CD ROM from NSPE, PE Review videos from IEEE. More info available from these organization on their web sites.] Sponsored by CTSPE

Importance of Becoming a PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER

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