Why so few MET PE's ???
Why so few MET PE's ???
(OP)
I will be taking the metallurgical PE exam ob Oct. 29 in Houston. I noticed that only 3 other candidates are signed up for the metallurgical exam. I also noticed that there are very very few MET exam takers nationwide. I was going to take the mechanical PE exam with the fluids depth section, but when I started looking at the material in the TMS study guide, I decided that the MET might be more up my alley. I deal with chemistry and materials as it applies in the power industry (power plant construction and commissioning). A person taking the mechanical exam has literally an unlimited supply of practice exams and problems to work with. Not so for the metallurgical exam. I know TMS is involved with the design of the exam (I'm a TMS member by the way). Is hoping that being able to understand EVERY problem in the 52-problem guide enough to confidently take the exam? Or, should I expect surprises that the guide does not prepare you for? I can also understand how the other exams are graded and then adjusted so that it may only require a 50%raw score to pass....but what about when only 20 or 30 people are taking the exam...??? I'd love to hear comments and/or advice from others who paved the way, or have knowledge of what I've gotten myself into.
Thanks!!
Curtis (CW#)
Thanks!!
Curtis (CW#)





RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
I can tell you from recent experience that NCEES who administers the Principles and Practice exam for Metallurgical Engineering, and TMS that writes the questions do NOT grade on any curve, period. The "scaled" score of 70 mentioned by NCEES does NOT mean 70% correct responses. I believe (my opinion only) a scaled score refers to some questions having more weight than others because the exam is testing minimum competency to practice metallurgical engineering. So, if 2 people or 100 people take the exam, the scaled score of 70 determines who passes and who doesn't. The purpose of the scaled score is to level the playing field each year the exam is administered by NCEES/TMS.
As far as exam complexity, I can tell you from having taken the exam in October, 2003 and passed, the TMS study guide questions are ONLY examples of question format and are NOT indicative of complexity or similarity to what is on the exam. Do not focus too much on these problems. The TMS sample questions, I believe, are intended to introduce you to various areas of metallurgical engineering and how to set up and answer questions. Instead, work example problems in each of the reference books suggested by the TMS reference guide (Hertzberg, Dieter, and Poiter's books in particular). What I found very useful in preparation for this exam is searching the internet for homework problems and exams in metallurgical engineering graduate classes.
Get a good night's sleep before the exam. Show up early and relax. The only practical advice I can give you is to move quickly thru the problems, and skip those that trip you up. Remember, this is all multiple choice so you can come back to answer those questions that are in-depth and not related to your work experience.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND OTHERS
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Maui
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
I can still recall the mental fog I was in after completing the exam, many argue that the fog was permenant till this day ...LOL
I am the laid back type, I took the test cold and did just fine but I work 10 hours a day 5 days a week at engineering...If you are away from engineering on a day to day basis, then studying will have more of an impact.
I have a few friends in materials engineering, they are in high demand. It seems like engineering schools are dropping that disipline...I don't understand why though...
Good luck and definately let us know how you make out...
BobPE
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
There will be a tough engineering econ question. And there will be a couple of questions that have never heard of. Select the questions that you know how to set-up. Start by roughing out your approach and then get to work.
The test is very psyc, metengr is on the money. Feeling comfortable is a huge factor. Wear a short sleaved shirt and bring a seatshirt so that you can be physically comfortable too.
I remember a few of the questions after all of these years. They are good ones.
Any of you that want to, feel free to contact me. Maybe we should have our own little corner of the forum?
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Thanks,
Curtis (CW3)
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
I sat in the back row, where I could reach the drink table.
What I wound up doing was keeping my drink on the floor next to me, once I'd reached back and retrieved it from quarantine, and no one bothered me about it.
A minor point but some people are more affected by their environment than others (and some get thirstier or need more caffeine).
Hg
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
There were Metallurgical PE exams prior to 1980 but possibly not in your State. I had some old exam copies dating from the early 70's and late 60's from California, where I had intended to take the exam in the late 70s and early 80's but the State kept on changing the rules and at one time even discontinued the exam for a few years. I finally took the exam in 98 in Texas, even though Texas would have let me "Grandfather" in.
To CW3, Good luck! All of the advice previously given is GOOD advice!
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
I agree that the number one piece of advice is what is written on the Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Don't Panic.
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Hg
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Being an olde fart, I took the test back in '85, before NY offered a metallurgical PE. The general PE at that time was not difficult, as you had to answer 7 out of 40 questions, plus the economics question. Picking and choosing, I think I did one Civil, two Chemical, and four Mechanical questions. Ah, those were the days…
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Best regards to all.
Curtis (CW3)
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
That is great to hear that you took the exam, that is more than half the battle!!! As a fellow PE, I will be thinking good thoughts for you there...
If, when you get correspondence from the PE board, the envelope is fat, then it most likely contains a re-exam application however, if it is thin, you got the old congratulations Mr/Mrs PE letter....
The lore surrounding the exam is quite unique and I pass the story of the envelope to you for posterity.....
Do let us know how you make out....
BobPE
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Regards,
Cory
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
BobPE
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Regards,
Cory
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Kentucky only gives the exam in the Fall session, so if I don't pass, it's 1 yr before I can do a retake. DOES ANY BODY KNOW A STATE OUT THERE THAT GIVES THE MET PE IN THE SPRING.
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Hg
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
The Principles and Practice exam for Metallurgical Engineering is a administered by NCEES.
http://www.ncees.org/
This is a national examination in the US, and as such, it is only offered once a year (October).
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Maybe they give points for bubbling in your name, SS#, etc................
Thanks again,
Curtis (CW3)
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
I just wish that I had been able to take a multiple choice test. Eight long answer problems was a bear.
My real question is Why do you take the test? I can see old guys like me caring because we need to be able to advertise 'engineering consulting services'. Personnal accomplishment? (a very good reason). Professional pride? I have never seen an industrial employer that cared.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Good question.
CW3
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Multiple choice tests are NOT easier in comparison to "show your work" exams. I had taken the PE test as a multiple choice test (and passed) and I had also taken the EIT when it was "show your work". Having both experiences, the show your work is by far the better method for engineers.
As an engineer, I had despised multiple choice tests in college, and as a PE reviewer for the metallurgical PE exam I still do!! Multiple choice tests show that candidates can get lucky at guessing, or you can solve problems by substituting various answers to reach a solution to a problem. Providing a methodology as to how one arrives at a solution to a hypothetical complex engineering problem shows true problem solving skills as an engineer.
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Now I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't feel that the test appropriately addresses certain fields of metallurgical engineering. Any comments on that?
~NiM
UKCats: Are you a materials engineering grad or chemical engineering grad? Just curious because of your specialty area listed next to your nickname. (NiM = MSE 1991 UK grad ... Go CATS!)
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
I'm a Chemical Engineer, UK 1980, MSChE UT 1994. Along the way I took and passed my Chem PE, Mech PE, and now Met PE.
UTCATS
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
Maui
RE: Why so few MET PE's ???
It is a tough test because of the range of coverage needed. With every thing from carbon steel heattreating to extraction, Ni based superalloys to corrosion, and some non-ferrous in between, there is a lot to cover.
Don't missunderstand, I think that multiple choice is a poor test format for this kind of test. It is just that I always did much better on that format.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm