Construction experience to qualify for PE?
Construction experience to qualify for PE?
(OP)
My new job comes with a lot of pressure to get your PE License. I have spent the past 12 years working for construction companies in varying positions - project engineer, project manager, inspector, estimator. I do have a degree in Civil Eng. Tech.
My problem is this... To take the FE and the PE in CT (both of which I need to take), I need to have "qualifying experience" (4 years for the FE, and 7 for the PE).
My experience in the past runs the gamut in construction, but I'm worried that my past isn't going to cover me on getting my PE. Any one out there get their PE with most of their experience from being in construction? What kinds of experience in that field would help me qualify?
My problem is this... To take the FE and the PE in CT (both of which I need to take), I need to have "qualifying experience" (4 years for the FE, and 7 for the PE).
My experience in the past runs the gamut in construction, but I'm worried that my past isn't going to cover me on getting my PE. Any one out there get their PE with most of their experience from being in construction? What kinds of experience in that field would help me qualify?





RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
I believe you are supposed to show progressive experience. I imagine you started off at something small and worked your way up to project engineer and project manager. Just detail your experiences as such and I don't imagine you should have a problem. In my state the only hang up might be your CE technology degree but I know of neighboring states that have no problem with it.
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
Here is a simple tip; contact your State Board that regulates PE licenses. They have the final say.
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
Sam74 - my state does have issues with a degree in Technology. Don't get me started on that one - I think it is absolutely crazy that all the states are different.
Can some one out there tell me what the difference is between the Civil degree and the Civil Tech. degree?
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
While it is true that one of the differences between an "engineering" degree and an "engineering technology" degree is that ABET doesn't require an ET degree to take calculus beyond calc I (or differential equations) and doesn't require calc-based physics, many that I know of (including mine) required calc I & II (I also took calc III and diff. eq.), and calc-based physics.
The biggest difference between the two degrees is this........ A Civil Engineering degree requires competence in 4 disciplines, a Civil Engineering Technology degree only requires a competence in 1 or 2 disciplines (I can't remember which, but I think it is 2). While the degree is not as broad, you are better equipped in your area of focus than most coming out with undergrad CE degree only (Most CE programs allow the students to take at most about 4 classes in their area of interest in order to satisfy all of the other discipline requirements). The previous statement is assuming it is a 4 year degree (BS) and not an associates.
I have a BS in Structural Engineering Technology and I also think the way the boards view these degrees as second class is ridiculous. I have many more structural classes than any CE with undergrad degree only that I have met.
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
You'll need references of course (usually PE's).
But most importantly, you will probably really need to buckle down and prepare well for the FE as some of the material on the FE may not have been covered in the same depth when compared to an engr. degree.
Good luck!!
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
You might consider in the different aspects of your work, if you were to open a consultancy, and do that same job for somebody, would you be violating licensing laws?
Take a close look at your state's laws, their definition of "engineering", etc. Don't exaggerate your work, but don't sell yourself short, either.
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
"any professional service such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design or responsible supervision of construction, in connection with any public or privately-owned structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, works or projects in which the public welfare or the safeguarding of life, public health or property is concerned or involved"
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
JStephen - you must be an expert googler - I've been looking all week and never found that! It is very helpful and I will have to reflect on my past jobs to put it in perspective. It has been many years and many different jobs.
As for studying - yes, Senselessticker, I will need to study hard. I graduated in 1996 and haven't spent much time thinking about Chemistry or Biology. Of course, I will need to board to accept my application first!
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
In the late 80's to early 90's I worked in Connecticut as a resident engineer on several bridge projects (already had my PE plus 10 years of design experience). Several of my DOT counterparts were PE's and they spent their entire careers in construction. Don't be discouraged.
Keep in mind, it's important that you describe your experience in detail. On a number of occasions when I've signed someone's application (people who worked in design and/or construction) I found that they skimp on details, which I add or have the applicant add.
Some aspects of construction don't count in all states: reviewing schedules; preparing payments; routine inspection. Reviewing catalog cuts can either way. Things that usually count are: reviewing contractor calculations; shop drawing review for conformance with the contract; survey calculations for things such as deck elevations, roadway alignment and grade.
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
I have not seen it mentioned in the posts above, but in Washington, to get the PE, you must work under the supervision of a PE of the same discipline you intend to be qualified for. That could be a problem for you according to what you didn't mention in your initial post.
As previously mentioned though, it is best to check it out with your local board.
Mike McCann
McCann Engineering
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
Thanks for all the suggestions... I'll let you know how it goes.
-Jestergold
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
What state are you in? I know a pretty good number of states (including Pennsylvania) have the same requirements for FE and PE test taking and registration for both engineering and engineering technology degrees. The bottom line is that you won't need any experience to take the FE as long as your engineering technology degree is ABET accredited and is a 4 yr degree. Once you have the FE, you will need 4 years under a PE. I believe some states allow that experience to take place prior to passing the FE, but PA does not - they don't start teh 4 yr clock until you pass the FE.
RE: Construction experience to qualify for PE?
In any case, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.