Taking the PE and SE
Taking the PE and SE
(OP)
Hi all -
I'm in a unique situation, so I figured I'd look for some input from other professionals who may or may not have come across something similar. I've been an EIT for 2.5 years now, so I'll be eligible to take my PE in Fall of 2013. I'm probably going to start brushing up and gathering materials in the coming months so that I can get familiar with everything now. I'll take a refresher course early '13 followed by an in depth "prep course" as the date gets closer. This is sort of me just getting my mental muscles up and running again.
My line of work is very unique (as is my work environment). There are six engineers at my company, and only 3 are currently PE's. A fourth will be taking his exam in October, and then I will be next, followed by the 6th engineer a year later. We have no SE's on staff and have a consultant for that.
My work is very unique and involves designing tall, thin, cylindrical concrete structures. I deal almost exclusively with concrete actually - I have some steel design experience, but I'd say limited at best.
I'm curious to know if with basic structural knowledge, would it be feasible to study for and pass the SE I and II without being heavily involved in structural design as a building or bridge engineer would be? I ask because in my studying for the PE, I can also work to obtain the SE study material (reference manuals, problems, etc) as well. I would work to take and pass the PE the October I'm eligible and work for the SE either the following Spring or next Fall (I'd have to research how the PE and SE exam schedules work with one another).
Anyways, I guess I'm curious if anyone has had anything like the same experience or dilemma that I'm in. Thanks for the input!
I'm in a unique situation, so I figured I'd look for some input from other professionals who may or may not have come across something similar. I've been an EIT for 2.5 years now, so I'll be eligible to take my PE in Fall of 2013. I'm probably going to start brushing up and gathering materials in the coming months so that I can get familiar with everything now. I'll take a refresher course early '13 followed by an in depth "prep course" as the date gets closer. This is sort of me just getting my mental muscles up and running again.
My line of work is very unique (as is my work environment). There are six engineers at my company, and only 3 are currently PE's. A fourth will be taking his exam in October, and then I will be next, followed by the 6th engineer a year later. We have no SE's on staff and have a consultant for that.
My work is very unique and involves designing tall, thin, cylindrical concrete structures. I deal almost exclusively with concrete actually - I have some steel design experience, but I'd say limited at best.
I'm curious to know if with basic structural knowledge, would it be feasible to study for and pass the SE I and II without being heavily involved in structural design as a building or bridge engineer would be? I ask because in my studying for the PE, I can also work to obtain the SE study material (reference manuals, problems, etc) as well. I would work to take and pass the PE the October I'm eligible and work for the SE either the following Spring or next Fall (I'd have to research how the PE and SE exam schedules work with one another).
Anyways, I guess I'm curious if anyone has had anything like the same experience or dilemma that I'm in. Thanks for the input!





RE: Taking the PE and SE
The SE is heavy into buildings and bridges, with code related design problems, mainly in steel, concrete, and wood. Definitely seismic problems, maybe wind too. Can also get into foundation design.
You have a very good plan for the PE, and with that prep, you will nave no problem passing. Is there any hope of getting other experience in the future within this firm?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Taking the PE and SE
RE: Taking the PE and SE
And slta, no - I don't need the SE. We have someone that we have review our drawings and calculations for a fee when we do work in states that require an SE to seal the drawings. Part of it would be to eliminate that, and part of it would be for personal accomplishment. I guess it's the side of me that still has some academia in it! ;)
One thing I can probably do is grab a selection of prep problems and feel them out. If I don't think I can make myself comfortable with the material, I imagine I'll have answered my own question! The PE is obviously the more important license for me to obtain, and it may be that I should focus solely on that and keep the structural work as a way of bettering myself!
Thanks for the tips and info guys, really appreciate it.
RE: Taking the PE and SE
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Taking the PE and SE