CM wanting a PE
CM wanting a PE
(OP)
I made a mistake 6 years ago when I graduated with a degree in Construction Management (not to be confused with a degree in Civil Engineering, focus in CM). Immediately out of college I took a job with an engineering firm and have loved it since. I have worked my way up to being a resident engineer on smaller projects, but can see that my future will likely be constrained by the lack of a P.E. Most people in my office don’t even realize that I’m a CM and not a CE, and to me that part isn’t as important as wanting to get my P.E. I’m fairly confident in my technical skills, but have heard that in my state (Illinois), CM’s are not able to take it (all though I’m not positive on this). I have also heard that CM’s can take the P.E. in other states and Illinois will honor it… Any ideas?
Appreciate everyone’s help!
Thanks.
Appreciate everyone’s help!
Thanks.





RE: CM wanting a PE
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: CM wanting a PE
Have you considered getting a Master's degree in Engineering?
RE: CM wanting a PE
CM is not an engineering curriculum and I don't know of any state that would allow you to sit for the PE exam with that degree. For several years I taught in a Construction Management program at a southeastern university and there was no intent to make engineers out of CM graduates. In some states, an engineering technology degree will suffice for the PE exam, but not all. I doubt that Illinois will allow you to take the PE as they are quirky even to those that have an engineering degree.
Glad you like engineering. Keep pursuing it and good luck.
RE: CM wanting a PE
It is my understanding that most schools which offer an ABET accredited Bachelors program do not have their Masters program accredited.
The ABET accreditation process is separate for Masters and Bachelors programs.
If the program is not ABET accredited, it is as useless as a CM degree towards getting a PE.
The ease of obtaining reciprocity from other states is related to the stringency of the requirements. Florida, for example, has fairly stringent requirements and it is easy to get reciprocity in other states. Texas allowed experience in lieu of a degree to obtain a PE until recently, and it was difficult to get reciprocity in other states from Texas. If you get a PE in another state with less stringent requirements, Illinois may not give reciprocity and you're back where you started.
The above is all stuff I've heard and I've only read the practice acts of a few states, so it may be inaccurate.
RE: CM wanting a PE
Thanks
RE: CM wanting a PE
As everyone said above, you would need to call the board to see what you would need to do to qualify to take the exam. I know some states may require you to take and pass the EIT before you can take the PE. So unfortunately you may be looking at a long road ahead.
I will say that if you take the journey you employment future would be a little brighter as you will have more opportunity especially since you are a CE (my opinion).
RE: CM wanting a PE
jgailla makes a very important point about the ABET accreditation.
RE: CM wanting a PE
RE: CM wanting a PE
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity”
RE: CM wanting a PE
It's still much more efficient than going back and trying to get another bachelors.
RE: CM wanting a PE
On a separate note, I may not have too many classes to take to get to a BSCE either, our CM curriculum was fairly close to the CE curriculum until our senior year where we focused on a lot of finance and management coursework as opposed to senior level design coursework.
I have contacted the board; they stated that without an ABET EAC BS degree, I would be reviewed as a “related science”, in which I will need to submit an application for review of my coursework. Also, Illinois does not offer comity or reciprocity. Only endorsement if licensed in another jurisdiction and it meets Illinois requirements at the time of licensure.
RE: CM wanting a PE
RE: CM wanting a PE
Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC