Getting an SE License
Getting an SE License
(OP)
I am a PE in two states and the company I work for provides equipment and structural supports for the utility industry all over the country. I am interested in becoming an SE. In the past states required both the Structures I and Structures II test. I understand that each state is different, but that most states now require a 16 hour test to get an SE license. Is that correct? I have passed the Structures I test in 2001. Does that mean I am still required to take the full 16 hour test? If I take the test for one state, do other states recognize this? For example, I was considering getting an Illinois SE. Would California recognize this or do they require additional testing?






RE: Getting an SE License
So you would have to take and pasds the current 16 hour structural exam to get licensed in Illinois.
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RE: Getting an SE License
RE: Getting an SE License
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
RE: Getting an SE License
In the past, CA SE testing requirements were much more stringent. To me that seems natural given the frequency with which earthquakes affect people's lives on the west coast. And, while the gap is closing, there has historically been a pretty serious gap in seismic engineering competence between the west coast and the rest of the country.
I personally applaud California's initiative in this realm. They take their structural engineering seriously, they take their licensing seriously, and they take inspection seriously. I'd be fine with California's approach being adopted by all jurisdictions.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
"In addition, the applicant must pass the California Civil exams in Seismic Principles and on
Engineering Surveying, which are given as two additional 2½-hour computer base tested
(CBT) exams."
For a SE
"Obtain at least three references who are authorized to use the title "Structural
Engineer" by having passed the Western Zone Structural Engineer Examination and who have personal knowledge of the applicant's qualifying work experience. See Question 26, part c for information on how to obtain suitable references. These three references, taken together, must verify three full years (36 months) of responsible charge experience. Responsible charge experience does not begin until licensure as a professional or civil engineer has been obtained (in California the date used is that of the last part of the exam by which the applicant obtained his or her license. See Question 22, part d.)"
This information and more is available from the attach link under the "FAQs regarding Engineering Certification/Licensure Requirements"
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/index.shtml
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Getting an SE License
Previously you were required by your jurisdiction to pass the Structural I exam and obtain a PE. That exam is no longer used and your state probably requires new structural PE applicants to pass the 16 hour exam. Now, to get a license in another state you are required to pass the 16 hour exam which you take and unfortunately don't pass (you're a little rusty). What happens to your original license? Are you no longer a PE?
I have never found the answer to this question (although I haven't look too hard).
RE: Getting an SE License
1) Ask for my scores
2) Try for states where I might have to take another exam.
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
Thanks for the reply. I have been very nervous about going out and getting more licenses for the reason I listed above. As a sole proprietor loosing my license (for whatever reason) would be devastating.
So have you applied for licenses in other states since they implemented the new exam? I haven't needed to but I am just wondering if you have and if the process was difficult or not.
KootK
Do you have any proof that you are still a PE? Is this something you have dealt with personally.... or know someone who has?
RE: Getting an SE License
1) My opinion that it would be utterly absurd to be going around un-licensing existing PE's because they stumbled on some new fangled SE exam.
2) The fact that, historically, there's been a long standing and, as far as I know, utterly uninterrupted tradition of "grandfathering" when it comes to PE/SE licensing.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Getting an SE License
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Getting an SE License
To make matters worse, other states are looking at CA as a model when considering instituting SE licensure laws(requiring a civil PE prior to the SE). For a state going from no SE requirements to a California-based SE model, you would up the required testing hours to practice structural engineering from 8 hrs (for Civil PE only) to 24 hrs (Civil PE + SE) overnight. (All while grandfathering in all practicing structural engineers with nothing but a signed affidavit of course..)
RE: Getting an SE License
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Getting an SE License
"In addition, the applicant must pass the California Civil exams in Seismic Principles and on
Engineering Surveying, which are given as two additional 2½-hour computer base tested
(CBT) exams."
EIT
www.HowToEngineer.com
RE: Getting an SE License
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Getting an SE License
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
RE: Getting an SE License
RE: Getting an SE License
When did you take the test?
Mine was almost twenty years ago and my friend was last year.
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
"new test"?
I was referring to the California additional tests (Seismic and Surveying).
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
So you have not then taken the California tests (Seismic and Surveying) that you are commenting on?
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
Okay, I am from southern California so I did not get the "Cow Palace" reference.
Sorry about that.
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
First off, I pretty much disagree with almost everything California does regarding CE and SE engineering licensing.
As for the Surveying test, first time I studied for the main test only. so did not pass the Surveying. Second time the Surveying test was all based on CalTrans information. Not only did they have their own equations, they had a difference surveying stick that all test takers were question about. So I did not pass again. Third time (as I complained and knew others had too) I just restudied Surveying. The test had no CalTrans questions so I passed.
So I am interested in how others feel about how they are testing Surveying now.
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
Looking at the NCEES web site, it appears that in the afternoon sessions you are required to work a steel problem, a concrete problem, a wood problem and a masonry problem. Am I reading that correctly or can you choose just one problem?
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
You cannot pick or choose which problem to complete, all 4 must be completed. Looking at historic failing grades it appears that any "unacceptable" mark on these problems is an automatic fail (unless you aced the morning session perhaps).
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.
(Just passed the 16-hour SE exam, woohoo!)
RE: Getting an SE License
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Getting an SE License
I'm in the process of trying to blank all the struggle of studying for the SE exam from my memory. Also, did you mean to write "when I wrote the exam"? If so don't ever tell me your address, I hear there's this guy that ships an exploding package of glitter to someones house and it may or may not end up at your door. :P
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.
(Just passed the 16-hour SE exam, woohoo!)
RE: Getting an SE License
Taking the SE was both mentally and physically draining. I studied for over a year, and it was always on my mind the days I wasn't studying.
RE: Getting an SE License
CA used to have SEIII. They no longer offer it.
BTW, before SE, you need to pass CA State Specific Exams-Seismic and Survey to become CA PE and then apply for CA SE.
IMO, Seismic is easy if your are into that. For me Survey was a hell, as I never touched it after my 2nd year of UG. I passed 8hr and Seismic in the first go and had to retake survey.
Texas also offer the same SE exam (NCEES 16 hr exam). They may call it PE Structural. They don't need references from SE's. PE is good enough for TX. But for CA, u have to get 3 or 4 SE references.