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PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)
2

PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
Hi all,

I plan on signing up for the PE in metallurgy. The test is in October for my state (Ohio). I will be creating a condensed formula and topics sheet to take along with my books.

The deadline for registration is coming up. It is typically 3 months before the test date. I plan on getting my info sent in by the end of the week or early next week.

If anybody else is taking it, perhaps we should confer on the studying process. It appears the pass rate currently is around 50% so I don't expect this to be a cakewalk by any means.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

Good Luck Dave!

It wasn't a cakewalk 5 years ago...and that was when the test was half "show your work".  I understand it is all multiple choice now?!?  Arg!  I'd rather show my work and get partial credits!

Hopefully you have picked up some good references for review and study.  There aren't many out there for metallurgists though, unfortunately.

Anyway...study...study...and relax (the key on test day is not to panic)...PASS the #$!@ thing!

Good Luck!!

~NiM

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

Good luck.  As has already been noted, study and relax.  When I took it, I was the only one taking the Metallurgical P.E. in Missouri.  I took way too many books in.  Use common sense, and look into a lot of the materials properties.  I found the ASM Materials books to be the most helpful.

Good Luck!!

Frank Moore, P.E.
Consulting Metallurgical Engineer
Kansas City Power and Light Co.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

I hope you are using the TMS site
http://www.tms.org/Education/education.html

"Professional Registration: As a professional society for metallurgical and materials engineers, TMS actively encourages professional registration. Hence, the society takes a lead role in developing the test employed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying to register professional metallurgical engineers in the United States. To facilitate the taking of this exam, TMS provides a free study guide to use in preparing for the Principles and Practice of Engineering Examination."

Good luck,
Ken

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

EngineerDave:

You and I wrote about the PE exam.  I took the last one in Mechanical last April.

The comments from here were very helpful - especially the one that said. "No matter how smart you are - if you don't study you will fail."

I studied like a fanatic - and today, I hung my PE certificate on the wall.  I pass by a slim margin, but the headache before, during, and after is now gone.

Good Luck.  I am slightly interested in doing the Metuallurgy. But I am going to wait and catch my breath.

Let us know how you do.

jackboot

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
Thanks guys. The TMS board is great. I also plan on contacting a professor in my area who used to give review classes for the PE. The only thing is that he hasn't done this in a few years, and the format has changed, but at least the general topics of study should be similar.

I have been remiss in never owning the Metals Handbook Desk Edition as every place I work had one! The reason I must study now is because in the fall I will be back to graduate classes. I have an excellent 3 month window to study now (although there are so many other things I'd like to read as well!)

I don't own the heat treat books eithers. I could be looking at considerable expense to buy a few of those. Fortunately most of the other recommended references were my college texts, or are easily available from the university.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
Well after submitting the paperwork, I found out last week that I am approved to take the test.

I haven't been studying as much as I would have liked. I now have a month and half before the exam! (Not to mention work and graduate classes which will start in 3 weeks in a slightly different field)

Any advice on what to focus on? I am going to make a formula sheet based on the TMS practice site.

I wish there was a comprehensive listing of important formulas used in metallurgy. Looks like I'll be creating one!

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

EngineerDave,

I don't recommend creating a formula sheet.  Make sure you print the TMS study guide, take some simple math/stats/conversion formulas (sine, Cpk, pounds/newtons), and know the ASM Metals Handbook Desk edition.  TMS creates the test questions, their study guide has similar questions to those on the actual tests, and many questions can be answered using this one book.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

EngineerDave, give us some feedback after completing the exam. I plan to take it in Pennsylvania next October, and am curious about the content and type of questions asked.
I'd also like to know which references you find most useful during the exam.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
I sure will. I'm hoping as CoreyPad says that the Metals Handbook Desk Edition helps with the bulk of it. I still plan on taking several more references? I'm wondering if I should take one of those rolling suitcases full of books?

Do you know that the protocol is for books CoreyPad? I want to have everything I need but don't want it to be too ridiculous!

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

maui,

The sample test available at the TMS website is a perfect guide for the content and style of questions that will be on the PE test.

EngineerDave,

Take whatever device will carry the references you want.  Many people had rolling suitcases, many had backpacks.  No matter how many books you take, you won't look ridiculous - there will be people who take more than you ever would think to take.  In addition to the MH Desk Edition, I would take books that deal with deformation/mechanical properties, fracture mechanics, and physical metallurgy.  My test had lots of questions regarding stainless steels and high performance alloys, so ASM Handbook Volume 1 or similar would be useful.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

Engineer Dave,
I have personal copies of Metal Handbook vol1 and also Stainless steels. If you need someone to compile some formulae and text material I can do it for you,as I have some free time and it will be enjoyable. I can mail the text material too. Please let me know how we can go about. I also have books on Physical Metallurgy, Mechanical Metallurgy and ofcourse  Steel castings  handbook. I have been promising to buy the Heat Treatment volume too shortly.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
Thanks arunmrao, I may take you up on that. I need to work the problems in the practice test.

I own a few of the textbooks from undergrad, but the rest I need to borrow from work. Finding time to study has been tough, I'm typically pretty tired after work. The only thing that wakes me up is a workout!

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

engineer dave my email id is kasc@satyam.net.in. Please give me alittle moretime than you would normally expect as age has slowed down my speed. Good Luck in your preparations for the exam.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
General question. The exam is 80 questions. It takes all day. Is there any rule that you can only complete 40 in the first section and the next 40 in the second session? Just wondering. Thats one item I didn't see explicitly addressed in my documents for the test.

I take it this Friday.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

Don't know if it will be the same as mine (AZ), but no, you are only given the booklet with the first questions in the AM, and the rest after lunch.

Just remember to take "practical" books-you won't have time to be looking up any theory stuff.  You also only have to answer some of the problems-you're free to pick and choose which ones-at least way back when I took it.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
Thanks. Sometimes I'm a pretty quick test taker. In any event I'd love if they gave me all the questions so I could fly through the quick ones and spend more time on the tough ones.

Supposedly for Metallurgy you have to answer all 80 multiple choice now. You can't pick or choose.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

I am late to the conversation.  I too am taking the test this friday and have been studying for a few weeks...much easier for me to do since I am out of work.  One thing about the TMS study guide (which they magically made $43 after it being free to download in pdf just a few weeks ago) is that the rationale is a bit sketchy.  There are a few errors and I have to wonder where they got some of the equations, especially the thermodynamic questions...I have a lot of the books they recommend, but some of the equations used are just not to be found.

A lot of the study guide theory questions are right out of the ASM Metals Handbook, Avner's Physical Metallurgy book and Dieters' Mechanical Metallurgy book.  I've spent a lot of time with those.  I only have Gaskell's Thermo book (he taught it to me at Purdue) so that's why I may be having issues, that book is a bit, well difficult (the class was even harder)...would tracking down Thermodynamic Loop Applications in Material Systems be worth while in this last week?  Those are the only questions that worry me.

Alex
badplaid@comcast.net

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

When I took the exam '98, there were a number of questions to choose from, depending on your expertise; e.g., welding, welding metallurgy, heat treating, surface cleaning, surface treatments, corrosion, forming, casting technology, process metallurgy etc. If you are a mechanical metallurgist, like I am, there are enough questions that you can choose from to pass the exam. I would definitely recommend bringing heat treating reference materials as well as applicable Metals Handbooks.  The multiple guess questions were extremely exacting.

FYI there are often questions regarding railroad rails/wheels.

Good luck!

stanweld P.E.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
Yeah I have some but not all of the references. Gaskell's thermo book was an often read reference. Good luck badplaid, I'm taking the test in Ohio. I wish I had a bit more time to study but I think I'll do just well enough.

Some of those formulas were difficult to find.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

I will be taking the Principle & Practice exam in Welding Engineering this Friday in Ohio. I am currently a Mechanical PE and am adding a new speciality, so I have been through this once before.

Relax, take some snacks and drinks with you.

I finished early, about 2 hour, but had to sit there until the exam was over, you couldn't leave because it would disturb the others, so take a light novel to read.

The PPE in welding engineering is 17 question in the morning and 14 in the afternoon. Format?

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
Well, finishing 2 hrs early is something I don't necessarily predict either in my case.

Is it true that you can only have 2 references on the table at a given time? Also can you wheel your rolling suitcase right into the room? Just some minor issues that I wondered about.

I guess you actually can bring snacks and drinks in as well. May as well bring a lunch! Powerbars aren't the best but will have to do!

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

EngineerDave,

I don't recall having a limit to the number of references on the table at a given time - if there was, that didn't cause me any problems.  Yes, you can roll your suitcase right into the room and right next to your chair.  I don't remember snacks being allowed during the exam - if they are for you, that is a good thing.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
I thought the PE exam was tough. I am not allowed to discuss specifics as they made us sign a disclaimer which even mentioned talking about the exam in internet chat rooms!

Does anyone know what is required for a passing score. Also I have no idea when scores will be reported.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

I know we can't talk about specifics, but did anyopne else think the exam was unreasonably difficult in some areas that seemed to be more fe than pe?  I hope the raw score requirement was closer to 50 than 70.   

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
I agree, everyone around me that took the metallurgy exam thought it was quite difficult as well.

Maybe they will change the criteria for passing.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

A couple of thoughts,  all of which I think are in the acceptable format such as not to offend or upset the NCEES folks.  

1.  Was there a particular thermo or heat transfer book that you or anyone thought was worthwhile?

2.  Other than the handbook desk edition, what was the most valuable reference you had.  I was expecting it to be the heat treaters guides based on what everyone else had told me, but I, at least, did not find this to be the case.

3.  I like to think that my job is the best preparation anyone could have for the PE exam.  I am around licensed metallurgists everyday that practice in most every aspect of the field that one can from a private practice standpoint.  What I and they do did not seem to be reflected by the content of the exam.  

4.  How many people at you location took the met exam.  My estimate of the number of takers nationwide based on the elses website is ~70.  this may be skewed because key states such as ohio and illinois were not listed in their data.

I will post other things as I think of them.

I would like to say that I did not find this thread until after I took the exam, and was happy to find that what others told me about how to prepare for the exam was exactly what I found here.  Sadly, I do not think that this commentary was an accurate preparation for the actual exam this year.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

Apparently the results are in - I haven't found out what my score was but did get a PE Licence in the mail on 1/3/04 which I figure means I passed.  It can't have been by much - I was sure I'd failed the thing.  Quite a relief to have it over with.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

I passed too!  I thought it was hard, but some of the really challenging questions were easy to figure out just using common sense and elminating two of the answers off the bat.  Some of the vessel sizes in the answers are just not feasible in modern manufacturing, either way too small or way too big.

That said, I could have used a better thermo book....I had Gaskell's Transport Phenomena and his Met. Thermo book.  The first was ok, but the second was useless. Thermo was my worst subject in school and I was bummed that it was all over the exam.  I was hoping for more heat treating and common metallurgical practices questions.

Besides the Handbook, Dieter's book was decent to have though, a quick reference for a lot of topics.

There were 4 people in Western Washington, two were taking it for the second time.  Didnt talk to the other guy.

I am excited I passed...unfortuantely, I am now a licensed PE in Metallurgy in Washington working for a glass company in Michigan doing very little related to metals.  I can get licensed in MI for $75 and likely will...as far as getting back to metallurgy some day, that's probably likely too down the line.
 

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
Congrats guys. I too passed.

I won't give any info about the test. I think it is an experience everyone should enjoy for themselves!

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

Congrats Dave. I was anxious to know your results.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

Congrats Dave

Thanks and regards
Sayee Prasad R
Ph: 0097143968906
Mob: 00971507682668
email: sayee_prasad@yahoo.com
If it moves, train it...if it doesn't move, calibrate it...if it isn't written down, it never happened!

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

Hello Fellows,

I plan on signing up for the PE in metallurgy for October-2005.  I am based in Chicago.

Is anybody else from chicago appearing for the exam and interested in studying together or sharing the information ? I will be creating a condensed formula and topics sheet to take along with my books.

It appears the pass rate currently is around 50% so I don't expect this to be a cakewalk by any means.

Is morning questions covers all the topics or is that just General Metallurgy and economics questions ?

Thanks in Advance,

Best Regards

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
Mat001
There used to be a pdf of sample test questions. Then TMS wanted to start charging for it.

If I can find it you are welcome to have a copy. The only reason it might not be easily accessible is that I took the test in October 2003, and the file was likely on a laptop that was stolen in Sept 2004.

However if it's on my backup I will let you know.

EngineerDave

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
PS Starting to study now isnt the worst idea you could have.

I read Metals Handbook cover to cover and got all my classbooks ready.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

EngineerDave & Metenger,

Thanks for your feedback. I already got the TMS study guide and i will start my studies soon.  

What is the diffrence between the morning and afternoon questions ?  

Is there anyone else appearing for Met exam in October'05?

A handy notebook with all formulas and equations useful at the exam or i should be having all the books with me at exam ?

Thanks a lot,

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

Mat001;
There us no difference between the AM and PM questions in terms of format or complexity. The exam format remains the same in the Am and PM sessions, each subject area is covered with a different set of questions.

These are all multiple choice questions with only one correct answer. The exam is difficult and requires preparation, mainly to re-acquaint yourself to problem-solving skills, and to work with unit conversions.

My suggestion is to work as many sample problems from suggested reference books listed on the TMS web site as you can manage.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
My suggestion, bring every book  you can. I wheeled a suitcase in. I saw one guy wheel in a library rack, everybody kind of laughed about that one!

I borrowed the heat treat books from work that day.

It was a bit frantic in a way, I felt like I spent alot of time searching through books.

But I passed.

Now I face a similar close book test in my new field which is kind of related to engineering and healthcare.

I am studying for that now and it's in the end of August.

Kind of reminds me of my PE studying.

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

Engineer Dave,

What kind of engineering and Healthcare exam you are talking about ?

What is the qualifications requirements for the exam?

How is the career prospects in biomaterials and bioengineering for material scientist / metallurgist ?

I had work extensively on some orthopedic implants.

Regards,

RE: PE in metallurgy thread (anybody else taking the test in October)

(OP)
Mat001, why don't you drop me an email at daveofcincinnati@yahoo.com

I can discuss a bit with you. Please tell me a bit about your background. I'm kind of interested where you worked at in orthopaedics because I worked at a company in Warsaw Indiana in that field.

Are you taking the PE this year?

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