Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
(OP)
I'm a little confused when it comes to the best way to appoach my licensing exams. I've read several threads on this issue but haven't been able to find an answer to my specific question.
I plan to become as well licensed as I can as a structural engineer (SE I, SE II, eventually California stuff...) I currently only have the FE under my belt. My plan was to take the SE I in this fall and then SE II next spring.
I've read on the NCEES site that some states require you to take the Civil PE, Structural I, and then Structural II in order to be licensed as an SE. Also, the information that I read seemed to imply that it was important in those states to have taken the civil PE BEFORE doing SE I & SE II.
Can anyone confirm or refute my interpretation on that? Will I be shooting myself in the foot by bypassing the Civil PE? If that is indeed the case, does anyone know which states work that way?
On a separate issue, I read something that seemed to say that you need 32 yrs experience to be a PE in Nebraska? It's gotta be a misprint or something...
I plan to become as well licensed as I can as a structural engineer (SE I, SE II, eventually California stuff...) I currently only have the FE under my belt. My plan was to take the SE I in this fall and then SE II next spring.
I've read on the NCEES site that some states require you to take the Civil PE, Structural I, and then Structural II in order to be licensed as an SE. Also, the information that I read seemed to imply that it was important in those states to have taken the civil PE BEFORE doing SE I & SE II.
Can anyone confirm or refute my interpretation on that? Will I be shooting myself in the foot by bypassing the Civil PE? If that is indeed the case, does anyone know which states work that way?
On a separate issue, I read something that seemed to say that you need 32 yrs experience to be a PE in Nebraska? It's gotta be a misprint or something...






RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
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RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
In many, certainly most, states, it is still morally, ethically and most important legal to practice structural engineering with only a PE registration. That said, you will be able to extend your practice many fold by just doing that.
Based on the paperwork that I filled out for the SE license, it appeared to me that it was scrutinized more. Or simply the perception that it was. Nonetheless, when you're able to put your PE registration on the application it seems to help the qualifications.
So following the PE exam I followed up with the SE I and II and have now covered the remaining states with specific licensing which I believe presently stands at 5.
I recently heard that Nebraska has implemented some new requirement for SEs, but I am unsure what exactly it is. I do know that it isn't 32 years of experience. That probably pertains to the "grandfather" clause.
Good Luck
Regards,

Qshake
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RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
I understand that the SE-1 exam is essentially considered equivalent to the PE exam.
BUT - the PE exam doesn't always substitute for the SE-1 exam (Illinois does not allow you to get your SE via the PE exam - you must take SE-1 and SE-2).
Other than Illinois and California - I'm not aware of any state that requires both the SE-1/2 AND the PE exam. In fact, many states allow you to become licensed as a PE if you ONLY take the SE-1 exam.
RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
"a) The examination for licensure as a structural engineer shall be divided into 3 parts.
1) Fundamentals of Engineering. This examination shall be 8 hours in duration and shall consist of problems or other examining techniques designed to evaluate the applicant's knowledge of the basic and engineering sciences and related subjects normally considered as the fundamentals of engineering.
2) Structural I Examination. This examination shall be 8 hours in duration and shall consist of problems or other examining techniques relating to designs in or to the practice of structural engineering as described in Section 5 of the Act.
3) Structural II Examination. This examination shall be 8 hours in duration and shall consist of problems or other examining techniques relating to designs in structural engineering, including seismic design. Such problems may include, but not be limited to, bridges, buildings, foundations, and seismic and lateral forces."
I don't know why any state would require you to take the Civil PE WITH the SE1 and SE2 to be a licensed Structural Engineer.
RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
I know that I have been praciting structural engineering for nearly 20 years I took the civil PE exams. I won't be able to become registered in Illinois unless I take the SE exams. (20 years ago the SE exam was not offerd in my state....It still really isn't offered......since we don't have SE's just PE's.) So just because you are registered in one state it doesn't necessarily mean you can become registerd elsewhere......most yes but some no.
RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
Illinois would not accept the PE exam, I had to take the SE-1 and SE-2 and then apply, which I did, and then was licensed as an SE.
In other states, you can take the SE-1 (and not the PE exam) and get licensed as a PE.
RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
I don't think you need to take the civil PE exam if you plan on later taking the SE1 and 2 exams, but that might not be true in all states. I think it makes no sense for a structural engineer to be forced to take the civil PE.
Regarding the SE2, which I am thinking about taking, can anyone recommend good study materials for it? My practice is limited to building structures, so I would need help with bridges. When I took the SE1 exam I got hit with a segmental post-tensioned concrete box girder for a bridge question which was way outside of my experience base.
RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
Identifier #'s SA-97-006 through SA-97-012
You can call (301) 577-0818 for a complete list of all of their publications.
Also, HDR, in coordination with AISC, published some design examples of steel bridges. You may try AISC's bookstore for those.
RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE
RE: Order of Lincensing Exams for SE