Structural Exam April 2011 Advice 1

[EngSD]

I am looking for advice on whether to try an take both modules of the Structural Exam (all 16 hours) in one sitting or do one module at a time. I know no one has experience on taking the full 16 hour exam since this is the first time offered but I would still like to hear opinions.

One of the concerns I have is spreading myself to thin studying for the full 16 hours and then doing poorly on each module instead of focusing on one portion at a time.

The other concern I have is the cost ($510 dollars per module), ouch!

 

[ToadJones]

I didn't think there was a choice anymore. I was under the impression you had to take the full 16 hrs and pass or bust.

 

[nutte]

There are two modules, and you can take them together or separately.

 

[neffers]

I was under the same impression...all or nothing.

Neffers

 

[nutte]

You have to pass both modules to receive credit for passing the SE exam, but you don't have to take them at the same time.

 

[slickdeals]

ToadJones:
I think you did not understand the OP. The current 16 hour format of the exam has two 8 hour modules, which can be passed independently (within a 5 year period).

You still have to pass both the 8 hour modules within a 5 year window, in order to become a SE.

swhove:
I think the first time you register for the exam, you will have to pay the $$$ for both modules. I believe, logically at least, that if you don't pass one of the modules, then you only pay to take that module.

 

[EngSD]

If you read the information it says that you can sit and obtain acceptable results on one component (one 8 hour session) in a single examination period.

You are not a licensed engineer, however, until you have passed both components (all 16 hours).

 

[slickdeals]

@nutte:
Are you sure that you can pick and choose which module you want to take each time and only pay the fees for that module?

 

[nutte]

Slickdeals, I believe you only pay for the module(s) you take. If you take one module, you don't have to pay for the second one at that time.

 

[EngSD]

The reason I figured this out is because I got approved by my state board was actually registering when the ncees website asked which module I wanted to take and that each module I selected would be $510.

 

[ToadJones]

Can you still pass one module to get a PE, or is that gone?

 

[nutte]

I'm sure you can pick and choose which module you take. I am not sure about the fees, but that is my impression. When I spoke with my state board about the exam, they explicitly stated that if you want to take both modules at the same time, you have to register for them independently. Logically, it follows that when you register for one, you only pay for one. But that is the part I'm not certain of.

 

[nutte]

Toad, no. Passing one isn't worth anything by itself. You must pass both to receive credit for passing the SE exam.

You can take the civil PE if you want an 8-hour exam. But there is no longer an 8-hour SE-I exam.

 

[ToadJones]

Nutte-
That's why I was wondering. When I got my PE you could either take Civil-Structural (4 hrs each) or take the 8hr SE1.
SE1 used to be good enough to get your PE (in my state anyway) then, down the road you could just take SE2, then you'd be PE & SE.
Not anymore huh?

 

[nutte]

Correct. Those days are gone.

 

[EngSD]

Any advice on trying to do the two day marathon or breaking it up into two seperate exam periods?

 

[Bobber1]

I had to do the single 16 hour exam spread out over two consecutive days. It was exhausting. If I had the chance to spread it out, I would.

Bob G, S.E. (I made it!)

 

[ToadJones]

I'll say this much...even one 8 hr exam is rough. I don't think the material was very difficult, but getting a good nights rest in a hotel out of town and then trying to maintain concentration for 8+ hrs is pretty rough.

 

[IceNine]

Hotel? I slept in my car the night before...

 

[slomobile]

its been 16 hours in two days for SE in my state (CA) for years. but that was comprised of the National SE-II and the state specific seismic SE-III. State law still mandates that a CA specific test be administered for a SE license, so CA still will have a state specific requirement.


I vote you prepare for and take the entire 16 hours, you should be able to accomplish this task, lots of us have. Let your studying further understanding and decision making skills as an engineer, not just try to pass a test. You are attempting to reach the terminal degree of a practicing Structural Engineer, prepare yourself to offer that level of skill to clients.

Good luck, if you are dedicated, you will do great.