Suggestions for the Metallurgical Engineering (PE) Exam? 1

[WJD]

thread330-105929

I found the above referenced thread from 2004; however, I have not located any current information regarding the Metallurgical Engineering (PE) Exam. I am looking for assistance to improve my chances of passing this national exam since it is only offered once a year (in October). The state (AR) I now reside in has determined that I must take (and pass) the PE Exam although I have been licensed in Texas since 1987, maintained continuous registration, and complete the required CEU's annually. I am a degreed Mechanical Engineer ('82 BSME and '84 MSME) so it has been 25 years since I was in school. I am electing to take the Metallurgical Exam since this has been the primary focus of my professional career. Any suggestions and/or guidance would be deeply appreciated.

 

[CoryPad]

This is a popular topic. Please review the following threads:

thread330-211123

thread330-60594

thread330-115368

thread330-48843

 

[EdStainless]

move to a state with more realistic comity rules

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Plymouth Tube

 

[WJD]

Appreciate the additional threads, Corypad. I had not found these. Thank you.

Don't get me started on this State's Board. Their view and approach exemplifies where this state finishes on every list generated, regardless the subject matter. I'm not too pleased with the outcome (i.e., their decision); however, I don't see any other options I have (other than leave the state). Has anyone else out there had to deal with a similar matter? Appreciate the comment, EdStainless.

WJD

 

[metengr]

WJD;
Have you been approved to take the PE exam in materials and metallurgy versus mechanical? The Board typically reviews your credentials and decides on your eligibility to sit for an exam.

With your undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering why in the world would you sit for the exam in materials and metallurgy? Despite your statement that metallurgy has been the focus of your career, this exam is difficult to pass and I believe without significant preparation (actual high level undergraduate courses in materials and metallurgical engineering) you may be at a significant disadvantage.

 

[WJD]

Metengr,

Appreciate your questions and comments.

The State Director has said, and stated in an e-mail, that the Board would approve me to take the Metallurgical Exam. I do not (yet) have the formal approval (in writing) back from the Board.

Fair and reasonable question regarding "why in the world would you sit for the exam in materials and metallurgy," the best response I can offer: 25 years trumps 7 years. I have not "significantly" used Thermo, Heat Transfer, Fluids, HVAC, etc. - core Mechancial Engineering subjects since my graduation. In addition to my working career, I took every Materials Class/Course offered at the school I attended. My major professor was a Metallurgist that graduated from Drexel. Had my school offered a Metallurgy degree I would have formally gone that route.

You are absolutely correct about "this exam is difficult to pass and I believe without significant preparation . . . you may be at a significant disadvantage" - this is exactly why I asked the question(s) in my original posting to this thread. Based upon what I have read in other related threads, I am attempting to locate all the TMS recommended reference books and I am now the newest member of TMS (so that I could get the Study Guide and have access to other Materials related information on their website). I have a lot of intense preparation to do. My goal is to pass it the first time.

Does anyone know if there is another source (other than TMS) of past Metallurgical PE Exam questions? Samples? Examples? Otherwise?

WJD

 

[metengr]

WJD:
What I would do in your situation is to make sure you have the ASM Metals Handbook Desk Edition. Know this reference like no other because this will be the predominant source for reference material used for the practice part of the exam.

Second, I believe your test preparation will be needed to focus on the principles part of the exam if what you state is correct based on your current job experience. Exam questions can be tricky because most thermo and transport questions are most likely plug and chug using certain assumptions.

In preparation for the principles part of the exam you will need to evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses – physical metallurgy versus mechanical metallurgy versus chemical metallurgy, etc., I would rely on reviewing end of chapter questions in Transport Phenomena by Geiger and Gaskell’s two reference books. For Mechanical Metallurgy I would rely on Dieter and Hertzberg’s reference books.

Good Luck!