PE Exam

Engineering Career Success: Is The PE License the Missing Piece?

July 4, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Joanna Mason, PE, a project manager at Schnabel Foundation Company, about how the Professional Engineer (PE) license has played a pivotal role in shaping her career success in engineering construction.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Joanna:

How has your PE license helped you obtain career success in construction engineering?
Do you feel like having a PE license gives you more credibility with clients and other professionals?
Do you think it is critical for construction engineers to get a PE license, even if they don’t think they need it right now?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

PE Exam Practice Questions: Estimating Concrete for Canal Lining

June 20, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we tackle a real-world scenario that could show up on the PE exam: Estimating concrete quantity for a canal lining. This question was created and solved by Engineer in training, Enrique Ivers, LEED Green Associate.

Question:

Construction documents call for a 500-foot-long canal, shown below, to be lined with 6” of concrete for erosion control. A 5% allowance is made for waste and over-excavation. How many cubic yards of concrete should be ordered?

Explanation:

This problem has several steps and potential snags. Let’s think about it and then go through each one:

1) We need to consider the cross-sectional area of the concrete at the base of the canal, the left leg, and the right leg.

2) We then must consider the distance the canal travels to find the volume.

3) Finally, we have to consider our waste factor.

The area of the left and right legs are equal. We’re given the height and told the slope of the legs is 1:1.

To find the hypotenuse, or the actual dimension of the leg, we must find the width:

Now we need to find the hypotenuse:

We can now find the cross-sectional area of the lining:

Next we calculate the volume of the lining:

The canal is 500 ft long, and we’ve calculated the cross sectional area above.

V=Area x Length

We must convert from cubic feet to cubic yards; there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard:

It would be tempting to take this 372.96cy and select answer B. After all, it is very close to 373cy, and the PE will expect us to round answers in this way.

BUT, don’t forget to take into account the whole problem. We’re told there’s a 5% waste factor.

Answer:

The correct answer is C.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.

I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.

I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

Achieving The Right Mindset for Your PE Exam

June 6, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Sean Spromberg, PE, a licensed professional engineer and team leader at MSA Professional Services, who shares a remarkable philosophy on achieving the right mindset to alleviate the immense stress associated with PE Exam preparation.

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Professional Engineering License vs. Project Management Certification

May 23, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I explain the key differences between a PE license and a PMP certification to help you decide which one is right for you.

PMP Certification

PMP certification refers to the process of obtaining a certification that verifies an individual’s competency and expertise in project management. Project management certification programs are designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge required to successfully plan, execute, and manage projects in a variety of industries. These certifications are offered by various organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI), the International Project Management Association (IPMA), and the Association for Project Management (APM). It usually involves meeting specific education and experience requirements, passing an exam, and adhering to a code of ethics.

If you’re interested in leading projects and managing teams, a PMP Certification can be a great way to demonstrate your skills in this area. Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They need to be able to coordinate resources, manage budgets, and communicate effectively with stakeholders and a PMP Certification can be particularly useful and help to enhance a project manager’s credibility, increase job opportunities, and improve their earning potential. One of the more noteworthy or popular PMP certifications is the Project Management Professional, also known as the PMP, from the Project Management Institute.

PE License

However, if you’re more interested in the technical aspects of engineering, the PE License might be a better fit for you. The PE license, or Professional Engineering license, is a certification granted to engineers who have met the educational, experience, and examination requirements set by their state’s licensing board. This license is a legal requirement for engineers who offer their services directly to the public or who work on projects that require the approval of a licensed engineer.

To become a licensed Professional Engineer, an individual must typically hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited program, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, work for a certain number of years under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer, and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, also known as the PE Exam. The PE exam is a comprehensive test that covers a wide range of engineering topics and is administered by each state’s licensing board.

Obtaining a PE license demonstrates that an engineer has the education, experience, and knowledge required to practice engineering in a safe, ethical, and competent manner. It is a mark of professional achievement that can open up new career opportunities and enhance an engineer’s earning potential.

In summary, the PE License and PMP Certification are both important credentials for professionals in the engineering and construction industry. If you’re interested in technical engineering work, the PE License might be the right fit for you. If you’re interested in leading projects and managing teams, the PMP Certification can be a great way to demonstrate your skills. There are also many engineers to pursue and achieve both.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video or on this page, and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.

I’ll see you next week … on Pass the PE Exam.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

Supercharge Your Electrical Engineering Career By Doing This…

May 9, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk to Eric Cole, P.E, an electrical engineer who started his career with Stanley in 2017, and has since gone on to work in the Power Delivery market. Eric shares his journey of preparing for and passing the PE Exam, as well as offer advice and insights, for others thinking about taking this important step to supercharge their electrical engineering career.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Eric:

How did your background in electrical engineering from Iowa State prepare you for taking the PE Exam?
As someone who works in the Power Delivery market, what were some of the specific challenges you faced while studying for the PE Exam?
What were some of the most helpful resources or study materials that you used while preparing for the exam?
Can you walk us through your study schedule and routine leading up to the exam? How did you balance work, personal life, and studying?
As someone who is involved in community activities like Toastmasters and MATHCOUNTS, how did these experiences help you in your preparation for the PE Exam?
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to prepare for the PE Exam?
Finally, now that you’ve passed the PE Exam, what are your future career aspirations and how do you see this certification helping you achieve those goals?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

College provides a foundational knowledge and teaches problem-solving skills that are crucial for success in the engineering world. It prepares individuals to think critically and approach challenges with confidence. Additionally, the experience of taking exams and learning how to study effectively in college can be helpful in preparing for professional exams such as the PE.
While working in the power delivery market and taking the power engineering exam helped in some ways, there were still some topics that were challenging because they were not encountered in day-to-day work. Refreshing on those topics was necessary for success on the exam.
The most helpful study materials for the PE exam were the practice exam provided by the NCEES website, spending time with the notes provided, and practicing exam problems from a book. The online format of the exam made it important to know the notes provided since no personal notes were allowed.
Planning ahead and setting a specific study schedule, including regular study nights and a final weekend review session, can be helpful in preparing for the PE exam. It’s also useful to simulate the exam experience by taking practice exams in one sitting to get a feel for the length and intensity of the actual exam.
It’s important to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses early on in the studying process. By taking a practice exam, this individual was able to identify areas that needed more focus, such as economics. As the exam date approached, they adjusted their study schedule to spend more time on the areas that needed improvement. This approach helped them to better prepare and perform well on the exam.
Being involved in the community and having other activities helps with time management and motivation to study for the exam. Having a full schedule can also help prioritize and make time for studying, rather than pushing it off to a later time.
If you have an engineering degree and have already passed the FE exam, you have already proven that you have the capability to pass the PE exam with the right amount of effort and dedication. However, committing to studying for the exam and finding motivation can be a challenge, but investing time and money in it can serve as a motivating factor. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide if they want to pursue the exam and make the necessary effort to succeed.
Obtaining a PE license allows licensed engineers to sign off on engineering work, which is valuable for consultants who sell engineering work. This responsibility can be intimidating, but it is also rewarding as it allows engineers to see their projects get built and to showcase their expertise through their professional portfolio.

Sources

NCEES Practice Exams
Toastmasters International
MATCHCOUNTS
Connect with Eric on LinkedIn

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

I’ll see you next week … on Pass the PE Exam.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

How the Professional Engineer (PE) License Transformed My Career

April 25, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this episode, (and video above), I talk to Jared Carlson PE, LEED AP BD+C, Engineering Director and Principal at Henderson Engineers, who shares his journey towards obtaining his Professional Engineer license and how you can use your license in your day-to-day job.

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Jared has a degree in mechanical engineering and has worked at Henderson Engineers since graduating from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He has been involved in diverse engineering projects and now serve as the Director of Engineering at Henderson Engineers.
It is important to obtain a Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam pass or test passed early on to set oneself up for success in the future. Being a consulting engineering firm, Henderson Engineers requires a professional engineer on staff to sign off on building designs, making obtaining a professional engineering license vital to the success of the company. Jared obtained his professional engineering license four years into his career and has been using it ever since.
Obtaining a professional engineering license is a high calling and a high responsibility that involves protecting the health, welfare, and safety of the public. Applying one’s stamp and signature to drawings and deliverables means guaranteeing that the design meets codes and regulations, and that it is safe for the public to use. It is a thrilling experience to sign and seal one’s name for the first time, and it boosts one’s confidence and authority as an engineer. Working with a community of other engineers also helps ensure that designs are code compliant and energy-efficient.
The number of active licensed professional engineers in the United States is relatively small, making it an elite group with a critical role in shaping the infrastructure and buildings of the country. This gives engineers a sense of authority, responsibility, and opportunity to impact the community in a positive way.
The responsibility of a licensed engineer includes having liability insurance to cover any potential issues that may arise from their work. This is particularly important for those who start their own business as they would need to purchase this insurance on their own. With great power comes great responsibility, and it’s important for licensed engineers to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their clients.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

I’ll see you next week … on Pass the PE Exam.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

THIS was MY SECRET to Passing The PE Exam (And Getting Unstuck)

April 11, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this episode, (and video above), I share with you how a single sticky note helped me stay motivated during my 6 to 9 months of studying for the PE Exam.

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Passing the exam will grant you the title of a licensed professional engineer (PE) and bring numerous benefits to your career.
A sticky note reminder, such as writing your name, with “PE” after it, and placing it on your monitor, can keep you motivated and focused during the studying process.
Sharing your exam plans with others can provide outside motivation and accountability to help you stay on track.
Another thing that kept me motivated to study for the PE exam was because I knew that new licensed professionals would be taken out to lunch by the CEO of our company. Passing the exam and having lunch with the CEO was a significant turning point in my career, and it’s a day that I will always remember.
If you pass the PE exam and become a leader in your company, consider ways to motivate, encourage, and support other engineers in your organization to obtain their license.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

I’ll see you next week … on Pass the PE Exam.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

PE Exam Preparation Tips: A Three-Phase Process for Success (In 2023)

March 28, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this episode, (and video above), I talk to Anton Saunders, PE, a Structural Engineer at Greenman-Pedersen Inc, located in Maitland, Florida, who recently obtained his PE license about how he used a three-phase process to prepare for the exam, and how to calm your nerves on exam day.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Anton:

Can you speak more to how having a Masters in Civil Engineering impacted the process of obtaining your license, particularly in regards to the amount of experience required?
What was your experience like taking the Civil Structural PE exam, and did you face any unexpected challenges during the exam?
What strategies did you use to prepare for the PE exam, particularly in regards to creating a study guide schedule?
How did practice problems contribute to your preparation for the PE exam, and what role did they play in solidifying your understanding of the material?
Are there any other strategies or tips that you would recommend when studying for the PE exam?
How important is self care and prepping yourself the day before the PE exam?
What additional tips do you have for managing nerves and staying focused during the PE exam itself, particularly on the day of the test?
Do you have any final piece of advice for listeners that will be taking the PE exam in the near future?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

The PE Exam: Application Approval Process

March 14, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we explore the step-by-step process for the PE exam application, including the eligibility requirements, the submission process, and the timeline for approval. We also provide tips and insights to help you navigate the application process with ease. Whether you’re just starting your engineering journey or looking to take the next step in your career, this video is a must-watch for anyone seeking to become a licensed Professional Engineer. You can view the video version of this episode here.
[Read more…] about The PE Exam: Application Approval Process

Do I need the EIT License and Certification to get my PE?

February 28, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I answer a question from one of our listeners that asked:

Do I need to get the EIT license in order to be able to get my PE? I already passed the FE exam but I just wonder if I can just skip this process of actually obtaining the EIT certification?

The EIT License and Certification is a professional designation you receive after passing the NCEES FE exam (Fundamentals of Engineering exam) and completing a degree from an ABET-accredited school. It’s kind of like the trophy you get for finishing the race, if you will. “EIT” is an acronym that stands for Engineer-in-Training. This designation is often referred to as “EIT certification,” but it can be used interchangeably with “EIT license” or “EIT FE certification.”

The EIT certification authority is each individual state’s engineering board. While an EIT certification doesn’t give you a license to practice as a PE (professional engineer), holding this certificate signifies that you have successfully completed the FE exam, the first of two exams you’ll need to pass in order to become a PE.

Becoming an EIT is worth it for most engineers, but it’s essential for those planning to take the NCEES PE exam and become fully licensed professional engineers.

You are not eligible to take the PE Exam without first passing the FE exam and thereby earning EIT status. Furthermore, having an EIT certification can be required for even some entry-level engineering positions. The EIT license can also help set you apart from other candidates in a competitive job market. So yes, you need to pick up your trophy after you win the race!

Benefits of Earning Your EIT Certification:

An EIT certification showcases your industry knowledge. Passing the FE exam and earning an EIT certificate are huge milestones in your career and demonstrate your competence with fundamental engineering concepts that every graduate should know.
An EIT certification improves your job prospects. Having the EIT certification on your resume can set you apart from other candidates when you apply for jobs. It shows employers that you are committed to learning and are working toward professional licensure.
An EIT certification advances your career. Getting an EIT certificate is one of the most important things you can do for your career in engineering. It demonstrates that you have mastered the fundamentals and are on the road to earning your PE license and a higher salary.

Will Getting an EIT Certification Increase Your Salary?

Earning an EIT certification may increase your salary, depending on your employer and industry. Most civil engineers view passing the FE exam at the beginning of their careers as a requirement, because it is so important in their field. Most employers will not promote civil engineers until they have passed the FE exam and earned an EIT certificate, so if you’re eyeing a promotion with a higher salary, earning EIT status is crucial.

For other engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical, passing the FE exam is not required prior to employment. In fact, some employers may value an EIT certificate more than others. However, earning an EIT certificate demonstrates your mastery of engineering fundamentals and your motivation to advance in your career, which may help you earn a promotion or higher salary.

Ultimately, passing the FE exam and earning EIT certification is necessary to become a licensed professional engineer. Once you’ve completed those steps and passed the PE exam, you will likely earn a higher salary as a fully licensed professional engineer. An increase in annual salary can be anywhere from $2,000 to more than $10,000 once you’ve achieved PE status.

You don’t know where your career will take you, so why not obtain your EIT certificate now? It becomes very difficult to go back and pass the FE Exam, the further removed from school you get.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

I’ll see you next week … on Pass the PE Exam.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success