Another perk of the PE license is that it allows you to legally become a Principle of a firm (at least in California, it is possible you can become a principle without a license elsewhere). This is another life goal that I have, I want underlings! I want to interface with potential clients that will produce work for me and not for my "boss". I want the risk of potentially not having enough clients or work, and also the inherent rewards of doing it all right. If doing this were unavailable to me, the Civil Engineering profession would not entice me.
So how do you get the PE license?
- Desire. It is a 7-9 year process MINIMUM. You will probably give up if you do not have a strong desire.
- Get a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited university. Most state and private universities that offer engineering degrees are ABET accredited because it is a huge deal and they probably would not attract many students without it. I received my degree from Cal-Poly Pomona, a California State school. (4-5 years typically)
- Prior to graduation (best) or following graduation (ok) take part in, and pass, the Fundamentals of Engineering examination. After doing this you can place Engineer in Training (EIT) after you signature, signifying your high-and-mighty training position.
- Obtain a job working under a principle engineer, doing actual Engineering work alongside registered professional engineers. Most states require two (CA), or four (everywhere else?) years of engineering experience where you are directly involved in calculations and making engineering decisions. You need to work with registered professionals because you will be required to obtain recommendations from several of them to qualify to take the Professional Engineering Examination (PE Exam).
- After meeting the requirements (BS EIT + 2 years experience, or a buttload of experience) get your recommendation letters together and apply for the PE Exam! You are required to choose you depth option when registering, so do that now as well. Choose a depth that is tied to your skills or something that you are genuinely interested in. Try to choose a date at least 6 months out, preferably more, so that you have ample time to study.
- STUDY. Study a lot. Many people have cited a magical 300 hours of study as being appropriate to go into the test confidently. Print out the exam specifications from the PE exam page at NCEES for your depth option and make sure you understand every topic outlined on it. Purchase exam material including (certainly not limited to) a review manual, sample problems to solve, and possibly even a review class.
- Celebrate
I am currently at nearing number 5 in this process and have begun my studying and preparing for the test. I have decided that a great way to study is to compile all of my study material online so that I can access it from anywhere and hopefully get comments and interaction from other people who are also studying. I started www.reviewcivilpe.com in February 2012.
Review Civil PE already contains articles and notes on a large number of PE Exam topics including structural, geotechnical, construction, water and environmental, and transportation and it is constantly expanding.
It is a great way to study passively while at work or on the go so you don't have to lug around your 1000 page reference manuals everywhere. Check it out and let me know what you think through the contact page if you have any thoughts or suggestions.
