Introduction

Welcome to the exciting path towards becoming a Professional Engineer! This milestone is a testament to your dedication and expertise in engineering. On this journey, remember that with the PE license comes the noble responsibility of prioritizing public safety and infrastructure integrity over profit. Your role as a mentor in shaping future engineers is equally vital, as it ensures the continuation of our profession’s core values.

Consulting Engineering

To be an engineering consultant, designing or possibly in a witness only commissioning role, except if listed by an employer on a job posting, a degree is not required. This is because the engineer of record is only one person on the project team. Designers who have technical knowledge, experience, or such as drafting skills. To be the in-charge and record person, you can become a PE or you can just work for the number of years under the guidance of another PE (such as 10 years, and then take a test and follow the designer requirements in your state). Usually, engineers study electrical engineering majors, but some schools offer architectural-engineering degrees too (less focused on electricity and more of the building construction and delivery). Alternate options also exist, such as instrumentation and controls paths, which might be with many different manufacturers – those usually do not need a license.

Consultants seek to create good projects for clients and make a living doing so. Also though, the ‘engineering’ in the consulting comes with responsibilities and ethics, as to not let people and property be second when projects want to move faster.

Exam Preparation Tips

The transition from a paper-based to a computer-based PE exam has streamlined the testing process. Familiarize yourself with the NCEES reference manual and consider their practice exams as part of your preparation. Here are some key resources to guide your study:

• “Electric Machinery and Power System Fundamentals” by Chapman
• The current version of the National Electrical Code (NEC) – refer to the NCEES test syllabus
• The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) Handbook
• PPI Review Books and the FE/PE Exam Reference Handbooks
• Eaton Consulting Applications Guide – available at Eaton’s Website
• A reputable Engineering Economy textbook
• IEEE Color Books for in-depth understanding

Course Recommendations

Consider enrolling in a prep course like the School of PE or PPI for comprehensive exam preparation. Tailor your study plan based on the exam syllabus and focus on areas where you need more practice. Commonly, employers will reimburse the costs of course, allow time to study, pay for the exam and application fees (or portion of), and offer a default salary increase once licensed.

During the Exam

Approach the exam with a strategy. Tackle questions confidently and skip those you are unsure about, returning to them later if time permits. Potentially, come up with a scoring system per questions skipped for confidence levels; these might be useful self-stats to consider while you await the results after the exam.

Potentially Re-taking the Exam

Upon successfully passing the PE exam, focus on the application process, including obtaining referrals from other PEs. Ensure all application materials are correctly and completely filled out. You will need to find a vendor online who sells rubber stamps if that is required, or digital also; make sure the dimensions and like criteria meets the requirements of your state.

Professional Use of the PE Credential

Once licensed, be mindful of how you represent your PE status, especially in states where you are not licensed. While common, it’s important to be aware of state-specific regulations regarding the advertising of professional services.

Continuing Education and NCEES Resources

Staying up-to-date with your continuing education is crucial for maintaining your PE license. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) simplifies the process of acquiring licenses across different states; extents of which is state dependent. For more information, visit your state specific website and NCEES.

Nebulous LLC is here to support you throughout your journey. Please reach out for additional resource suggestions, study tips, or any specific queries you might have. Remember, becoming a PE is not just about passing an exam; it’s about upholding the ethics and responsibilities of our profession.