Architectural Engineering PE exam

[MEP_PM]

I?m debating on which PE exam to take in the spring. Architectural (? Electrical, ? Mechanical, ? Construction Management, and ? Structural) or the Electrical (Power). I have Electrical background through formal education but I have not spent all my time after college specifically in the electrical field. I have spent time working with all the major systems in buildings. Looking through the testing specification (http://www.ncees.org/exams/professional/pe_architectural_exam_specs.pdf), I?m starting to lean toward the AE test as it better reflects my experience. The major problem is there are no good study/references books. You need a collection of a lot of information.
Has anyone taken this exam? Any advice?

 

[jim dungar]

I?m debating on which PE exam to take in the spring. Architectural (? Electrical, ? Mechanical, ? Construction Management, and ? Structural) or the Electrical (Power). I have Electrical background through formal education but I have not spent all my time after college specifically in the electrical field. I have spent time working with all the major systems in buildings. Looking through the testing specification (http://www.ncees.org/exams/professional/pe_architectural_exam_specs.pdf), I?m starting to lean toward the AE test as it better reflects my experience. The major problem is there are no good study/references books. You need a collection of a lot of information.
Has anyone taken this exam? Any advice?

A PE should only practice in their area of expertise. So, in my opinion, take your test in the area for which you are qualified.

 

[petersonra]

nothing that says you can't take both is there?

 

[QES]

Working California?
If yes, then take the Electrical exam, because you can't stamp drawings(electrical, Mech, Civil) with Architectural PE.

 

[MEP_PM]

Jim: I agree you should not practice in an area you are not qualified. Isn't taking/passing either of the tests indicating you are qualified in a certain area? Electrical in general (more than Buildings Systems) or Mechanical, Electrical, CM & Structure specific to building? I guess my struggle is I have pushed myself to learn about other disciples and feel this is a way to show qualification in more than one area specific to buildings. This may also allow greater flexible in the future.

Petersonra: Maybe the path should be to take the Electrical. Then take the AE to document qualification it another area. However, this is not required in my state. There are no designation of which test was passed. You practice in an area you are qualified by education or experience.

QES: That was one of my concerns but I?m told most states now recognize it (including mine). But I don't think I want to limit myself either.

Thank you for your comments, they are helpful in thinking through this decision.

 

[lgmagone]

I recently passed my Professional Engineering exam and am now licensed in Montana.

My state doesn't recognize disciplines and I can seal any drawings as long as I know what I'm doing. So it doesn't really matter if I took electrical, mechanical, or civil - we all have the same license. The requirement is that we are skilled in what we do, and this holds true whether we are practicing in the area we took the exam or another area.

My suggestion (if your state doesn't recognize specialities) is to take the exam you are most comfortable with. If your state does recognize specialities, then take the one that you that you will need to seal drawings.

 

[Tmno]

I would go with the electrical. The tests are hard and it helps to have a study guide. I could not find a single Architectural PE study guide, however there are plenty of study guides for the electrical PE exam, which are really helpful to pass the exam.

I honestly hadn't heard of the Architectural PE until I started doing a little research on getting my own license.

 

[Misha322]

I am in the same boat. I graduated from a five year Architectural Engineering program and have studied all the topics under the Architectural Engineering PE exam but that was four years ago. I have since been working as an Electrical designer (can't say Engineer in FL if you are not a PE ) for an MEP firm and have not done much more with other disciplines then coordination. I was leaning towards AE exam as that is my educational background but the lack of study material (other then my school notes and books) and the new Electrical (Power) PE option is making me question that.

 

[Misha322]

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