Should I Get My PE License?

[Defenestrator]

i'm late to the party. i received my license in the mail about 8 weeks ago. i have never felt more accomplished or proud of anything in my life. take the exam. :happyyes:

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

I had one coworker say that the complex and imaginary problems had too many errors in it so i havent purchased it.

The only textbooks that ill be bringing in with me are the Engineering Power Reference Manual by Camara and the 2014 NEC handbook.

Ill add those other items to my reference binder!

 

[gadfly56]

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

I had one coworker say that the complex and imaginary problems had too many errors in it so i havent purchased it.

The only textbooks that ill be bringing in with me are the Engineering Power Reference Manual by Camara and the 2014 NEC handbook.

Ill add those other items to my reference binder!

Be very careful to review the NCEE guidelines for what you can bring into the test. When I took it, back in the Stone Age, they didn't allow compendiums of worked examples like practice exams into the test room, even though you could bring in the review manual. Which had worked out examples in it. Go figure.

Otherwise, good luck, young Padawan! May the |m•â| be with you.

 

[Defenestrator]

Get it. Get it now.

You always will have the option of demurring if you are asked to stamp something that you do not feel qualified to certify; in fact, the law here in Texas demands it. I got my PE license years ago even though I thought I might never need it because I was working for a huge company with a bazillion engineers. When that company kicked me to the curb I was damn glad I had secured my license. It opened doors for me that would have otherwise been closed off.

Get it. Get it now. You will always have the option of not using it.

Lots of great responses really helping my confidence level.

I guess Im afraid of the "youre a PE, what do you mean you don't know this?!?" conversation

 

[gadfly56]

Lots of great responses really helping my confidence level.

I guess Im afraid of the "youre a PE, what do you mean you don't know this?!?" conversation

I try to stay out of conversations that aren't part of my skill set. When I can't (sub-consultant coordination meetings), I keep my mouth shut until the topic comes around to my wheelhouse. Otherwise, I never apologize for my ignorance, which is always curable. No one can know everything. "Stupid", on the other hand, I sometimes have to apologize for.

 

[kingpb]

The only books I studied and took in were the Standard Handbook for Electrical Engineers and the NEC Handbook. Those two will contain all the theory you will need. Being able to find things quickly, if needed, is key. As others said, you have to work quickly. Don't be afraid to go on to next question and come back to it in the end.

I don't think you can bring in binders/notebooks unless they changes. Everything had to be bound, i.e. can't remove the page (barring ripping it out). They have a list of approved calculators. Get one of them and use it to study so you don't get messed up on the test.

Having the PE license doesn't mean you have to stamp anything, and if you aren't comfortable with being the responsible charge then don't. Wait until you feel comfortable with the work. I have lower level engineers that have stamps but they don't seal anything; yet.

 

[drktmplr12]

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

I had one coworker say that the complex and imaginary problems had too many errors in it so i havent purchased it.

The only textbooks that ill be bringing in with me are the Engineering Power Reference Manual by Camara and the 2014 NEC handbook.

Ill add those other items to my reference binder!

I recommend more references, but it is your choice.

• Recommend 2017 NEC handbook instead of 2014. You never know if the exam will surprise you with something that has been updated just because it can.
• Please reconsider the value of 320 practice problems (complex imaginary). It is part of most self-study regiments for a reason, and many successful test takers will recommend it.
• The problem with Camara's book is it is VERY academic in content and presentation. However it does a very good job of presenting the subjects in a concise manner. Definitely a valuable reference. I feel it goes far too deep on many subjects, which might mean you spend time studying for information that will not help you. I would have struggled severely if this was my only reference containing math and theory.
• Please also reconsider the Graffeo book. It is geared toward the test and is a very straightforward and powerful reference. It does contain a couple errors, but nothing that is going to set you back. Most successful test takers will stand by it also.
• I also brought the NCEES practice exam for Electrical: Power. I'm unable to find a link for some reason. I think you need to make a user name and log in before the option to purchase practice exams appears.

As a final plea, please take a look at this site which compiles recommended references and discusses the merits and disadvantages of each. Full disclosure they are recommending one product they sell. I am not endorsing them or their product, but the information on the page explains what I am trying to much better than I could. The cost of a $200 book or even five of them is small compared to the pay raise you will need to wait an additional 6 or 12 months for if you do not pass.

In Miami, I was able to bring in problem sets. Here is the current Examinee Guide published June 2018.

Reference Materials
Pencil-and-paper exams are open-book. Examinees must bring their own reference materials.All reference materials must be bound and remain bound during the exam. Bound refers to (1)materials permanently bound, as by stitching or glue, and (2) materials securely fastened in theircovers by fasteners that penetrate all papers. Ring binders, spiral binders, plastic snap binders,brads, and screw posts are acceptable fasteners. Staples are not acceptable fasteners. Writing tabletsand legal pads are not allowed. Examinees may tab reference books before the exam with Post-ittype notes and flags, but pads of Post-it notes and flags are not permitted in the exam room.

Also. Do NOT write anything in any of your books during any point when you are inside the test taking area. The proctors WILL take the reference and possibly disqualify your results. I witnessed it. A gentleman was writing down a phone number before the second half and they took his book and told him he could take it up with NCEES. Take their instructions very seriously.

I sincerely hope you pass the exam. Best of luck!

 

[drktmplr12]

Lots of great responses really helping my confidence level.

I guess Im afraid of the "youre a PE, what do you mean you don't know this?!?" conversation

"I'm not certain, let me look into it and I will get back with you"

We are all human. Most professionals will understand this.

 

[ggunn]

Lots of great responses really helping my confidence level.

I guess Im afraid of the "youre a PE, what do you mean you don't know this?!?" conversation

Fuhgeddaboudit. No one, not even a PE, not even me , knows it all. Repeat after me: "I don't know offhand but I can probably find out."

 

[Adamjamma]

Wouldn’t the code drills be good for students as well?

 

[gadfly56]

Wouldn’t the code drills be good for students as well?

I took the exam as a chemical engineer, so YMMV, but I bet they can count on their third hand all the code questions that will pop up.

 

[Andy Delle]

Long story short: I meet all the requirements to get my PE license in my state (pending passing the exam, which i feel confident i will), but i dont feel confident as an engineer. Would it be worth it to get my PE license or wait to get my stamp? The pay bump is very tempting but i feel like i will be thrown into the deep end and expected to swim.

I have four years experience in commercial electrical design. However, the most engineering ive done is lighting design (footcandles), voltage drop, space planning, arc flash studies, TCC coordination, IECC code compliance. Basic NEC stuff.

Limited experience with submittals, construction administration, client interaction,

I feel like the vast majority of my experience is in drafting and creating construction documents. EX the stamping engineer will give me red line markups and i turn it into CAD or REVIT. I feel like a drafter more than an engineer most of the time.

What are your thoughts? Should i get it after i pass the test, or wait until im confident as an engineer?

Well what is your educational background, course work? Did you already take the FE exam? That will tell us if you are prepared. I agree the sooner better than later. The practical world is well, just that, practical. A lot of the university theory will go stale the longer you don't use it.

 

[drktmplr12]

I took the exam as a chemical engineer, so YMMV, but I bet they can count on their third hand all the code questions that will pop up.

There were a lot of NEC questions on the April 2018 PE power exam

 

[dkarst]

I always scratch my head a bit when someone "wonders" how much of what topics will be on exam... hint, the answer is public knowledge and posted at NCEES. The formatting below didn't come through so look at the source if want better formatting.

https://ncees.org/engineering/pe/electrical-computer/


ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER—POWER Exam Specifications
Specifications Effective Beginning with the April 2018 Examinations
The 2017 NEC® will be used beginning with the April 2018 exam administration.
• The exam is an 8-hour open-book exam. It contains 40 multiple-choice questions in the 4-hour morning session, and 40 multiple-choice questions in the 4-hour afternoon session. Examinee works all questions.
• The exam uses both the International System of units (SI) and the US Customary System (USCS).
• The exam is developed with questions that will require a variety of approaches and methodologies, including design, analysis, and application. Some questions may require knowledge of engineering economics.
• The knowledge areas specified as examples of kinds of knowledge are not exclusive or exhaustive categories.
Approximate Number of Questions

I. General Power Engineering 24
A. Measurement and Instrumentation 4
1. Instrument transformers
2. Insulation testing
3. Ground resistance testing
B. Applications 8
1. Lightning protection
2. Surge protection
3. Reliability
4. Illumination/lighting and energy efficiency
5. Demand calculations
6. Energy management
7. Engineering economics
8. Grounding
C. Codes and Standards 12
1. National Electrical Code (NFPA 70, NEC)
2. National Electrical Safety Code (ANSI C2, NESC)
3. Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace: Shock and Burns (NFPA 70E)
4. Hazardous area classification (NFPA 497, 499, 30B)

II. Circuits 16
A. Analysis 9
1. Three-phase circuits
2. Symmetrical components
3. Per unit system
4. Phasor diagrams
5. Single-phase circuits
6. DC circuits
7. Single-line diagrams

B. Devices and Power Electronic Circuits 7
1. Battery characteristics and ratings
2. Power supplies and converters
3. Relays, switches, and ladder logic
4. Variable-speed drives

III. Rotating Machines and Electric Power Devices 16
A. Induction and Synchronous Machines 8
1. Generator/motor applications
2. Equivalent circuits and characteristics
3. Motor starting
4. Electrical machine theory
B. Electric Power Devices 8
1. Transformers
2. Reactors
3. Testing
4. Capacitors

IV. Transmission and Distribution (High, Medium, and Low Voltage) 24
A. Power System Analysis 11
1. Voltage drop
2. Voltage regulation
3. Power factor correction and voltage support
4. Power quality
5. Fault current analysis
6. Transformer connections
7. Transmission line models
8. Power flow
9. Power system stability
B. Protection 13
1. Overcurrent protection
2. Protective relaying (e.g., differential, distance, undervoltage, pilot)
3. Protective devices (e.g., fuses, breakers, reclosers)
4. Coordination

 

[junkhound]

Engineering Power Reference Manual by Camara
Ill add those other items to my reference binder!

Good book. J
John really knows his stuff. After he retired from Navy, he came to the company I work for and we made a few trips together to military bases and ships to help solve some power problems.

 

[Defenestrator]

Well what is your educational background, course work? Did you already take the FE exam? That will tell us if you are prepared. I agree the sooner better than later. The practical world is well, just that, practical. A lot of the university theory will go stale the longer you don't use it.

I got a bachelor's degree from a liberal arts school. Technically, my degree is engineering with an electrical emphasis (ABET accredited). I passed the FE 4 years ago when i graduated college.

 

[Defenestrator]

As others had said, go get it.

Getting you PE registration is a reward you deserve and the culmination of relieving yourself of those hard work you've done during those college years. Waiting until you feel you have the confidence doesn't bode well with your goal in getting your feet into administrative work.

Being a fully accredited licensed engineer is always good to fall back into.

To be honest, when i look at how many hours the engineers above me in administrative work put in and the stress they are under, Im not sure thats what I want in my life. The pay increase wouldn't be worth it to me.

Maybe Im lazy or undermotivated.

I appreciate the input though.

 

[drktmplr12]

To be honest, when i look at how many hours the engineers above me in administrative work put in and the stress they are under, Im not sure thats what I want in my life. The pay increase wouldn't be worth it to me.

Maybe Im lazy or undermotivated.

I appreciate the input though.

There are two broad roles for a licensed PE. One is a project manager and business development type role. They will work with owners to identify needs and develop scope and design fees for designs. They have a lot of administrative work tasks. The other is primarily design, executing the agreed upon scope. It should be within your power to decide which career path you prefer. Those in administrative engineering roles choose to be there. Not all engineers pick that.

If you have a good relationship with your supervisor, it might be worth considering speaking with them about your aspirations and see what he/she would expect if you were to become licensed and compare that to your own expectations. See if they align. Your supervisor might say, "You get a pay raise but day to day is identical, except you might be asked to sign and seal."

 

[mayanees]

get the PE

get the PE

To be honest, when i look at how many hours the engineers above me in administrative work put in and the stress they are under, Im not sure thats what I want in my life. The pay increase wouldn't be worth it to me.

Maybe Im lazy or undermotivated.

I appreciate the input though.

GET THE PE LICENSE. You won't regret it. It will give you the ability to sell whatever skillset you develop based on your interests.

I see from your experience that you're involved in arc flash projects. That's an area where it's preferred to be done by a PE, and in many cases it's required. That's the area that I've specialized in, having grown up doing Power Studies 30 years ago. And there's lots of arc-flash work available. I've expanded that role into delivering 70E training, which ends up being the favorite part of my job because I get to reach electricians with info that could save their lives. I use SKM in the classes to show the effects of instantaneous adjustments or reduction in transformer fuse sizes on incident energy levels, and the classes end up being fun.

At 59 years old, I have no real plans to retire because I enjoy the work, and that's a pretty nice position to be in from a career standpoint. Although I will admit that having just got my first sailboat a month ago, I'll end up doing some kind of retirement and it's easy to do Power Studies from home.

Good luck finding and developing your niche.

 

[Andy Delle]

I got a bachelor's degree from a liberal arts school. Technically, my degree is engineering with an electrical emphasis (ABET accredited). I passed the FE 4 years ago when i graduated college.

Well then by all means go for the PE. Remember just because you have it doesn't mean you have to use it. If you don't feel comfortable sealing plans, then just decline until you think your are ready. But get the PE now while all that theory you will probably never use is fresh in your mind. And just getting your PE may instill more personal confidence in your abilities.

 

[ggunn]

To be honest, when i look at how many hours the engineers above me in administrative work put in and the stress they are under, Im not sure thats what I want in my life. The pay increase wouldn't be worth it to me.

Maybe Im lazy or undermotivated.

I appreciate the input though.

No offense intended, but that's just about the stupidest excuse for not expanding one's credentials I have ever heard. Having a PE license will open doors that would otherwise be forever closed to you, but which of those doors you pass through is entirely up to you. Picture yourself 20-30 years from now. Are you more likely to regret not getting your license when you had the chance, or that you got it?