My boss has been generous in reimbursing for the books and exam fee even though I failed the exam (I know must be thinking how that works). I guess I and also he was pretty confident the first time, which for sure didn't go the way we expected. For the second attempt (still waiting on result) I am not going to ask for any reimbursement. I even don't know if getting PE license would bring any raise as my job profile and/or company's work doesn't need necessarily one. There could be some opportunity within the company (and the most I can think lawsuits/arbitrations) or corporate but I am not much hopeful on this. However, what I am looking forward to is getting some leverage (if any) when I change my job and that's the only reason I can justify my attempts for.
I am right there with you. Everyone in my company had an across the board salary cut of 10% last year, and I just recently had my salary reinstated last Christmas (ahead of most), so I am thankful for that. I don't really expect a raise if I do end up passing the PE, but I will definitely look around to see what is available. This is probably the worst employment environment for civil engineers in the last 50 years (I am guessing), but I can only control the work that I perform and not the market. My thoughts are that it is tough out there for employers too, and if you don't think you are getting paid what you are worth, search for something better.
What I was trying to say (and I think the other poster was saying the same thing) is that we are doing the work of a PE, then our supervisor (PE) checks everything and puts their stamp on it. Basically I am technically at the same level of other PE's, but all of my work must be reviewed by a PE.
Well, if your company has to pay somebody to check your work before it goes out, then you are not doing the work of a PE. At my last job, we had CAD operators, skilled designers, and EITs all doing the same work, and it being checked by PEs before it went out the door. They were all paid different wages dictated by their experience, education, and credentials. Until you have all 3 pieces of the puzzle (education, experience, exam), you are not a PE and should not be paid as such. There are lots of people that "do the work" of a PE and get paid less than you do. Difference is that you have the ability to get paid a PE's wage...others don't.
I see your point, and agree for the most part... hopefully that final piece of the puzzle will come through for me soon. I want to make that next step, but the opportunities for advancement here look limited at the moment.
This is my situation too...license not really necessary, but my company generally pays for study materials and fees. I took the exam in April for the first time, though. If I don't pass, I'm going to pick up the tab next go around. I think my company would still pay the exam fee to take it again, but I just wouldn't feel right. The company I work for is pretty small (engineering staff-wise) and it seems that all the engineers end up going for their PE license for the sake of the accomplishment. I guess that's kind of why I took the exam. That and because if I don't get my license, it will only be a matter of time before I carry the mark of shame of being the only unlicensed engineer in the group.
