Article on Concern of SE Exam Transition to Computer Based Test

[shihouli]

Recently I read an article on Structure Magazine Issue October 2022. It points out concern of SE Exam transition to computer based test.
It's information worth knowing for those who are planning to take the exam from 2024 afterwards.
See link below:
https://www.structuremag.org/?p=21592

 

[JNS]

Agree with these concerns. It seems like this is making an already long exam very long. It makes it impossible to finish the exam in one cycle, which is very hard but possible with the current format. Which means people have to commit longer timelines to get through it, putting life on hold for much longer. Makes it much less appealing to try to get the license unless you are in an SE only state like myself. There are other concerns of course, about how people will adjust to the format, the BS "pretest" questions that don't count, the 4 days you will have to take off and the increase in cost.

I definitely do not want to be someone in line to take the CBT in April 2024 and pay $1400 for the privilege of doing the beta-testing on the exam for NCEES. Wouldn't be surprised if the pass rates for the first couple of runs plummet, or go the other way and the exam is much easier, but given how NCEES operates, the former is likelier.

 

[structurenole2015 PE]

Makes it much less appealing to try to get the license unless you are in an SE only state like myself.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that somehow, some way, NSPE got involved with NCEES and had a hand in some of these decisions. Because if I'm an organization opposed to SE licensure and I see it taking the country by storm the way it is, my first plan would be to discourage people from getting licensed in structural engineering by making the exam more frustrating/less worth the time to take.

 

[Reverse Polish]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that somehow, some way, NSPE got involved with NCEES and had a hand in some of these decisions. Because if I'm an organization opposed to SE licensure and I see it taking the country by storm the way it is, my first plan would be to discourage people from getting licensed in structural engineering by making the exam more frustrating/less worth the time to take.

You say that as if a career in structural engineering isn't discouraging and frustrating in itself!

 

[structurenole2015 PE]

You say that as if a career in structural engineering isn't discouraging and frustrating in itself!

I mean, you're not wrong!

But there's a reason we haven't (yet) left the profession, or at least that's what I try to remind myself when things seem frustrating!

 

[Reverse Polish]

I mean, you're not wrong!

But there's a reason we haven't (yet) left the profession, or at least that's what I try to remind myself when things seem frustrating!

Me, I'm too far in. I'm not qualified to do anything else. It's structural design, or starting my own hot dog cart.
You younger folks still have time to save yourselves! ;-)

 

[akhalil]

The whole SE exam is ridiculous, all over the world, structural engineering is just a branch of civil engineering, only in America where they think structural engineering is something different, I believe PE is sufficient to design buildings, bridges, dams, rail roads, freeways, …..
I heard that for the computer-based exam you are not allowed even to have any references with you, this is not realistic because in real life you have all kind of books, codes, software. I guess it makes sense that Mr. Jason Gamble, P.E., NCEES’ Chief Officer of Examinations is only a PE not SE. who is the beneficial of all that?

 

[Serg305]

You say that as if a career in structural engineering isn't discouraging and frustrating in itself!

And that is why the Deities made coffee! Between work projects and studying yesterday was a 6 cup day for me

 

[CAPLS]

The whole SE exam is ridiculous, all over the world, structural engineering is just a branch of civil engineering, only in America where they think structural engineering is something different, I believe PE is sufficient to design buildings, bridges, dams, rail roads, freeways, …..
I heard that for the computer-based exam you are not allowed even to have any references with you, this is not realistic because in real life you have all kind of books, codes, software. I guess it makes sense that Mr. Jason Gamble, P.E., NCEES’ Chief Officer of Examinations is only a PE not SE. who is the beneficial of all that?

It wasn't Mr. Gamble's decision so you should refrain from this type of allegations. Otherwise, you need to voice your concerns with the SE member of whatever board licenses you.

 

[E720]

Me, I'm too far in. I'm not qualified to do anything else. It's structural design, or starting my own hot dog cart.
You younger folks still have time to save yourselves! ;-)

I love watching hot dog cart videos on YT. A man can dream.

 

[EnginerdBurger]

I love watching hot dog cart videos on YT. A man can dream.

There are so many times I've passed by a cart in NYC or LA and ogled the vendor with deep envy. It always looks like he's living the dream: no boss, no coworkers, no office - just him, his wares, his customers, and the open road.

'Merica.

 

[Serg305]

The whole SE exam is ridiculous, all over the world, structural engineering is just a branch of civil engineering, only in America where they think structural engineering is something different, I believe PE is sufficient to design buildings, bridges, dams, rail roads, freeways, …..
I heard that for the computer-based exam you are not allowed even to have any references with you, this is not realistic because in real life you have all kind of books, codes, software. I guess it makes sense that Mr. Jason Gamble, P.E., NCEES’ Chief Officer of Examinations is only a PE not SE. who is the beneficial of all that?

I do think they provide the references electronically within the test itself / split screen.

 

[MambaMentality24]

I do think they provide the references electronically within the test itself / split screen.

Do you know if they will provide the entire reference codes electronically during the exam or just some sections when they transition to CBT? I haven't been able to find anything online regarding this.

 

[Reverse Polish]

I believe PE is sufficient to design buildings, bridges, dams, rail roads, freeways, …..

And this, folks, is why states have adopted SE licensure.

 

[bassist]

To all the people here looking to get more info on the 2024 CBT transition of the SE exam, this webinar can be useful. Registration Link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iD9dqmczQgKlm9V5h160qw