CM wanting a P.E.

[dwmilligan]

I made a mistake 6 years ago when I graduated with a degree in Construction Management (not to be confused with a degree in Civil Engineering, focus in CM). Immediately out of college I took a job with an engineering firm and have loved it since. I have worked my way up to being a resident engineer on smaller projects, but can see that my future will likely be constrained by the lack of a P.E. Most people in my office don’t even realize that I’m a CM and not a CE, and to me that part isn’t as important as wanting to get my P.E. I’m fairly confident in my technical skills, but have heard that in my state (Illinois), CM’s are not able to take it (all though I’m not positive on this). I have also heard that CM’s can take the P.E. in other states and Illinois will honor it… Any ideas?

Appreciate everyone’s help!

Thanks.

Doug

 

[ptatohed]

Check with your state. In CA, you do not need a degree in Civil (or any degree for that matter), you just need 72 months of qualifying experience (a civil bachelors can count as 48 of the 72). If your state is similar, and your work counts as qualifying experience, you might be fine.

 

[Peele1]

Most likely your degree would not count as an "engineering" degree. You might consider applying anyway and see what answer you get. They may say that you need X hours of engineering classes. You may be able to take the FE exam. In general, you need the BS, FE, experience, then you can take the PE. There are alternatives that don't require this, however most require 15-20 years of experience, and boards are fairly tough on it.

You may consider going back and getting a Civil (Industrial, Architecture, or other) Engineering BS. I think that any BS in Engineering counts as long as it is accredited.

 

[snickerd3]

Illinois requires more experience for non engineering majors but your undergrad will likely have to be evaluated.