freedom of picking exam

[ivy039]

Suppose I am allowed to take a PE test, during test registration, can i register ANY of the discipline i want?

e,g, I am mechanical, but can i pick thermal system analysis instead mechanical system design?

or more extremely, i am mechanical, but i want to try electrical related exam, can I? Any restriction when picking exam discipline ?

 

[Lomarandil]

You can sign up for any exam that you like.

The only caveat is that some states will then issue your PE for the discipline you've taken -- which usually means there are restrictions on what sorts of designs you can stamp.

For example, I'm a structural engineer (lowercase), and took the PE in Civil Engineering (California). My stamp is specific for Civil, so I could stamp structural or civil drawings (within my scope of competency and experience, of course). But if I were to try and stamp some Mechanical or Power drawings, I would be out of luck.

However, from what I understand, in some states, a PE is a PE, and it's up to you to decide what you're competent to stamp or not.

 

[ivy039]

thank you Lomarandil, this is the answer i am expecting so if i can take PE exam, I can pick the discipline i feel comfortable in Michigan which doesn't distinguish between PE and PE

 

[Lumber Jim]

I would be careful and pick the disipline that you plan to work within. As a PE, you are required to work within your discipline and expertise based upon your own ethical judgement. I believe it would raises a red flag if you ever get called to sit before a jury of you peers because of a failure and you took the electrical exam and then signed structural drawings. Unless of course you are good at everything and could depend this assertion in court. I would think it to be easiest to take the exam in your area of expertise anyway.

I'm speaking for across the various disciplines of course. I'm a mechanical systems and materials guy and have had to tell my employer, NO, I will not be able to sign drawings for that Jib crane attached to that building post. I could design the Crane but we need to get a Structural or Civil guy for the building part as I have never looked into any of that code. (as much as it pained me to say it...)

Just a little flavor, do what you think is right.... Good luck!

 

[JMT]

For example, I'm a structural engineer (lowercase), and took the PE in Civil Engineering (California). My stamp is specific for Civil, so I could stamp structural or civil drawings (within my scope of competency and experience, of course). But if I were to try and stamp some Mechanical or Power drawings, I would be out of luck.

What is a 'structural engineer' in lowercase? Is that different than a 'Structural Engineer'?

 

[snickerd3]

Yes it is different. THere is a SE exam which is different and separate than a PE with a structural background.

 

[JMT]

Yes it is different. THere is a SE exam which is different and separate than a PE with a structural background.

There is no difference between a 'Structural Engineer' and 'structural engineer' in California. Unless you have your SE you can't use either of the titles or any combination of the words or abbreviations. Refer to Section 6736 of the Professional Engineers Act. IMO that is akin to a recent BSCE graduate calling him/herself a Civil Engineer in California.

 

[Lomarandil]

You're correct, JMT, I cannot use the term "structural engineer" as my title or to advertise myself. In this case, I was using it informally (lowercase as shorthand for "not a title") to help illustrate the variety within civil engineering, correlating to thermal system analysis vs mechanical system design by the OP.

That said, I certainly wouldn't correct the young BSCE graduate unless he was trying to offer me professional civil engineering services.

What would you propose we call ourselves, for informal settings?

 

[JMT]

I believe the PE act refers to the title in lowercase, so it isn't shorthand if it is in lowercase. You can refer to their website for the PE Act if you wish. http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/laws/index.shtml

I would, and do, correct young BSCE graduates. I do that so they look and sound informed when they go to interviews or meetings with licensed PE's or SE's.

I know my company, and every other one I have done business with in California calls a PE without a SE license a Civil Designer, or Project Manager or such. It's not my call to say what you call yourself, I just know what the law is and when you referred to yourself as a structural engineer in California that isn't actually the case.