NCEES Podcast on transition to Computer Based SE Exam

[David Connor SE]

Not sure if this has been posted or not, but it's an NCEES podcast with information about the transition to the Computer Based SE Exam.

https://ncees.org/podcast-jason-gamble/
Biggest takeaway is that the SE Exam will now be a 4-part 20+ hour exam. But once you pass a part, you are done with it. No more having to re-do the AM multiple choice questions (breadth) if you did well on them, but not well on the essay (depth).

Essay will now have "scenarios" with 10-12 questions for each scenario. Will have different types of questions. Graphical/sketching, add info to details, fill-in-blank, multiple correct answer multiple choice.

Also, you won't be able to bring in outside materials or study guides. No more bringing in crates of references.

The standard references (codes) will be searchable pdfs. I think this will be a hindrance because I would write notes in the hard copy codes that I had. How do you search for a certain value for "phi"? Etc. Plus it's just a lot easier to use actual books when you are in a timed situation in my opinion.

 

[Hamilton_PE]

Thanks for posting this. It's really interesting to hear. I agree with you that not having hard copy references will be difficult, or at least take some getting used to. I passed the civil PE on the last P&P administration, and I'm so glad I didn't have to make the transition to CBT for that. I don't have the option to take the SE exam yet, so I guess I will just have to figure it out.

 

[Orca2552_PE]

Do we know when this transition will happen?

 

[DoctorWho-PE]

Do we know when this transition will happen?

Did you listen to the podcast?

 

[shihouli]

Do we know when this transition will happen?

2024

 

[Orca2552_PE]

I'm not sure the NCEES podcast quite addressed this, but does anyone know what happens in the event that a candidate has passed just one module (either vertical or lateral) of the pencil and paper-based test by the time the CBT transition comes along?

I would hope NCEES does not void the pencil and paper-based acceptable result, forcing the examinee to re-take the passed portion again in the CBT format.

 

[bmall]

I'm not sure the NCEES podcast quite addressed this, but does anyone know what happens in the event that a candidate has passed just one module (either vertical or lateral) of the pencil and paper-based test by the time the CBT transition comes along?

I would hope NCEES does not void the pencil and paper-based acceptable result, forcing the examinee to re-take the passed portion again in the CBT format.

I asked this question to NCEES and got this reply: “According to current policy, acceptable results within 5 years (vertical and lateral components) will still be in effect during the transition to CBT.”

 

[bmall]

Here's an upcoming seminar regarding the transition of the exam:
PE Structural Engineering Exam Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Transition
Description
NCEES Chief Officer of Examinations, Jason J. Gamble, P.E. will be giving a presentation on the PE Structural exam transition to computer-based testing (CBT). The PE Structural exam will be administered in pencil-and-paper format for the last time in October 2023. It is scheduled to launch in its computer-based format in 2024. The goal of this presentation is to provide a brief history of the PE Structural Exam, present its new format, compare it to the existing format, and provide attendees an opportunity to inquire and ask questions.

Live Q&A will be moderated by Carl Josephson, S.E., chair of the Structural Engineering Licensure Coalition.

There are no continuing education credits offered for this presentation. There will be a recording available at a later time.

By registering for this complimentary webinar, you are agreeing to receiving communications from CASE, NCSEA, SEI and/or STRUCTURE magazine.

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

 

[Hamilton_PE]

For anyone that missed the seminar or wants to review it, here is a link to the video.
http://www.ncsea.com/events/past/

 

[bidrohini]

Thanks for sharing this.

 

[KirbyQ]

I wonder how the depth modules will be scored in the new format. They mentioned that there will be 5 scenarios with 12 questions each. Will the total of 60 questions be counted together with a minimum passing score (like the breath section)? Or there will be minimum passing score for each individual scenario and the candidate has to pass each?

 

[DoctorWho-PE]

It will be 40 questions that count, one full question and two parts of each other question are pre-test questions. As for how it is scored, that is a good question. I would think more like the current depth, where you have to show some sort of proficiency in each area to pass it.