OT but: PE/FE Exams

[metroplex]

Any engineers on here care to shed some light (or their opinions) about the FE/EIT exam?

I was told that if I pass it somehow, I wouldn't have to take it.

But they also said its not really looked at when applying to EE jobs, its only looked at when applying for municipal/utility jobs.

Do i HAVE to take the FE exam if I want to get ahead in the world?

Or can I just go for the PE exam after I get 4 years of experience?

I want to minimize the amount of stress for my senior year, and if i can avoid having to take a 24 week FE/EIT Exam prep course (worth 3 credits NOT applicable towards graduation AND affects my GPA, AND is taught at night), all the merrier.

Thank you!

 

[DaveSimmons]

I'd suggest asking this in OT instead, before the savate mod kickboxes you upside the head.

 

[Dedpuhl]

I know several people that are making great money and never took the EIT.

There are a few reasons to take and pass the FE.

1. if you plan to take the PE
2. some companies may pay more if you have the certificate
3. Some companies require the certificate for employment

Once you have a PE, you can do the following:

1. Open your own consulting firm
2. Sign legal documents
3. Testify in court as an expert witness (you can make a lot of $$$ doing this)

 

[ErmanC]

Don't know how much you "need" the PE/FE, but I would suggest you take it and become registered if possible. It'll help you get an appreciation for the qualifications you have and let others know you're a professional dedicated to your field. I'm Civil so my perspective is probably a little skewed but I think the registration process is important for any engineer. Not trying to be snooty, but engineering is harder than most people realize. Just as people go for Microsoft certifications, and so forth, getting registered as a professional engineer sets us apart from your average Joe with some tech training.

Just my 2cents, hope it helps.

 

[ErmanC]

One more note, as for the process... Most states require you to complete the FE then work for 3-4 years and then complete the PE before you can become registered.

As an additional note, for your particular case I would suggest consulting IEEE's website if you haven't already. Hope it helps.

IEEE

 

[metroplex]

What happens if I pass the FE Exam in NJ but i get a job in say, California?

And if I get the PE in NJ, and relocate to say Texas - wouldi have to get recertified by taking another test or just pay some $$?

 

[tigerbait]

I took the FE in April with the Electrical specific test, and I passed it. It isn't too bad, and they curve the scores. Where I worked this summer, all the EEs had PEs. You should definitely take it. It won't hurt having it, and it gives you the opportunity to become a PE later on.

What happens if I pass the FE Exam in NJ but i get a job in say, California?

And if I get the PE in NJ, and relocate to say Texas - wouldi have to get recertified by taking another test or just pay some $$?

In most cases, it's just a matter of applying for license in that other state. Another test is not required. However, there are some exceptions, such as civil/structural engineering PEs require a different test in California due to earthquake designs and stuff.

 

[metroplex]

So for the EEs, we may just have to apply for the new license in a different state?
Interesting.

So as long as I pass the FE Exam, i can take the PE after 4 years of experience?

I'm asking because the FE prep course is going to suck 60 hours out of my life, and the course is taught by my university (affects my GPA also).

Thanks

 

[tigerbait]

Originally posted by: metroplex
So for the EEs, we may just have to apply for the new license in a different state?
Interesting.

So as long as I pass the FE Exam, i can take the PE after 4 years of experience?

I'm asking because the FE prep course is going to suck 60 hours out of my life, and the course is taught by my university (affects my GPA also).

Thanks

Yes, you take the PE after 4 years, but in those 4 years, you must be working under a PE's supervision.

Is that FE prep course mandatory? Because I don't think a dedicated course is really necessary. Just get one of the study books and get familiar with the format. The test isn't too difficult, I think the pass rate for EEs is ~ 80% first time.

 

[metroplex]

nah the course isn't mandatory.

What happens if I don't work under the supervision of a PE for 4 years? say I work as an EE for 8 years, I'd have to work under the direct supervision of a PE for 4 more years in order to take the PE exam?

Do you know if not taking the FE would harm my chances of getting a job?

 

[tigerbait]

What happens if I don't work under the supervision of a PE for 4 years? say I work as an EE for 8 years, I'd have to work under the direct supervision of a PE for 4 more years in order to take the PE exam?

Do you know if not taking the FE would harm my chances of getting a job?

I think as long as there is a single PE at your workplace, you can get him to qualify your application. It is sorta like a letter of recommendation.

It might hurt your chances, especially if you plan on doing consulting. There are no reasons why shouldn't take the FE. The cost of the test is usually cheap is you're still in school, and it is not too difficult. You don't want to be stuck years after graduation realizing you need the FE (and PE) for advancement in your current situation, and then studying will be a lot more difficult after forgetting all that math, physics, chemistry, and other non-EE stuff. It just sucks taking that test for 8 hours.

 

[metroplex]

My school is offering a prep course for 2 semesters (Part 1 and 2).

I think I'll jump into Part 2 and use the FE Exam book along with the course to go with it.
I know that most universities indicate that there's an 80% chance an EE student passes it.

Thanks for the advice!