Thanks for the information. I am genuinely interested, mainly spouting from online discussions about Engineer being a protected title in US. Though I am still a little curious as to how you can graduate from an accredited course and not know the Fundimentals of Engineering to the point where you need a FE/EIT exam to discover who does or does not know "The Fundimentals". Surely a criteria of graduating from an accredited course is that the course is of sufficient quality and standard that you couldn't graduate without learning the required material for a career in Engineering? (Andy looks at past references to fees to sit the exam and wonders........) -AS
[/QUOTE]Except that if you are found to be in violation they can fine you, so it becomes a revenue source. I try to avoid being viewed as a target revenue source by a government if I can avoid it - instinctively much the same as swatting mosquitoes. Much like a city will put in red light cameras, not for public safety, but to enhance revenue. Plus what do you do if someone DOES have a grudge against you, and you are using the titles without registration?[/QUOTE] Installing cameras and equipment, or having individuals enforce laws costs money and manpower (or maybe to be politically correct, I should say "people power"). Although the federal budget is out of control and heading for a train wreck, many state and local governments are just about already there. Even if someone is in violation of a law and can at least be "fined as a revenue enhancer", money to find time and manpower to enforce laws is becoming more in short supply. No matter what, governments at all levels will have to make some tough choices and eliminate spending in some areas and work with much more limited time and manpower resources. Maybe what might be a interesting thing to research is how much in the way of money and resources in any given state is being directed to the state board of professional engineers and enforcing its laws and regulations. I think if a state was strapped for cash and had to make some choices regarding funding and manpower for state government offices, I think things like police, education and state entitlement spending (Medicaid and nursing homes) would likely pull more weight than enforcing laws regulating the practice of engineering, especially where the engineering does not have a strong affect on public safety or welfare.
That would be rational, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is what government will do. Red light cameras bring in a lot of money and I am convinced that revenue is the reason that most of them are in place. Here in San Diego there was one intersection where they deliberately shortened the yellow in order to get more revenue, only stopped when the city lost a lawsuit. this site lists disciplinary actions in CA, but is not up to date: http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/consumers/enforce.shtml#disciplinary some samples: Investigation revealed that Stanley M. Houston III violated section 6787(h) of the Business and Professions Code. The records of the Board show that Stanley M. Houston III is not licensed by the Board as a Professional Engineer. Investigation revealed that Houston used the initials "P.E.," An abbreviation of a restricted titled, on his business cards. Houston was ordered to cease and desist violating the law and to pay an administrative fine to the Board in the amount of $500.00. Investigation revealed that Phillip Mungia, Jr., violated section 6787(a) of the Business and Professions Code. The records of the Board show that Phillip Mungia, Jr., is not licensed by the Board as a Professional Engineer. Investigation revealed that Mungia distributed a business card identifying his business as "Mungia Design" and as being legally authorized to offer architectural and engineering design services. Mungia was ordered to cease and desist violating the law and to pay an administrative fine to the Board in the amount of $500.00. Fees: License renewal here in the people's republic of California is about $160/4years. It is $125 to apply and $265 to take the PE, $50 to apply and $125 to take the EIT. The fees are more than I would like, but not TOO huge. But look at your jurisdiction's website to find out for sure.
Michael I think the subject is well discussed above. The PE is nice to have but not essential for a career in the US. It does provide an advantage in a tight employment market such as we are currently in. It represents to many employers an initiative in an individual candidate that others did not show if your relatively young in your career. However as many have stated once you have worked in industry for a number of years 10 to 15 the PE is less important then your record of accomplishments. It also has the advantage of providing later career choices as mentioned if your the ambitious type. It is not that hard to get if you complete the requirements and take the exam as early as possible. But , don't fret over the decision not to follow through your career can be very rewarding without one as well. I am a registered PE and have not needed it in my 30 year career except It has helped in job transitions. Dave
Of course, in a tight job market having a PE could also be a disadvantage, if it means (or a potential employer thinks it means) that you have to be paid more... an extra cost they might not be willing to pay in an industry where it's not required.
Hi everyone what are the chances of getting a PE if I graduated 20 yeas ago outside US (my degree was evaluated as MSME in the US)?
Check with the board in your state and see. The problem will probably be remembering everything from your schooling more than the administrative hurdles. I think it would definitely be worth looking into, and the ability to freely use the title is worth the few hundred dollars it will cost you... at least it is to me.
thanks for the advice, I'll explore if I can get the admission.. There's no problem with "remembering everything from your schooling" because I remember nothing.. I will be pretty much like getting back to school.. I really doubt if I can physically re-learn that volume of material..
Fortunately, its an open book test. You can take all your textbooks with you, just no post-it notes or loose paper (exam security). So you don't have to know it all, you just have to know how to find and apply it all.
