Professional Exams for Project Engineers

If it really was a 'professional' exam you would need to be a member of a professional web site I'm guessing...

Also what level and qualification are you referring to?

If its for a serious level of competence I doubt there would be just an exam to sit on-line without cost or tutors...

You will find web sites that will promise you an exam to get you a grade for a fee, but I wouldn't take the grade as meaning much in real life!

John.

Have you come across any website for taking 'Professional' engineering qualification? Shall be thankful if you can inform this website.

John thanks for your comments. Am not talking about a free exam, it's going to definitely be at a cost. Please let me know any of such sites.

Perhaps IEEE website may provide some information. Loom at www.ieee.org and ask concerned chapter people if they have such thing like Professional Electrical Engineer. I think there is something called Chartered electrical Engineer, which is Professional Certificate. Perhaps one can be Professional in one area of expertize for which some training and certification may be possible. Like ASNT certification.

Electrical Engineering is too big a cat to tie a bell to its neck.

Look at these if they are of any use

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=electrical_sept_27_2006

http://www.fbpe.org/fbpe/index.php

www.ieindia.org/download/pe_guidelines.pdf

Can any body define the word Proessional Project engineeer in real sence ?

Yes..... I have been wondering about that Guest!!

Project engineer isn't exactly specific is it? I suppose it could be used to describe someone who organises engineering work, so that someone wouldn't have to be an engineer would they??

John

Perhaps Project means industrial project and taking up A-Z plan may be the task of the Professional Project Engineer like Professional Architect etc. I think most of the Electrical Contractors may work that way. They just do everything and all you have to give a plan to them. These people may differ for the type of industry. Some companies later on have their on staff to handle things but initial work need to be done by a Professional else you will have to employ many and keep them without job and also they have no idea of the final shape of the project unless they all are Professional Project Engineers. Project Engineer means some one who can plan the design from concept rather than execute the job.

For anyone interested in being licensed as a Professional Engineer in the USA, see the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) website for information. From what I recall, the exams and licensing vary slightly from state to state.

In the United States, the NSPE does indeed play a role in licensing of Professional Engineers, but it is mostly informational and consultation. However, the actual exam, or series of exams, is produced and graded by the Educational Testing Service. There are two major parts, Engineering Fundamentals (formerly E.I.T. exam) and Professional Practice (PE). It is usually administered by representatives of the state board for professional engineers. In Missouri this the Missouri State Board For Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors and Landscape Architects, however, since 2002, Missouri has delegated this task to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)

Most states require that someone taking the Engineering Fundamentals be a graduate of, or near graduation from, a college or university B.S. engineering program which is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Engineering Fundamentals is an all-day exam and, as the name implies, covers a wide range of subjects in engineering although in one section you may choose from among several options. Most states will only recognize the BS (not the MS), however, many institutions have a BS makeup program for their graduate engineering students that grants them a BS based on prior work and the makeup work.

Usually, most states require 5 years of engineering practice, usually under guidance of a licensed PE, before one can "sit" for the Engineering Practice (PE) exam. The PE exam, also and all-day test, is where you choose your field, EE, ME, CE, etc. and there are also required sections on project management, ethics, etc.

What does PE registration do for you? Well, it can mean a higher salary, in some companies. It is required by most states for any consulting engineering work, i.e. plans and drawings done under contract for another firm or for construction must have the signature and seal of a PE. In Civil Engineering this is almost a requirement for advanced and senior level engineers. In Product Design and Manufacturing, not so much. In fact, most states specifically exempt engineers in manufacturing industries from PE licensing requirements. If you want to work in the US as an Electrical Project Engineer for a A-E-C (Architect, Engineer, Construction) firm, or an A-E-P (Architect, Engineer, Planner) firm you are almost certain to need to pass the Engineering Fundamentals exam and be a PE, eventually, depending on your level.

My father was a Mechanical Enginer and a PE, although after a short stint working for the government (Corps of Engineers) he spent his whole career in manufacturing. He told me that after he left the government, he never again used his PE seal on any documents. Going into manufacturing myself, and knowing this, I never bothered to prepare for and take the exams. Except for a little external validation that might have been nice once or twice in my career, this has never been an issue with me. Would I do it differently if I had to do it all over again? Possibly, but I am not one of those who seek additional letters to put after their name just to puff up my ego, or to fill a void in my education, which is what I believe happens with many seeking these and other certifications. This is especially true for those offered by "johny-come-lately" so-called professional organizations springing up all over, who, for several hundreds or thousands of dollars and a relatively simple exam, will grant you a certificate and more letters to put after your name!

Correction: Missouri no longer uses the exams from the Eductional Testing Service. The NCEES produces and administers the exams.