Physics degree, taking Fundamental Engineering test

[SSJ2]

Just wanted to let the forum know that through some diligence I have been approved to take the Fundamental Engineering test in South Carolina with a B.S. in Physics.

I took about a extra year worth of advanced engineering classes along with skipped all freshman and sophomore engineering classes because of my physics background.

 

[berkeman]

Just wanted to let the forum know that through some diligence I have been approved to take the Fundamental Engineering test in South Carolina with a B.S. in Physics.

I took about a extra year worth of advanced engineering classes along with skipped all freshman and sophomore engineering classes because of my physics background.

Congrats. Did you have a question?

 

[SSJ2]

No, not really. Just wanted to let all the physics majors out there know that its possible to become a licensed engineer without a engineering degree depending on state. :) Just took some diligence ;P.

Anyways off to start reviewing :).

 

[ModusPwnd]

But its the PE that gets you licensed. I assume you will be able to take that after working on a project like an engineering grad?

 

[SSJ2]

Thats correct. The PE is the second part of the exam that requires 7 years of experience after you pass the FE or the first part. I got approved to take the first part and got my foot in the door. Did so by having my education evaluated(for a fee) as it is not ABET accredited. You can have yours evaluated by your State Board or the National Board(NCEES)

 

[ModusPwnd]

In my case I think I need an internship to get my foot in the door so I am studying engineering as an engineering major and applying for internships. 7 years? I thought it was 3, but maybe that is my state. Hope it goes well!

 

[SSJ2]

Is it three? I could be wrong. Have to go back and check.

 

[JakeBrodskyPE]

If you pass the test, you get what is called the Engineer In Training (EIT) certificate. From an HR perspective, it is almost the same as if you had graduated with a formal degree in engineering.

With an EIT certificate, and several years experience doing something related to engineering, and signoff from one or possibly more PE certificate holders, you can then sit for the Principles and Practices exam. If you pass that, you are then allowed to register with the state as a professional engineer. In most states the principles and practices exam does NOT have to have any relationship to what you studied for your Bachelor's degree, though the prerequisite experience to sit for the exam may be different.

In Maryland, the principles and practices exam is an eight hour long, open book ordeal. It is given only once or perhaps twice a year, depending upon how many applicants the test might have.

I'm deliberately not being specific here because the number of years and the required sign-offs are different from state to state. Canada has different rules with similar goals, but I know very little about the particulars.

 

[SSJ2]

yea, I wish i could have taken the non computer based exam. I do better with pencil and paper on a desk. But oh well ;P. Such is life i suppose.

 

[caldweab]

Just wanted to let the forum know that through some diligence I have been approved to take the Fundamental Engineering test in South Carolina with a B.S. in Physics.
I took about a extra year worth of advanced engineering classes along with skipped all freshman and sophomore engineering classes because of my physics background.

Congrats. I'm from SC as well. Be sure to post back here with the results and good look!

 

[caldweab]

Thats correct. The PE is the second part of the exam that requires 7 years of experience after you pass the FE or the first part. I got approved to take the first part and got my foot in the door. Did so by having my education evaluated(for a fee) as it is not ABET accredited. You can have yours evaluated by your State Board or the National Board(NCEES)

It's only 4 years in SC unless that's some stipulation because you were a physics major