Taking PE exam without work experience

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Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) are exploring options for taking the Professional Engineer (PE) exam despite challenges in securing employment. There is a discussion about the possibility of activating a PE license after gaining the necessary work experience, with some participants mentioning that in Nevada, work experience may not be required. Many are actively practicing PE problems, noting that some seem easier than expected, especially compared to the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is often perceived as more difficult. Participants emphasize the importance of studying for the PE exam, as it still requires discipline-specific knowledge and preparation, despite some perceptions of its simplicity. The consensus is that while the PE exam may cover familiar material, thorough preparation is essential to succeed.
bigislander72
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Graduated with a BSME last year and have not had any luck finding work. I was wondering if it is possible to take the exam and have the license activated when I acquire the neccesary experience? I have also heard that in the state of Nevada, work experience is not required; does anyone know if this is true?

Been working through a lot of practice PE probs and a great majority I remember covering in my undergraduate program. In fact, a lot seem somewhat easy compared to some I have seen. If I can't find a job at the moment, it would be great to tackle this like I did the EIT even if I have to wait to be truly licensed.
 
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Check with your state board to find out what is permitted. Take the exam as soon as it it allowed while the material is fresh in mind. This will improve you chances of passing.
 
You need to study for your PE test? I have always been told PE tests were almost pathetically easy, and that it is the FE that is a cockblock for most people.

Your PE just shows you passed your FE and that you have put in the time.
 
Starwatcher16 said:
You need to study for your PE test? I have always been told PE tests were almost pathetically easy, and that it is the FE that is a cockblock for most people.

Your PE just shows you passed your FE and that you have put in the time.

Well by the looks of the problems in the practice book, it definitely looks like studying is in order. The FE exam was pretty challenging. In the morning there is the general stuff that all disciplines must take. I felt I did pretty well in that part. Then comes the afternoon section for which a displine is chosen, but it doesn't matter which one. This is why I chose "general engineering" vs. "mechanical engineering" because I was told it was easier. I think I made the wrong choice because there were some statistics, chemistry end economics problems that threw me off; I didn't have a clue. Thought that maybe I didn't pass, but I did.

With the PE the "general" in the morning is still discipline specific, and the afternoon concentration is one several subsets in that particular discipline.

When I said that it seems a lot of problems were covered and were some of the more elementary problems in the related classes, well this is true in my opinion. However to know how to do all the problems off the top of ones head without much hesitation is still pretty impressive and should require a bit of preparation. I don't think it will be too easy.
 
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