How to Document Your 4 Years of Engineering Experience
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- čas přidán 20. 08. 2024
- To get accepted to take the PE Exam, you must detail your engineering experience in a very particular way, and if you do it the right way, it will greatly increase your chances of being accepted to sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering or PE Exam. That is why, in this week’s Pass the PE Exam video, I explain how you should document and organize your engineering work experience when applying for the PE Exam.
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Great explanation. Does someone have examples of how to describe work experience that count when working for a public agency where you didn’t perform design but reviewed consultants design and specifications and performed inspection in the field?
I believe so, you have to explain what you did in detail. Maria you should try to find a PE in government that you can ask. That's the best approach.
Good to know. I didn't know this before
Glad it was helpful.
Thank you, Anthony. I am in the process of applying for my PE license. Altogether, I have been in the industry for almost 7 years but could not find a PE to verify my first three years of experience. I have been at my company for almost 4 years and have three PE references, but the deadline to apply is but a month (!) before my four years. Do you know if the board would deny me, in this case?
Hello Nhi. Thanks for reaching out to us. Each state board works differently and has different set rules, so it would be best to check with them directly to see what your options would be. Good luck with everything.
Thank you for the explanation!!!.
What if the projects in which I participated are overlapped over the course of the time? How could I explain this in a chronological order knowing that the form 4A establishes the following?
Describe in detail the specific engineering work you personally performed on several projects or job assignments that are TIME representative of the work you performed while you were employed by the firm named on this form. Then, indicate at right, the time YRS./MOS. you spent on these projects or assignments. The total time you claim cannot exceed actual calendar time. Describe your work in sufficient detail. No one time period can exceed two years in duration. In your description you must demonstrate that at least two years of your experience required knowledge and use of codes and practices used in the United States. You must use a separate Form 4A for each individual endorser (even if two or more endorsers work in the same firm). BOTH YOU AND YOUR ENDORSER MUST SIGN FORM 4A..
If the projects in which you participated are overlapped over the course of time, it can be challenging to explain your engineering work in a chronological order that meets the requirements of Form 4A. However, there are a few strategies you can use to organize your work experience effectively:
Group projects by time period: Try to group your projects into distinct time periods, such as six-month or one-year intervals. For example, you could list all the projects you worked on from January to June of one year, then list the projects you worked on from July to December of the same year.
Use bullet points: Within each time period, use bullet points to describe the specific engineering work you performed on each project. Be sure to describe your work in sufficient detail, including any codes and practices used in the United States.
Emphasize your most recent work: If your projects are overlapping, focus on describing your most recent work first, and then work backward in time. This approach will help ensure that your most recent and relevant experience is highlighted.
Seek guidance from your endorser: Your endorser, who is typically a licensed professional engineer, can provide guidance on how to best organize your work experience to meet the requirements of Form 4A. They may also be able to provide insight into which projects are most relevant and should be emphasized.
Remember that the key to completing Form 4A is to provide a clear and detailed description of your engineering work experience. Be sure to follow the guidelines provided on the form and use a separate form for each individual endorser. Both you and your endorser must sign Form 4A to certify the accuracy of the information provided.
@@PassthePEExam Many thanks !!! This part of explaining work experience is crucial and most of success to get a seat in the PE exam depends on this.
Thank you Anthony for your advice, very helpful video. Do you know if NYS would accept engineering experience endorsed by a former supervisor who didn't have a license at the time the applicant did the work on the project. The former supervisor has recently become a licensed engineer.
I think there is a good chance, but I would contact them, maybe you can get some feedback by email. You also might be able to find a PE who managed that person at the time to sign off.
I worked in Medical Device Company that has no PEs on staff. How can I document my experience and accepted by the board. Your insight will be helpful.
Sunil I would first contact your State Board and ask them if they accept your type of experience. That is the best place to start.
Thank you good job
Welcome 😊
Thank you for the explanation. Do you know how to describe the engineering experience from abroad? How would that work? Thank you.
I don't but you should check with the State in the US where you want to apply
What to do when you only have 3/4 references? I work in a smaller firm and I can't seem to find the last reference for approval and the state won't give me a break. I do not want to leave my company because of this.
Raymond, you may just need to work with someone else at your firm for a few months if possible.
Thank you Anthony. I got a question, by chance do you have a video explaining the process for applying for the FE waiver. I’m foreign, I have the years of experience for applying for a waiver but not sure how can I demonstrate it if the people I worked with didn’t have the PE
We don't but will work on it!
@@PassthePEExam Thank you!
Hi, I'm also going through the same situation. Were you able to provide your experience and get it approved?
Same here… thanks guys
Hello, thanks for all the good information that you are providing. I have a question: I got my engineering degree in another country and am currently working as an engineer in the USA. Would my degree be accepted to apply for the PE exam? Also, I have more than 6 years of experience; however, here in the USA, I've been working for 2 years. Would my working experience in another country be allowed as a legit experience? I would appreciate any information you can give me..
You are most welcome!
In the United States, the acceptance of engineering degrees obtained from other countries for the purpose of applying for the Professional Engineer (PE) exam depends on several factors. Each state has its own licensing board that determines the requirements and eligibility criteria for the PE exam. However, in general, here are some considerations:
Accreditation: Most licensing boards require that the engineering degree you obtained from another country be from an institution recognized and accredited by the appropriate accrediting body in that country. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality and curriculum.
Evaluation of Credentials: In some cases, licensing boards may require a credential evaluation of your foreign engineering degree to determine its equivalency to a U.S. degree. This evaluation is typically conducted by a recognized credential evaluation agency. They will assess your academic records, course syllabi, and other relevant documentation to determine the equivalency of your degree.
Engineering Experience: Regarding your engineering experience obtained outside of the USA, it may be considered as valid experience, especially if it aligns with the engineering discipline in which you are seeking licensure. The licensing board may require you to submit detailed documentation of your work experience, including job descriptions, project summaries, and reference letters from supervisors or clients. This information will be evaluated to determine if your experience meets the required criteria for the PE exam.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and processes for foreign-educated engineers can vary between states. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the licensing board in the state where you intend to seek licensure. They will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the acceptance of your degree and work experience
I have one employer and holding one position for more than 10 yrs and my responsibilities are generally the same although broad, does this mean I have to write down one engineering experience? Or I write several engineering activities under the same position with same responsibilities?
Hello Eric. Thanks for reaching out. It depends upon your state but typically a lot of the states ask you to write your experience down in terms of the projects you've worked on, and not necessarily by the company you've worked for. So, if you've worked at one company for 10 years but you've worked on 5 different projects, your application should be broken down into the 5 projects that you've worked on.
Do I have to mention the projects names?
@mohammedalhachami1736 No, mentioning project names in your 4-year engineering experience documentation isn't mandatory, but it can be beneficial.
thanks a lot for the information. I am a civil engineer from Egypt, I get my certificate evaluated by spantran , can I work as engineer in USA with this evaluation? and what is the deferent between evaluation in Ncees and WES?
@eriny.hannaamin8989 Whether you can work as an engineer in the USA with a SpanTran evaluation of your Egyptian civil engineering certificate depends on several factors:
Licensing requirements: Each state in the USA has its own licensing board that sets the requirements for becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE). These requirements typically include:
*A degree in engineering from an accredited program.
*Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
*Passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in the specific state where you want to work.
*Meeting the state's experience requirements, which often involve working under the supervision of a licensed PE for a certain number of years.
SpanTran evaluation: SpanTran is one of several companies that offer credential evaluation services for international professionals. Their evaluation can help you understand how your Egyptian degree compares to US educational standards, but it does not automatically qualify you for a PE license.
NCEES vs. WES:
*NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying): This organization offers the FE and PE exams required for licensure in most US states. They do not perform credential evaluations.
*WES (World Education Services): This organization is another provider of credential evaluation services, similar to SpanTran. They can evaluate your degree and provide a report explaining its equivalency to US standards. However, like SpanTran, WES evaluation does not guarantee licensure.
Remember, licensure requirements can vary depending on the state, so it's crucial to research the specific regulations in your target location. Good luck!
@@PassthePEExam that is great effort from you. I appreciate it 🙏 thanks
Love your videos, I’ve got a question, I graduated as a mechanical engineer out of states, in Venezuela actually, I’m sure that the university I graduated at, is ABET accredited because I’m here in Texas with an H1B work visa. But the company I work for is just not using me as an engineer. It is more a technician type of job. Now, my plan is to work on getting my PE and obtain the green card, eventually, and renegotiate the terms of my responsibilities or just find an engineering job with the PE licensure. Would you mind describing the process im about to start? Thank you very much
Thank you for your kind words, and I would be happy to help you with your question.
In the United States, becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is a significant step towards advancing your engineering career. Here is a brief outline of the process:
Education: Ensure that your engineering degree meets the educational requirements for the state where you plan to become licensed. ABET accreditation is often required, but additional requirements may vary from state to state.
Work Experience: Gain the required amount of engineering work experience, typically four years or more, under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer.
FE Exam: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This exam tests the fundamental knowledge and understanding of engineering concepts.
PE Exam: Pass the Professional Engineering (PE) exam in your specific engineering discipline. This exam tests your knowledge and expertise in your engineering field.
License Application: Apply for your Professional Engineering license in the state where you want to work. The application process varies by state, but typically involves submitting transcripts, proof of work experience, exam scores, and references.
Once you become licensed as a Professional Engineer, you can use this credential to demonstrate your engineering expertise and qualifications. This may help you negotiate better job responsibilities and potentially secure an engineering role that aligns with your education and experience. Additionally, having a PE license can be helpful when applying for a green card as it can demonstrate your specialized skills and qualifications to potential employers.
You can also check out some of our other videos that might be helpful here >>
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I hope this information helps you with your career aspirations. Good luck with your journey towards becoming a licensed Professional Engineer!
@@PassthePEExam YOU DA MAN!
do you have to work fulltime? Can I go to grad school while working and part time?
You can work part-time, you just need to submit all of the details with your application. Sometimes it is up to the specific State Board to decide.
What if you worked at a firm with many smaller projects, can I generalize or give an example?
It depends on your State, but you may have to list them all unfortunately.
@@PassthePEExam I think they'll just accept the experience by sheer laziness
God these video's cover photos are so cringe worthy.
Thank you :)
@@PassthePEExam You're Welcome. :)