Cali PE? - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

EJPHI · 11-01-2009, 12:31 AM

Here is a question for you Cali PE's.

I am at a point in my career where I have more than enough experience to take the PE exam in my area of knowledge. I didn't take the EIT right out of engineering school, but I think I could pass it because I have always been good at taking tests.

My area of knowledge is more focused on electronics than power distribution, although I find more of my time lately devoted to solving power related problems for my employer.

California offers a PE in electronics and I wonder if it is worthwhile going through the letter of recommendation and test taking process to earn it. I am not as concerned with my ability to pass the test as I am with justifying the effort.

The first question I ask myself is what benefit would accrue from earning the PE credential. From my employers perspective it would not matter, they would value a PhD, but that is not possible. I would like to think that as I near retirement, it would help me gain access to employment as an instructor. Perhaps there is a need for PE's with an electronic background to sign off on designs much like "real" electrical power PE's.

I am having difficulty establishing how an electronic PE would fit into the world as well as an electrical power PE does.

So please let me know what you think. I am really impressed with the level of knowledge on this forum and would greatly value any opinions offered.

EJPHI

John Valdes · 11-01-2009, 12:36 PM

Whats a "PE"?

Bob Badger · 11-01-2009, 12:45 PM

Professional engineer

brian john · 11-01-2009, 01:44 PM

I am not a PE but I s;ept at a Holiday Inn last night.

If you qualify and can pass it, GO FOR IT. Any paper you can hang on the wall can only improve your resume, especially in tough times.

RIVETER · 11-02-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EJPHI

Here is a question for you Cali PE's.

I am at a point in my career where I have more than enough experience to take the PE exam in my area of knowledge. I didn't take the EIT right out of engineering school, but I think I could pass it because I have always been good at taking tests.

My area of knowledge is more focused on electronics than power distribution, although I find more of my time lately devoted to solving power related problems for my employer.

California offers a PE in electronics and I wonder if it is worthwhile going through the letter of recommendation and test taking process to earn it. I am not as concerned with my ability to pass the test as I am with justifying the effort.

The first question I ask myself is what benefit would accrue from earning the PE credential. From my employers perspective it would not matter, they would value a PhD, but that is not possible. I would like to think that as I near retirement, it would help me gain access to employment as an instructor. Perhaps there is a need for PE's with an electronic background to sign off on designs much like "real" electrical power PE's.

I am having difficulty establishing how an electronic PE would fit into the world as well as an electrical power PE does.

So please let me know what you think. I am really impressed with the level of knowledge on this forum and would greatly value any opinions offered.

EJPHI

To me, any credential that shows that you made the effort Is good. Go for it. Many years ago, and I was an electrician then , I decided to go to night school and learn refrigeration and heating. I am still an electrician but am proud of my knowlege. I went to INFRARED school to be certified... and I don't use it either. I did it for myself and you should too.