The Architect's Role with Means and Methods

The activities of the contractor during construction are often referred to as the means and methods. 

Scenario: The architect comes to the site for construction observation and notices that there are subcontractors that are working in a dangerous area without protection. The architect tells the subcontractors that they should remedy the situation and tells them how. 

What may seem like a situation of common courtesy can actually have dire consequences with the contractual structure of the relationships during a construction project. 

Only the contractor is responsible for the means and methods of the construction project, including the safety of those on site. In this scenario, the architect crossed a line. Dangerous situations occur all the time on construction projects, but the architect cannot make that determination or suggest a remedy. That is the sole responsibility of the contractor. The architect, in doing so, assumes risk. The issue is not so much about taking a chance and saying something so people don't get hurt; the issue comes with the correlation of risk and insurance. The architect, contractually, is not required to carry the insurance for the workers on the construction site. That is the responsibility of the contractor. If the architect starts to control the means and methods, he/she assumes that risk. If something goes wrong, the architect does not have the insurance to cover that liability. Therefore, the architect should avoid saying anything that would be misconstrued as controlling the means and methods or giving direction. That does not mean the architect must remain silent. The line is situated between saying something that sounds like giving an order and saying something that sounds like communicating a concern. The architect should be concerned with staying contractually compliant or risks getting into trouble.

Architect's Role in the Bidding Process

Per the AIA B101, the architect supplies certain basic services. Bidding and negotiation are two of those services.

During bidding and negotiation, it is important to remember that the architect is not the one who is responsible for contracting with a contractor for building a project-that is the owner's responsibility. The architect simply assists the owner in the process.

An owner is not expected to be well versed in the process of construction, as well as in bidding and negotiating. Owners are typically not up to date on pricing and the like because they are not as exposed to it, which is why the architect assists them in the process.

The architect assists in issuing documents for bid, soliciting bids, holding pre-bid conferences, providing clarifications, and so on.

Through all of these services, it is important to have a mindset of fairness. In conducting the process of bidding and negotiating, the architect should be fair to all parties and all prospective contractors regardless of their relationship and/or prior work history. 

If one prospective contractor asks a question (usually through a request for information, or RFI), that question should be answered with a reply to all prospective contractors (without identifying who raised the question). If there is an approved substitution request, that should be circulated to all prospective contractors through the issuance of addenda. 

While the bids received back from prospective contractors may not be equal, it is important that each bidder is treated equally during the bidding process. It not only makes for a fairer process, but it keeps liability at bay for the owner.

Integrated Project Delivery

The project delivery method determines the relationships, risks, and roles parties take in the contractual structure of how a project is going to be built. There is not one way to construct a building; it can be done through many different models. What determines those models is a set of factors typically in relation to budget, schedule, and roles of the parties involved. What has happened throughout time is the want for those parties to come together in collaboration as opposed to acrimony. This has been the reason for developing the design-build (DB) project delivery method where the architect and contractor are on a team as a single entity to be contracted with the owner. Where DB has started that relationship, the development of integrated project delivery (IPD) is taking it further. 

At its core, the modus operandi for IPD is for everyone involved in the project to share in the successes and failures. This is set up through some incentive (typically financial). However, IPD pushes these relationships beyond owner, architect, and contractor to include banks, citizens, municipalities, businesses and business structures, insurance, and so on. The benefits of IPD are reducing waste by maximizing the relationships and efficiencies of those involved, optimizing results, increasing value to the owner (and possibly community), and creating a more seamless process through collaboration. This process necessitates that team members be aware of the process and roles of other members. 

This process has many benefits, but it has been slow to take root with the process of allocating risk-and thus, insurance coverage. This remains the largest roadblock, currently, in attaining pure IPD. Where pure IPD models remain to be seen, IPD-like or IPD-lite are becoming much more common within the building industry; there is a supporting push within educational communities to explore this process through interdisciplinary design.

Holy Guacamole: 5 Brain Foods That Will Help You Study for NCEES Exams

Are you studying for an NCEES exam? Are you the type of person that eats tons of junk food while studying? We get it - salty snacks such as chips or sweet snacks such as gummy bears may seem like a great studying snacks, but they don't necessarily benefit you whilst preparing for the FE, PE, or SE exam. That's why it's important to understand what kinds of food help your brain while you study for exams. 

Eating specific food while studying can enhance brain functionality and promote better memory consolidation. Below are our top five favorite brain foods that we recommend to eat while studying for NCEES exams: 

Table of Contents

1. Carrots

2. Avocados

3. Garlic

4. Oatmeal

5. Dark Chocolate

1. Carrots: It's common knowledge that eyes can help improve eyesight. But did you know that carrots can help boost brain functionality? Carrots are rich in luteolin, a chemical compound that can help prevent memory degeneration. 

2. Avocados: Holy guacamole! Avocados are a great study food as they help promote blood flow in your brain. Avocados also have a large amount of potassium in them, which helps in the oxidation process of the brain. 

3. Garlic: Garlic is very yummy, but could easily ruin a romantic date night. No date? Eat as much garlic as your heart desires! Similar to avocados, eating garlic can help promote blood flow in the brain. 

4. Oatmeal: Making oatmeal is a great idea for early-morning studying during breakfast time. Oats have been found to decrease cholesterol which helps overall brain functionality. Oats are also thought to help promote alertness - which is great for both studying and exam taking. If you're wondering how oats can help with alertness, it's because the carbohydrates in oats. These carbs are broken down at a much slower rate than other kinds of carbs - therefore providing a consistent level of energy during digestion. 

We of course recommend eating a well-balanced breakfast prior to taking an NCEES exam, so consider eating oatmeal as part of your pre-exam meal. 

5. Dark Chocolate: Who doesn't love chocolate? Even though we did mention earlier in this article that one should avoid sweet foods, dark chocolate in moderate amounts can actually help your brain. 

Dark chocolate is the healthiest of the 3 main chocolates (Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate). Dark chocolate has been found to have antioxidants in it - therefore promoting brain functionality by increasing blood flow.

Guaranteed Maximum Price vs. Estimated Maximum Price

Building construction is not an easy task. There are not only a lot of moving parts in the process of construction; behind the scenes, there is a flurry of activity. The larger the building project, the more complex it is to attain funding and plan many other tasks. Before a project begins, a pro forma is typically compiled. A pro forma is a financial statement noting the financials behind a project, the financial projections to be attained from the project, forecasts, and the like. This is a tool used in order to attain project funding. A large building project is typically not funded personally by an owner, but is funded through banks, investments, a corporation or large entity, or a board of investors-it depends upon the project. 

The pro forma can be used to secure the financials for setting a construction budget. Oftentimes, there is either little room for error in terms of construction budget or there are benefits to investors or other financial entities in early completion of the project (for example, the ability to collect rent earlier than expected). The concept of guaranteed maximum price (GMP) is employed in these instances. In setting a GMP, the construction manager (at risk) is contractually obligated to complete the project on time and on budget. Failure to do so may penalize the CM per the contract. This process puts a large amount of stress on the CM. 

Estimated maximum price (EMP) contracts take the stress off of the CM. With EMPs, the responsibility is not solely on the CM. Instead, the risk is shared by the major parties involved-including the owner, designers, and others-and uses financial interests as a way to align these parties with the interests of the project.

Pure CM vs. Construction Manager-as-Agent vs. Construction Manager-at-Risk

Construction managers (CMs) are often involved in large and complex construction projects. CMs offer a unique skill set and experience as they are trained specifically for building construction management through a higher education degree program. 

CMs can be involved in construction projects in many capacities. This post will highlight three of them: pure CM, construction manager-as-agent, and construction manager-at-risk. 

Pure CM 

Pure CM is when the CM takes on the role of a traditional contractor as an agent to the owner. In this role, they contract with subcontractors and suppliers for the construction project. 

Construction Manager-as-Agent 

Also referred to as construction manager-as-advisor, this relationship puts the CM in purely an advisory role as an agent to the owner. In this capacity, the CM is not bound to any construction contract, nor to any contracts with subcontractors and suppliers, and offers independent judgment. The beneficial aspect of this relationship is that the CM helps the owner make decisions before, during, or even after the construction process. Oftentimes, owners are not well versed in construction and need the expertise of a CM for that insight. This relationship is essentially about the management of a construction project. 

Construction Manager-at-Risk 

Construction manager-at-risk, or construction manager-as-constructor (CMc), is a specific project delivery method (AIA Document A133-2009). With this role, the CMc assumes the construction project with a GMP, or guaranteed maximum price; they guarantee that the project will be delivered on budget and on time. That assumption of the contract makes the CMc liable should the project not meet budget or schedule. However, if it comes under budget and on time (or earlier), the CMc is often rewarded by sharing the cost savings with the owner.

Construction and Evaluation: At Risk

In project delivery methods, a commonly heard term is "at risk." It sounds precarious although, in reality, it is about assigning risk for a project. Typically associated with guaranteed maximum prices (GMPs) or construction contracts with a GMP, those at risk are responsible for delivering the project on time and on schedule; doing so is guaranteed. If this is not done, then there may be penalties per the contract. This is a very serious prospect and those at risk are typically construction managers-individuals who are trained in, and are experts with, the construction process-as there is little to no wiggle room. Because of the liability assumed by the construction manager in being at risk, oftentimes the construction manager is in charge of the whole process with the owner beholden to them. Although it does not seem natural for the owner to answer to the construction manager, it makes sense. If faced with the prospect of a big penalty for not delivering the project on time and on budget, it is in the best interest of the construction manager to have full control over the construction project. 

On the flip side, as an incentive, what is also common with at-risk models is to have a sharing of cost savings, or other reward, between the owner and construction manager should construction finish early and under budget. 

Any time the term "risk" is used, it is typically synonymous with insurance coverage. Those at risk assume liability beyond standard procedure; because of that, they have insurance policies in place to cover that added risk. When considering this type of arrangement, be sure to consider sureties (insurance companies) as another member of the relationship.

Construction and Evaluation: Design Build Project Methodology

There are many ways to build a building. The "how" is referred to as the project delivery method. These various methods came about for many different reasons and trends within the building construction industry. Design-build (DB) is one of those methodologies. In the traditional or design-bid-build (DBB) project delivery method (both refer to the same method), it was found that owners started responding to (really, complaining about) the tense relationship between the contractor and the architect. The solution was to combine entities through the DB model. 

In the DB model, the architect and the contractor are one contractual entity with the owner. This means that the owner signs only one contract and gets an architect/contractor team. (In the DBB model, the owner contracts the architect and the contractor separately.) Organization aside, what is interesting about this relationship (and deserves introspection, in my opinion) is the role of the architect and, thus, the process of building design. With DB, typically the contractor is the lead as they are "at risk"-they assume the responsibility for and are at risk with construction costs and the like. In this model, the budget can easily set the building design. There are instances where the architect in DBB can be at risk, but it is not advised as architects typically do not have the breadth of experience (and ability/insurance to take on that risk) and construction experience. It is something architects should think about in these contractual relationships. 

No two project delivery methods are alike. When deciding which to use, it is important to understand the roles and process and to make sure that it is not only appropriate for the project, but appropriate for the team members involved as well.

ARE Study Materials

NCARB offers a list of study materials for each exam in the ARE 5.0 Handbook (downloadable as a PDF on its site). However, if you add up the costs of all the resources and time it would take to read through them all, it becomes daunting and costly! One resource for selecting materials would be those recommended by the ARE 5.0 community forum. There is a lot of insight as to what worked best for those who took the exam. In addition, my two cents follow: 

Table of Contents

1. The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice (AHPP).

2. AIA Contract Documents

3. Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2015 International Building Code

4. Building Construction Illustrated

5. IBC Codes

 

1. The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice (AHPP). The content of this book spans all exams, but it is also essential for practice. Full of case studies and dense with information, no matter what, it should be on every architect's bookshelf.

2.  AIA Contract Documents (www.aiacontracts.org). This resource offers full, sample contracts for free (along with other documents such as applications for payment), and is useful when reviewing specific contracts for exam divisions. 

For the project planning and design (PPD) and project development and documentation (PDD) divisions: 

3. Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2015 International Building Code. This book translates the codes into drawings, aiding the visual learner in understanding how the code affects building design. 

4. Building Construction Illustrated. Again, a resource heavy in drawing, this book illustrates building assemblies and construction details. 

5. IBC Codes. The International Building Code is a significant part of the PPD and PDD exams. It is necessary to know how to navigate the IBC and where to find relevant information for questions on occupancies, allowable building heights, fire ratings, and so on. A free version is available through the International Code Council on its site: https://codes.iccsafe.org/

This is hardly an exhaustive list, nor is this the tip of the iceberg. However, know that you can still be successful even if you don't buy all of the resources listed in the ARE 5.0 Handbook.

ARE Exam Tips

The ARE is a marathon of an exam (six exams total). Studying tips and timelines for taking the exam vary from person to person. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; you do you. Having said that, here are a few tips I can offer based on my experience with the exams: 

Table of Contents

1. Know what happens in each phase and when

2. Read the exam questions carefully

3. You don't have to start the exam right away

4. Know your stuff

5. Strategize about the exam

6. Know your resources

7. The exam is not parts, but a whole

1. Know what happens in each phase and when. Per the B101 contract, the architect offers certain basic services. Know how and when they start and stop. There may be questions where the answer seems correct, but it is during the wrong phase. 

2. Read the exam questions carefully. The clock is ticking with the exam, but this is not an exam to skim through and knock off answers. As noted above, the complexity is in the details of the question. 

3. You don't have to start the exam right away. The exam begins when you hit the button to start. Use the time to take a breath or write things down on the paper you will receive at the testing center. Use the time to enter the exam calmly. 

4. Know your stuff. The ARE tests understanding/application and analysis/evaluation. Often, questions are not about specifics, but are situational. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of roles and responsibilities. 

5. Strategize about the exam. There are many ways to take the exam and a system may help. Some test-takers go through the case studies first, and some leave them for last. Whatever you choose, the exam itself is a strategy. Devise a game plan while taking practice exams so you will know your flow going into an exam. You don't want the clock to dictate whether you pass or fail. 

6. Know your resources. The exam offers resources such as formulas and documentation to accompany the case studies. 

7. The exam is not parts, but a whole. The ARE may be presented in sections, but it is a whole. You do not need to take the exam linearly, but can jump around and access all parts and resources for every question.

Challenges of Licensure

It's no secret that the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) is one of the toughest professional licensing exams. It often becomes a deterrent for someone considering the vocation of architecture. 

With the current version (ARE 5.0), there are six sections. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) estimates that it takes over two years to complete. Any longer, and you can be facing the dreaded rolling clock-the time limit for any particular exam to be current. Passed exams are good for five years; if you take more than five years to complete all parts of the exam, the rolling clock will start deleting those that have expired. It may seem daunting for a candidate to have to pass all exams within five years, in addition to the stresses of practicing architecture and managing family or other personal obligations that inevitably come as candidates age during the process (the average age at completion, according to NCARB, is almost 33). 

However great the challenge may be and however many reasons one may find to avoid this process, do not give up. What can look like a mountain just needs a strong and determined steady climb. The process of studying for the AREs-whether you pass or not-makes you a better professional. You will learn the challenges of not only the practice of architecture, but also the legal challenges, contracts, project delivery methods, and so on. There is a reason why the exams are so complex, but those complexities should make studying for the exams all the more exciting.

A colleague once told me, "It's not that you fail, it's just that you don't pass." No matter the outcome, you are "passing" through the process. Keep your nose in your study material and keep on passing! 

The Benefits of Becoming a Fire Protection Engineer

If you have ever borne witness to a structure on fire, you can certainly understand the devastation that can be caused in a very short amount of time. It is often hard to imagine how something we have used to better our lives for well over a million years can also be so destructive, dangerous, and on many occasions, deadly. 

In 2014, the NFPA estimated that $183 billion dollars were spent solely on passive fire protection. The total cost of fire that year was a staggering $328.5 billion. The ratio of loss to expenditures decreased from .93 in 1980 to .2 in 2014. This can largely be attributed to the implementation of fire protection, creation of different fire retardants and fire grade products as well as the ingenuity and knowledge of fire protection engineers. 

Fire Protection Engineering as defined by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) is the application of science and engineering principles to protect people and their environment from the destructive fire.

The need for licensed Fire Protection Engineers has grown significantly over the years and they are presently in high demand. On Indeed alone, there are currently 3,121 Fire Protection Engineer job postings. To continue to attract and maintain new talent, employers have been increasing salaries for licensed PEs with the median income, accordingly to Glassdoor, now being $110,000. 

There are several other benefits to becoming a PE in this field. This job can prove to be very rewarding as it provides the opportunity to make the buildings people live and work safer. There are opportunities everywhere in this profession. From small towns, to large cities, to factories to NASA, the opportunities are endless. 

Unfortunately, the number of test-takers as indicated by NCEES is still shockingly low. In 2018, there was a meager of 165 examinees. So, if you have ever considered becoming a licensed Fire Protection Engineer, now is the time. 

If you have visited the idea of becoming a PE but are concerned about the low pass rates, 56% for those who took the exam in 2018, please know that School of PE proudly offers exam prep courses to assist in your preparation. Our courses are created and lead by industry experts. If you are interested in learning more about our exam review courses, please click on the following link: https://www.schoolofpe.com/pe-fire-protection/.

Featured Famous Engineer: The Father of the Iron Bridge

Do you live by a river, stream, or any other waterway? If so, chances are you cross a bridge often during a commute- whether it be to work, to school, or just to another part of town. 

Although there are many structural and civil engineers who can be credited for developing the bridges we have and use today, there is one engineer who is largely credited for bridgework and development. In fact, he is considered the "Father of the Iron Bridge." His name was Squire Whipple. 

About Squire Whipple 

Squire Whipple, a civil engineer, lived from 1804 to 1888. He was born in Massachusetts, but later moved to New York State where he received his education in engineering. For his secondary education, he attended Fairfield Academy in Herkimer, New York. Whipple greatly exceeded in his college studies, as he graduated from Union College in New York after being a student for only a year. 

After graduating from college, Whipple began his career as an engineer. Surprisingly enough- his career did not begin with a focus on bridges. Instead, he performed a lot of engineering work that dealt with railroads and canals. One of his inventions was a lock, which helped weigh canal boats. 

Whipple's Bridge Work 

After focusing on railroads and canals, Whipple soon shifted his focus to bridgework. 

During his career, he obtained two patents for his bridge designs: 

• Bowstring iron-bridge truss 
• Lift drawbridge 

Whipple also dedicated his time and effort to develop a 146-foot iron railroad bridge. This bridge was constructed by Watervliet, New York. 

Publications: 

In efforts to share his immense knowledge for bridge building, Whipple published the book, Work on Bridge Building, in 1847. Consisting of two essays and original plans for iron and wooden bridges, Whipple's insight to bridge construction is still used in many civil and structural engineering university classes today. In fact, you can view an online version of his book here.

How Long to Study for The PE Exam? You Can Study Too Much

Work. Study. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.

Studying for any exam can be hard and stressful- especially for an exam that your career is relying on, so it makes sense that some individuals obsess over studying and study too much.

For individuals who are preparing for an NCEES exam such as the FE, PE, or SE exam, the average time spent preparing for an individual's chosen exam is 200-300 hours. 

Are you preparing for an NCEES exam? If a large amount of your day consists of just working and studying for your chosen exam, you may be spending too much time of your day studying.

We get it. Studying for an NCEES exam is stressful, and you probably want to spend as much as time possible as you can studying. But, did you know there is such a thing as studying too much? Although this differs for everyone, many people have a threshold of how much information they can take in each day. To ensure that you do not waste your time studying too much in a day and to ensure that you get the most value out of all of your study sessions, below are some signs that you may be studying too much:

Table of Contents

1. You aren't getting enough hours of sleep

2. You aren't giving yourself enough time to consume a healthy meal

3. You don't see anyone outside of your family or work

1. You aren't getting enough hours of sleep. 

Make sure to always get seven to eight hours of sleep for optimal memory consolidation. Although coffee may seem like a better alternative, coffee can only do so much to keep you awake. 

2. You aren't giving yourself enough time to consume a healthy meal. 

Are you living off of hot pockets, potato chips, or fast food? Yes- convenience is great, but constantly eating fatty and unhealthy foods really does hinder your overall brain functionality. When you eat foods such as eggs, broccoli, and fish, you feel better when compared to eating unhealthy foods. Make sure to give yourself enough time in the day to eat brain-powering food! 

3. You don't see anyone outside of your family or work. 

It's important to have a social life! During the time you are preparing for your exam, make sure to dedicate time to spend with your friends outside of studying and work. Giving yourself breaks within your study session is always a good idea, as it lets your brain relax.

Studying is really important if you want to pass your chosen NCEES exam- but make sure you aren't overdoing it. 

Think about it- if you study eight hours a day for three months, that equates to over 700 hours of studying! If you begin studying three months out, you only truly need to dedicate two hours a day for studying based on the average reported study times mentioned earlier in this article. Likewise, if you begin studying six months out, you need to study one hour a day. A great way to set a consistent study schedule is to take an online exam review course that has an average of two hour class sessions. 

For more FE, PE, and SE exam advice, make sure to check out our Facebook page for weekly tips.

5 Mistakes PE Examinees Make and Tips on How to Avoid Them

Scenario: You walk into your first PE exam. Although you're a little nervous, and perhaps a bit queasy, you still feel like you're ready to dominate the next 8 hours. You've brought a suitcase of your reference materials, brought your brand-new approved calculator that arrived at your doorstep yesterday (perfect timing), and made sure you stayed up until 2 a.m. to ensure that you went over every last detail in your notes before going to sleep. 

About halfway through the exam, you realize that you're starting to lose energy. "How am I going to make it through the next four hours?" you think. You've completed 40 questions, and although you spent around 15 minutes trying to figure out how to do a specific problem on your calculator, you feel like you can't be too behind. Once you only have 30 minutes left in the exam, you start to panic. You have 10 questions left and have no idea how you will have enough time to finish them all. 

                                                                                              _____________________ 

    

The above scenario is representative of many examinees who made a few vital mistakes during their last-minute exam preparation. 

Are you getting ready to take a PE exam, whether it be a CBT in the next few weeks, or a pencil and paper exam next October? As you prepare, it's important to understand best practices for taking an NCEES exam. As an exam review course provider, we get the chance to talk to many students who have taken the exam before, many who have shared their biggest regrets while taking their chosen PE exam. Whether you are taking the PE exam for the first time or second time, we've listed some of the most common mistakes below. Check them out to ensure that you will avoid them all when taking the PE exam, which will increase the likelihood of you passing! 

Table of Contents

1. Spending too much time on a question

2. Not getting enough sleep

3. Getting caught up in your confidence

4. Packing too many reference materials

5. Not learning how to use your calculator

1. Spending too much time on a question 

Many first-time exam takers of the PE exam may have issues with time management. On a typical PE exam, an examinee is given 8 hours to complete 80 questions. So, each question generally should get 6 minutes dedicated to it. If you find yourself struggling with a question, simply skip it and move on to the next question and come back to that question later. A great way to manage your time is to bring a stopwatch (make sure to turn the sound off) or wristwatch to the exam to keep time with. 

2. Not getting enough sleep 

It's completely understandable that many people want to cram the night before an exam. As tempting as that may sound, staying up too late will be detrimental to your exam performance. If you don't get enough sleep, after a few hours of taking the exam, you'll most likely run out of stamina and will not be able to think clearly as needed. The night before the exam, make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep. Feel free to look over your notes and reference materials an hour or two before going to bed, as this will help with memory consolidation. 

3. Getting caught up in your confidence 

This tip is extremely important and following it can be a clear line of passing versus failing the PE exam. Even if you were a straight A student in school and have a great grasp on a majority of engineering concepts, taking the time to prepare for each topic that is on NCEES' exam specifications will help refresh things you may have forgotten otherwise. Trust us, if you think you can pass the PE exam without studying, chances are you are wrong. Taking an exam review course that covers every topic is a great strategy to make sure you feel comfortable with every possible topic that may appear on the exam. 

4. Packing too many reference materials 

Yes, NCEES allows you to bring suitcases full of reference materials for pencil and paper exams. Should you do it? Maybe, maybe not. It all truly depends on your organization of your binders and books so that you don't spend valuable time during the exam trying to find something in your reference materials. Our suggestion: print out organized, consolidated notes written by our PE instructors, which will provide you everything you need to reference during the exam. 

5. Not learning how to use your calculator 

We get it- some people have favorite models of calculators which may not be on NCEES' approved calculator list. Make sure to look at the approved list a few months in advance of taking your exam so that you can not only ensure you get an approved model in time, but also so that you can learn how to use that calculator. Not sure where to start when learning how to use a new calculator? Finding a free calculator training tutorial should do the trick!

What is Control Systems Engineering?

Have you ever heard of Control Systems Engineering? The field of Control Systems Engineering is a great, integrated field to go into. You can learn about the field below: 

Table of Contents

1. What is Control Systems Engineering?

2. What Does a Control Systems Engineer Do?

3. What is a typical salary for a Control Systems Engineer?

4. How to Become a Control Systems Engineer

What is Control Systems Engineering? 

Control Systems engineering revolves around the automatic control theory to develop anticipated behaviors in control environments. As this field of engineering greatly overlaps various practices of Electrical Engineering, electrical circuits, microcontrollers, and other electrical tools may be used. 

Control Systems Engineers have a play in many modern technological products, some of which include airplanes and cars. 

What Does a Control Systems Engineer Do? 

The main role of a Control Systems Engineer is to focus greatly on controlling dynamic systems, the systems which constantly change. From the designing, to the developmental stage, these engineers monitor control solutions through the entire creation process. Because of the emphasis on dynamic systems, a Control Systems Engineer must consistently monitor the stability of the system to ensure that everything goes smoothly. 

What is a typical salary for a Control Systems Engineer? 

The annual income for a Control Systems engineer ranges between $60,000 and $117,000. Of course, an engineer's location, prior education, and years of experience can have a big impact on his/her salary. 

How to Become a Control Systems Engineer 

To become a licensed Control Systems Engineer, one must take and pass the Principals and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. This 8-hour exam evaluates an examinee's minimum knowledge needed to excel in the Control Systems industry. The exam includes, but is not limited to, questions regarding the following topics: 

• Sensors 
• Flow, Level, and Pressure Calculations 
• General Calculations 
• Control Systems Drawing 
• Control Systems Theory 
• Control Systems Implementation 
• Security of Control Systems 
• Valves 

• Pressure Relieving Devices 
• Motor Controls 
• Signals 
• Transmission 
• Networking 
• Safety Systems Documentation 
• Safety Implementation 
• Safety Lifecycle Management 

As Control Systems Engineering features many advanced and complicated concepts, taking a PE Control Systems exam review course to assist in PE exam preparation has proven to be successful for many engineers- raising the chance of passing by 15%.

The Importance of Engineering and the Professional Responsibility of an Engineer

Do you ever wonder about the importance of engineering and why engineers need to take and pass the PE exam to become licensed? Or why many states require a licensed engineer to obtain a specific amount of Professional Development Hours (PDHs) on an annual or biannual schedule? 

The answer is simple: an engineer is responsible for keeping the public safe. This concept is common in other professional fields. For example, aspiring doctors must take and pass USMLE, as well as periodically take continuing education classes. The same idea applies to lawyers, nurses, accountants, and veterinarians. 

Think about it: engineers work on many projects that can affect the public-positively if the project is implemented correctly, or negatively if something goes wrong. Engineers work on bridges, buildings, roadways, and even projects that include dangerous chemicals and even petroleum. Ensuring engineers are licensed is a big precaution in keeping the public safe. If an unqualified engineer works on a project, there is a possibility of putting the public in danger. 

When asked about the importance of engineering, the director of reinforcement for the state of Louisiana reported: "The primary purpose of licensing for professional engineers is to protect the public from unqualified individuals." 

How to Comply with Engineering Licensing Requirements 

Becoming a licensed, professional engineer can be broken down into 3 steps: 

Table of Contents

1. Take and Pass the FE Exam

2. Take and Pass the PE Exam

3. Take Continuing Education Courses

Step 1: Take and Pass the FE Exam

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is generally the first step in becoming a professional engineer. There are seven different FE exams one can take: FE Chemical, FE Civil, FE Electrical, FE Environmental, FE Industrial, FE Mechanical, and FE Other (General). The FE exam is typically required to be taken and passed before one applies to take the PE exam. 

Step 2: Take and Pass the PE Exam

The Principle and Practices of Engineering (PE) Exam is the exam that deems whether a candidate can be licensed in the engineering field or not. There are many types of PE exams an aspiring engineer can become licensed in, such as PE Civil, PE Mechanical, PE Environmental, and PE Electrical. Many examinees find success in passing their chosen PE exam after taking a PE exam review course. 

Step 3: Take Continuing Education Courses

Currently, 42 out of 50 states require engineers to obtain a specific amount of PDH credits to maintain an active engineering license. Although state requirements differ, many states accept webinars and active online courses for credit. To learn about your state's license renewal requirements, click here.

7 Common Engineering Interview Questions

Last month, you received a notification that you passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Excited and relieved that you pulled off something so difficult during your senior year of undergraduate college, the first step you took as an engineer in training was to apply to as many jobs as you could. 

Fast forward a few weeks. Now, you're sitting in the lobby of one of six engineering firms who have given you a call back. This is your first interview. The secretary already asked you if you wanted water to drink and you immediately declined, too nervous to even think about anything other than the upcoming interview. As you periodically glance at the ticking clock on the wall, you start to run through your personal interview list in your head. 

• Resume- check. 
• Letters of recommendation- check. 
• Suit jacket buttoned- check. 
• Job description- check. 
• Prepared answers to expected job questions- wait... 

You freeze. You can't believe it- you forgot to look up common engineering interview questions to practice with. How will you know what questions will be asked? 

                                                                                                        ____________ 

Do you have an engineering interview coming up! Great! 

Although interviews can be really nerve-wracking, sufficiently preparing for interviews before-hand can make, rather than break, your success. 

One of the best things you can do is research a list of common engineering interview questions. Write down those interview questions that you see repeatedly come up and jot down your answers to those questions. Practice reciting your answers with a family member, friend, or even with just yourself in the mirror to perfect your responses to your liking and satisfaction. 

Not sure where to start in your search for common engineering interview questions? To help you out, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular interview questions below: 

1. What engineering software are you familiar with? 
2. How do you ensure that you stay up to date with the latest engineering technology? 
3. What attributes make you a valuable engineer? 
4. Tell me about a time that you used logic to solve a difficult problem. 
5. What was the most challenging thing for you during college, and how did you overcome it? 
6. What would be your approach in dealing with a difficult client? 
7. What are your goals for your career? 

The list can go on and on, but the above questions are great base questions to build upon in preparing for your next interview. 

One last interview tip: always accept water during an interview as having a dry mouth during an interview can make it much harder to speak clearly.

Good Luck!

Avoiding Exam Anxiety: FE, PE, and SE Prep Tips and Tricks

If you are preparing for an exam, you may have a good understanding of what pre-exam anxiety feels like. Studying for an exam can be extremely nerve-wracking, but it doesn't have to be! By ensuring you treat your body right by staying in shape and watching what you consume, many factors that cause anxiety can be avoided. We've listed some of our favorite tips and tricks to avoid FE, PE, or SE exam anxiety below: 

Table of Contents

1. Exercise

2. Eat Anxiety-Fighting Foods

3. Decrease Caffeine Consumption

4. Sign Up for an Online Class or Tutoring Sessions

1. Exercise

We get it-it's sometimes hard to get motivated enough to exercise regularly. However, exercise can help you decrease your anxiety in various ways. One way, for example, is consistently exercising-a jog around the block, going to the gym, or doing a cardio workout in your living room. When you exercise, your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, lowers. Your body also releases endorphins when you exercise. Endorphins are hormones that help regulate a positive mood. If studying for the FE, PE, or SE exam is exhausting, a nice workout session will help put you in a better mood!

Bonus fun fact: Research shows that cardio workouts increase activity in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that consolidates memory.

2. Eat Anxiety-Fighting Foods

... And by "anxiety-fighting foods," we aren't referencing chocolate, ice cream, or any other sweet foods we get cravings for when we're down. Although sweets are the ultimate "comfort" food, they typically don't help physiologically with reducing stress or anxiety. 

What we really mean are foods that help regulate brain chemicals, hormones, and generally make you feel good. Check out some of our favorite food picks below: 

1. Salmon: This protein contains docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Both of these omega-3 fatty acids regulate neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which help you relax and stay calm.ⁱ 

2. Yogurt: This dairy product has been shown to promote overall mental health. It is believed to do so by inhibiting free radicals and neurotoxins, "which can damage nerve tissue in the brain and lead to anxiety"ii

3. Blueberries: This fruit contains a very high amount of vitamin C and flavonoids antioxidants, both of which have shown to reduce anxiety in numerous scientific studies.ⁱⁱⁱ 

3. Decrease Caffeine Consumption

We all (or, well most of us) love a good cup of coffee. While some people enjoy the ritual of drinking a hot, steaming cup of coffee in the morning to begin their day, other people sip on multiple cups of coffee throughout the day.

Even though coffee provides a power-boost, it actually can be detrimental for emotional health. When a caffeinated beverage is consumed, such as coffee, a lot of things happen such as an increase of heart rate, an increase of blood pressure, and increase the secretion of stress hormones (hence the connection to anxiety). Within the actual brain itself, caffeine "hinders the calming neurotransmitter GABA, which puts the brain activity on hold when needed. GABA is married to happiness and relaxation, so it's no surprise that having a low GABA level can lead to anxiety and panic attacks."iv

4. Sign Up for an Online Class or Tutoring Sessions

Studying for a big exam, especially one that will have a big impact on your career such as the FE, PE, or SE exam, is stressful to begin with. Did you know that there are resources out there to help you study for NCEES exams? From online classes to online tutoring sessions, having another individual help you through difficult engineering concepts will help decrease anxiety and increase your overall confidence and of course, will help you pass your FE, PE, or SE exam! 

References

i. Bjarnadottir, A. (n.d.). DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): A Detailed Review. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ dha-docosahexaenoic-acid

ii. Kim, B., Hong, V. M., Yang, J., Hyun, H., Im, J. J., Hwang, J., .. Kim, J. E. (2016). A Review of Fermented Foods with Beneficial Effects on Brain and Cognitive Function. Preventive nutrition and food science, 21(4), 297-309. doi:10.3746/pnf.2016.21.4.297 

iii. Xu, Y., Wang, C., Klabnik, J. J., & O'Donnell, J. M. (2014). Novel therapeutic targets in depression and anxiety: antioxidants as a candidate treatment. Current neuropharmacology, 12(2), 108-119. doi:10.2174/1570159X11666131120231448

iv. This Is Why Coffee Makes You Anxious And How To Stop It. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.deathwishcoffee.com/ blogs/news/caffeine-and-anxiety

Risk Management in Engineering

An example of Why Risk Management is Important in Engineering 

You were granted your first project as an engineer. Excited and confident in your project planning abilities, you get to work on developing plans that a client requested. A few months out, you realize your project is behind schedule and forecasting to be slightly over budget. You are also having issues keeping enough people on your crew to complete the job at the projected pace. Your client is not happy. Did you consider any risk when starting on this project? 

What is Risk Management 

Risk management is a process within project management that includes identifying certain risks a project may have. When threats are identified, they are analyzed on how they can impact a project. There are many factors that can be considered risky for a project, especially in engineering, but the main and most recognizable risks include costs, legal liabilities, and going over a projected schedule. 

There are five main steps in risk management: planning, identifying, analyzing, developing response strategies, and monitoring and control. 

Different Types of Risk Management In Engineering 

In engineering, there are many risk factors one must take into consideration when planning or working on a project, such as: 

•  Surpassing cost budgets 
•  Not meeting deadlines on planned schedule 
•  Funding is decreased or removed 
•  Regulations Change 
•  Outsourced parties do not perform up to expectations 
•  Parts do not show up on time 
•  Loss of project staff 
•  Chance of accidents and injuries 

As it's an engineer's duty to keep the public safe, risk management is not something that should be ignored when working on a project. It is always important to stay ahead of a possible risk and be proactive instead of reactive. By planning for possible risks and determining a plan for if those risks do appear viable, the risk should not pose as large of a threat as if it was not thought of prior. 

"Projects are usually undertaken to either solve a problem or take advantage of an opportunity. The probability that the project- even if precisely executed- will complete on time, on budget, and on performance is typically small. Project management is utilized to increase this probability. So in a sense, project management is risk management."                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                                                        -Bruce Pittman

Practicing Problems for PE, FE, and SE Exam Shown to "Get Brain Juices Flowing"

Is practicing problems for your FE, PE, or SE exam part of your study plan? You may spend time attending online lectures, reading, and making notes in your reference material, but studies have shown that merely reviewing material won't cut it for a thorough exam preparation. 

You've probably heard the phrase "Get those brain juices flowing.." and it makes sense that the flowing of said "brain juices" would be beneficial in studying for the FE Civil, PE Mechanical, or SE Vertical exam, right? So, what is the best way to promote information consolidation? Our answer: Practicing Problems.

Actually practicing a set of problems may seem simple enough, but psychological studies have proven that there is a lot of science behind what makes practicing problems effective. In fact, practicing has been found to be one of the most effective techniques for studying because of the boost in cognitive functionality when doing so.

How Research Supports the Claim of Practicing Problems in Accordance with Brain Functionality 

A study done by Tufts University does show the correlation between practicing problems for an exam and the increase of brain power/ memory consolidation. Researchers time matched two groups of participants: participants who merely studied without practicing problems and participants who used practice problems as part of their study methods. According to Amanda Smith, a psychology graduate who worked on the research project, those who actually practiced problems during their study sessions performed much better on their exams when compared to the other group. "It's not a matter of how much or how long you study," she said, "it's a matter of how you study."i

So why does practicing problems help in preparing for an exam? Though there are many factors that can come into play, actual physical changes in the brain that are caused by practicing can be attributed towards the positive results. 

According to Annie Bolser and Don Greene, who spoke on the subject matter in a TED-ED presentation, practicing something over and over can change the physical structure of your brain. 

When practicing something, such as practice problems for an NCEES exam, myelin begins to build up around axons in the brain, thereby improving overall insulation. Scientists and neurologists believe that the extra insulation that myelin provides can increase overall axon functionality. As axons are responsible for sending electrical signals throughout the brain, it makes sense that the extra insulation can increase brain functionality and even help an individual to recall information quickly in an exam environment.ⁱⁱ 

How We Can Help Get Those Brain Juices Flowing

If you're looking to take an NCEES exam in the near future, we can get your brain juices flowing by assisting you in our FE, PE, or SE exam prep courses. Our courses include practice problem and solutions sheets, so you can sufficiently prepare for your chosen exam (and grow some myelin)!

References:

i Thomas, A., & Smith, A. (Researchers). Practice makes perfect: Learning by taking practice tests protects memory against stress [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDIqEui5mpQ

ii Bosler, A., & Greene, D. (Educators). How to Practice Effectively [Video File]. Retrieved from 

https://ed.ted.com/lessons /how-to-practice-effectively for-just-about-anything annie-bosler-and-don-greene

Don't Miss A Deadline: Why Project Management is Important in Engineering

In a single engineering project, a lot goes on behind the scenes- and it's not just designing, strategizing, and developing an item. Outside of the engineering visionaries lies other professionals who help manage the project as a whole by keeping the entire team on schedule. They are project managers. 

Table of Contents

1. What is a project manager?

2. How do they play a role in engineering?

3. Engineers can be Project Managers, too!

What is a project manager? 

According to the Project Management Institute^®, project managers are passionate goal-setters who use their organization and communication stills to strategically help companies or teams succeed in their projects. From the beginning of a project to the overseeing the completion of a final report on a completed project, project managers help ensure a project goes smoothly by collaborating with team members throughout the entire duration. Typically to become a Project Manager, one must take and pass the Project Management Professional, or PMP^® exam. 

How do they play a role in engineering? 

Project managers play an extremely important role in the engineering world. When diving into an engineering project, project managers work hard and provide constant communication to team members to ensure the project is finished on time without going over budget. Another important role of project manager is to serve as a liaison between the engineering team and a client, ensuring all communication is recorded and addressed accordingly. 

Think about it: without a project manager on a team, deadlines can become foggy, therefore risking a firm's relationship with a client. When a client contacts an engineering firm to complete a project, they are putting their trust in your firm (while putting a large sum of corporate dollars on the line too). 

Engineers can be Project Managers, too! 

Just because you're an engineer (or aiming to become a licensed professional engineer), doesn't mean you can't be a project manager. In fact, there are many licensed engineers who have also continued their education to become project managers. By having a PMP certification as well as your PE license, your career will be extremely rewarding. As an engineer with a PMP certification, you will be able to: 

•  Become a leader in your engineer firm 
•  Use your risk management knowledge to determine any risk a project may present 
•  Get extra time to communicate directly with clients 
•   And more! 

Interested in learning more about becoming a project manager? We can help! To learn more about our suggested method of preparing for the certification exam, click here.