My Path to Becoming a Licensed Fire Protection Engineer

Like many other fire protection engineers, my path was not entirely straightforward. I have had to navigate many jobs, licenses, and degrees on my journey, and I don't think I am done just yet! Today, I am going to describe my journey to becoming a licensed protection engineer with the hopes of exemplifying the many directions the path can take. Let's get started!

My original dream as a kid was to become an aeronautical engineer, but I changed my major to mechanical engineering after my sophomore year in college after seeing how unstable the aerospace industry was, as it was heavily dependent on funding from the government which would experience wild swings depending on the political winds. After I graduated, I found a decent government job, but the pay was disappointing, and the growth potential was even worse. A fellow coworker decided to get his professional engineering license in mechanical engineering and inspired me to do the same after he was able to leave for a better job. I spent about six months studying for the mechanical PE exam and was fortunately able to pass on the first try. I tried to leverage my new license to get a promotion, but none was forthcoming, so I began searching for a new position in earnest. I found a couple of mechanical type positions, but one job that really intrigued me was in a fire protection engineering research lab. Although I did not have much experience in the fire protection field, they were in dire need of a licensed engineer and decided to take a chance on me.

At this lab, I experienced the greatest growth of my career because I was introduced to no less than five senior fire inspectors and fire protection engineers who took me under their wings. They provided excellent theoretical, code, and hands-on training in the fire prevention field. They suggested that I should become a licensed fire protection engineer and even offered to pay for my exam and study materials. Of course, there was no way I could turn them down. When the time was right, I began studying for the fire protection PE exam and decided to take exam review classes. Although I was able to pass the mechanical PE exam on my own, I signed up for training for the fire protection exam to make it a little bit easier (as shown by School of PE pass rates, taking formal classes increases the chances of success). Along with classes, I self-studied for four months and was able to pass the fire protection engineering exam!

At this point, I thought I was done with testing, but I could not have been more wrong. I learned that there are additional certifications that would help increase my knowledge and resume, including International Code Council (ICC) exams, which I took to earn my fire inspector and fire plans examiner credentials. I then learned about an opportunity, again from a remarkable coworker, that there was an accredited and online fire protection engineer master's program at Cal Poly SLO. I signed up with a coworker and we were able to graduate from the program in two years while working full time. I was even able to convince him to walk at graduation with me!

With these certifications and degrees, I made a very tough decision to switch jobs for a better commute. I was able to land a job with the city I lived in and had the pleasure of working for one of the most respected fire marshals in the area. I learned how to work as an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and manage large and politically sensitive projects while maintaining code standards. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to further increasing my knowledge of this profession. Perhaps a PhD is in the future!

Although I did not envision becoming a fire protection engineer at first, the path has been rewarding and I am glad I was able to make the career switch. I have grown so much as a professional and engineer, and I have also made a lot of great friends for life. I would encourage anyone to become a fire protection engineer if they are interested in the field.

About the Author: Nick Tran

Nick Tran is a licensed Mechanical and Fire Protection Engineer in California. He has an Associates degree in Computer Aided Design from De Anza College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State, and a Master of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering from Cal Poly SLO. He is currently on the UL Standards Technical Panel for UL 38 and was president of the Alameda County Fire Prevention Officers Association.

Planning Your Comeback: Preparing to Retake Your Exam

You've been studying for what seems like ages. Exam day rolls around and you leave the testing center feeling confident that you answered all the problems to the best of your ability. All that hard work is going to pay off, you just know it! After a few weeks, though, you receive the results from your exam. To your dismay, you did not pass. Now what? Your first response is likely to be flooded with negative emotions as you think about the time away from your friends and family that you spent instead on exam preparation. You may experience thoughts of shame in sharing with your loved ones that you did not achieve the goal you have been striving towards. You may be frustrated with yourself for not clearing up more time to prepare. One of the most important things to consider upon receiving a failing grade is that you are not the first to do so, and you will certainly not be the last. Engineering exams are designed to be challenging, and even individuals who study for a significant amount of time are not guaranteed to pass. However, a failing grade does not signify the end of your journey to becoming a licensed engineer. Here are a few points to consider moving forward before retaking the exam.

Table of Contents

1. Change Study Efforts

2. Tweak Test Tactics

2. Take an Exam Review Course

1. Change Study Efforts: Our first suggestion is to reflect on your preparation process and determine where you could make improvements. Did you start studying months in advance and stop studying weeks in advance? Did you study only when you could squeeze it in, or did you create a dedicated study schedule? Did you study at all or did you believe you already knew the material well enough? Understanding exactly what you did to prepare the first time is critical for improving your chances the next time around.

Think about what resources you used to prepare and how you used them. Did you gain familiarity with your NCEES Reference Handbook by working through numerous practice problems? Did you employ content retrieval, one of the most beneficial study tactics, where you quizzed yourself on important definitions, concepts, and equations? We recommend writing down every study effort you made: reading textbooks, watching lectures or YouTube videos, solving practice problems, etc. Then, with this list in mind, you can consider what worked and what didn't and institute new tactics before your next exam attempt.

2. Tweak Test Tactics: Next, consider refining your test-taking methods. You might have studied for months, but with some testing anxiety and nerves added to the mix, everything you learned could have gone out the window. Don't let this happen! Other factors related to your lack of success could include, but are not limited to, taking more time than necessary per problem, not using your calculator, failing to make an educated guess, and/or confusing imperial and SI units.

One strategy one of our previous students recommends is to briefly read every problem at the beginning of the first half of the exam and rank them in terms of difficulty. For example, questions labeled with a 1 would be easier questions that you're confident on. Questions labeled with a 4 would be questions you have no idea how to answer. Start by answering all the questions labeled with a 1, then work your way throughs questions labeled 2, 3, and 4. This way, you will have already answered the questions you're mostly likely to get right before you address any questions you're less familiar with. Once you move on to the second half, you will not be permitted to go back to the first half, so read the questions thoroughly and carefully. Your results will be based on the total number of correct answers. There are no deductions for incorrect answers, so be careful to answer every question. Keep in mind that your exam results will provide a breakdown of how you scored in each category. This will help you determine the areas where you most need to improve on your next attempt.

3. Take an Exam Review Course: Our final tip to help you pass your exam on the next attempt is to consider taking an exam review course with a leading professional education provider like School of PE. Choosing a reputable provider will ensure you receive the teaching and resources needed for success. With more than 17 years of experience helping students pass their professional exams and gain licensure, we have streamlined the resources we provide to facilitate a passing grade on exam day. Our expert instructors generate not only the lectures for our courses but also concise handouts that many of our students noted were integral for exam preparation. If you failed your exam, a review course may be able to provide the missing piece to your preparation efforts.

Preparing for, taking, and passing NCEES exams can be extremely challenging, and for good reason! Engineers are expected to be the best and brightest in order to make integral decisions on design, construction, and repair. Engineering has an extremely low threshold for errors, which explains the detailed and complex journey to becoming a professional engineer. Failing your exam does not mean you should throw in the towel on your dreams of becoming a licensed engineer. Rather, it provides you with a unique opportunity to adjust and improve your exam preparation efforts, and now you'll know what to expect the next time.

Contact School of PE to find out more about how we can help you prepare for your next exam with confidence!

About the Author: Martha Hunsucker

Martha Hunsucker is a content writer for EduMind. She received her BA in English from Stetson University and has experience marketing, copywriting, editing, and blogging. In her spare time, she enjoys reading books by Jon Krakauer (her current favorite author), hiking with her two dogs, and sleeping in on weekends.

How Do You Become a PE in Civil Engineering?

Becoming a professional engineer is one of the biggest milestones of any engineer's career. It means that you have the knowledge and experience that society depends on to maintain infrastructure, provide safe buildings, protect the environment, and much more. So, the question is, how do you become a PE in civil engineering?

This question has different answers depending on which state issues your PE license. Common requirements include a bachelor's or higher degree in civil engineering, at least four years of experience working in civil engineering under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer, and passing the PE civil engineering exam. State boards that issue professional licensure will have different requirements for how you prove you meet these requirements and when you can take the test. Some states allow individuals to take the PE exam immediately after finishing college and passing their FE exam, but do not grant licensure until they gain the necessary experience. Other states require you to prove you meet the experience requirements before you can register for the exam. You'll need to find out what your state requires, as well as the requirements for any other states you may need to get licensed in.

Below are some tips to working toward and obtaining the title of PE:

Table of Contents

1. Earn a Civil Engineering Degree and Pass the FE Exam

2. Keep Track of Your Qualifying Work Experience

3. Pass the PE Civil Exam

1. Earn a Civil Engineering Degree and Pass the FE Exam

Earning a civil engineering degree is usually the quickest way to qualify to take the PE exam. Some states may allow individuals with many years of experience to substitute their experience for a degree, but this time is likely measured in decades rather than years. Passing the FE exam is also required before you can earn your PE license.

2. Keep Track of Your Qualifying Work Experience

Qualified experience means that you were performing civil engineering tasks while under the direct supervision of a licensed professional engineer. States differ on which tasks qualify. For example, contract and project management tasks may not qualify at face value. Because of this caveat, you should keep track of all the qualifying tasks you perform. Did you review engineering plans and calculations and provide construction management and oversight? You'll want to mark those experiences down. It might be helpful to ask friends and colleagues what they put on their applications to get an idea of what your state board is looking for. Just remember that it must be your own experiences listed on the application.

If you hold one job with one supervisor from the time you graduate engineering school to the time you apply for the PE license, it will be simple to confirm your work experience. You will likely need all your supervisors to fill out and sign documentation verifying your experience. If you've changed jobs or supervisors during your time of qualifying experience, keep track of your supervisors' contact info. Let them know ahead of time that you're getting ready to apply for the PE license and that you will need their help.

3. Pass the PE Civil Exam

Make sure you plan ahead and start the application and exam preparation processes several months in advance. There are many great resources at School of PE on how to prepare for and pass the PE Civil exam. Make sure you know the deadlines for your state, and don't wait until the last minute to get your application submitted or start studying.

Following these steps, you can earn your professional engineer license in civil engineering. With this license, you will have achieved one of the most important milestones of your engineering career.

We Get by With a Little Help from Our Friends: Benefits of Tutoring

Students sometimes need additional help with understanding topics or concepts outside of class. One of the best actions they can take to clarify questions and boost their subject confidence is to take advantage of tutoring options. Content knowledge is certainly an important trait for a tutor, another important characteristic is personal skills. South Central College finds that tutors must approach their teaching efforts with empathy, honesty, and humor.¹ This more personal tutoring style facilitates a positive learning experience for the student and helps boost their subject matter confidence.

We provide tutoring opportunities to our students who may need additional help understanding complex engineering subjects with the goal of helping them gain the necessary confidence for their exams. This blog will focus on the tutoring options we have available and what benefits students will receive through tutoring. A tutor's role is diverse-he or she is responsible for explaining concepts, evaluating strengths and weaknesses, checking progress, providing emotional support, teaching study skills, and more! Tutoring opportunities provide the following benefits to students:

1. Offers more individualized, systematic, structured learning experience
2. Provides greater congruence between teacher and learner; closer role model
3. Improves academic performance and personal growth
4. Improves attitude toward subject area
5. Generates stronger effects than other individualized teaching strategies
6. Motivates self-paced and self-directed learning
7. Provides intensive practice for students who need it
8. Improves self-esteem²

We offer tutoring sessions led by our course instructors for all our courses. Our instructors are professional engineers who have many years of experience in preparing students for NCEES examinations. Once students have registered for a review course, they can purchase tutoring sessions by selecting the "Tutoring" tab in the blue left menu for their selected course. Students will be able to select their tutor based on the desired subject as well as sign up for tutoring sessions based on their availability. Students will also be able to indicate what topics/concepts they are struggling with prior to the tutoring session so the tutor can develop an individualized study plan before their scheduled meeting.

Are you interested in investigating tutoring options with School of PE? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can get your questions answered and get you back on track! Go to www.schoolofpe.com or email us at info@schoolofpe.com.

References:

¹ "What Is Tutoring?" Tutoring Training. South Central College. Accessed August 4, 2021. http://southcentral.edu/tutor_training/module1/index.html.

² "What Is Tutoring?"

About the Author: Martha Hunsucker

Martha Hunsucker is a content writer for EduMind. She received her BA in English from Stetson University and has experience marketing, copywriting, editing, and blogging. In her spare time, she enjoys reading books by Jon Krakauer (her current favorite author), hiking with her two dogs, and sleeping in on weekends.

How Difficult is the PE Civil Exam?

You've finally reached the ultimate test of your civil engineering knowledge: the PE Civil exam. You have the work experience required and all your application material to sit for the exam has been approved. You might find yourself wondering: how hard is this exam going to be? What will I find myself up against when I take it? Well, I can tell you- this test is no joke because it not only covers the broad range of topics related to civil engineering (breadth) but also your chosen specific discipline (depth). Although exam difficulty can vary depending on your discipline, there are some similarities between the various exams out there that are good to know! I am going to break down and describe the two sections to give you a better understanding of what to expect come exam day.

Table of Contents

1. General Exam Format

2. The PE Civil Exam Morning Portion - Breadth

3. The PE Civil Exam Afternoon Portion - Depth

4. Conclusion

1. General Exam Format

For the overall exam, you are given eight hours to answer approximately 80 questions. The questions and time are divided evenly between the morning and afternoon portions at four hours and 40 questions apiece, which works out to approximately ten minutes a question. Now that you know the general format of the exam, let's dive into the content!

2. The PE Civil Exam Morning Portion - Breadth

The morning portion of the exam will remind you of when you took your FE exam, as this portion will include questions on more general topics such as fluid mechanics, statics, and soil mechanics. Within these topics, the questions will vary in difficulty between simple equations, which only require a few minutes to solve, and some more complex problems, which involve in-depth analysis. The name of the game here is to answer the questions you are confident on as quickly as possible and save time for the more difficult problems designed to trip people up. It is also important to be aware of these potentially "tricky" problems. That doesn't mean that the problems are intended to be trick questions, instead, it means that the initial wording in the problem statement should be analyzed carefully so that the methodology used to solve the equation is correct and accurate. Take your time to thoroughly read each problem statement and skip the question if you don't know how to answer. It will be better to spend your valuable time on problems you will be able to solve.

3. The PE Civil Exam Afternoon Portion - Depth

The afternoon portion focuses on the specific subjects related to your chosen discipline. Some questions or topics will feel somewhat familiar from the morning portion, but it's safe to expect an overall difficulty increase. Another aspect of the afternoon portion of the exam that you won't want to overlook is mental fatigue. In the morning portion, you will feel alert and ready to tackle all the questions thrown at you. But four hours and one lunch break later, you'll begin to get worn down mentally. Again, this is where time management can help you. By choosing which questions to solve early and which ones to skip, you can help prolong the fatigue.

4. Conclusion

There you have it. Two sections, eight hours, and a lot of mental exhaustion later, the exam is over. Is it difficult? Yes. Is it passable? Absolutely. Even though the problems themselves are challenging and can get harder as the day progresses, there are still plenty of opportunities to knock this test out of the park. If you need some guidance or help getting started, consider taking an exam review course with the School of PE. Their expert course instructors and comprehensive study materials provide the tools you need to succeed!

About the Author: Eric Lawrence

Eric is a professional engineer with over 5 years of experience in the civil and stormwater industry. Prior to obtaining his master's degree from Colorado School of Mines, Eric attended Georgia State University where he played on the men's soccer team for four years. When Eric is not practicing engineering, he still enjoys kicking the soccer ball as well as hiking and traveling.