How Does the NCEES Exam Scoring Process Work?

The blog covers:

1. NCEES Exam Scoring

2. CBT Grading

3. FE vs. PE Exams

4. All Exams Are Scored the Same Way

5. The Transition from Pencil-and-Paper to Computer-Based Testing

6. Pencil-and-Paper Grading

7. PE Structural Exam

8. Changes Since I Took the Exam

9. Outlying Questions Will Be Pulled from the Queue

NCEES Exam Scoring

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) exam scoring process is not overly complex; like most exams, the key idea is that the more questions you answer correctly, the higher your probability of achieving a passing result! During the exam, this is all you need to worry about, since you, of course, cannot challenge questions to your proctor in the exam room. There are two exam types: computer-based testing (CBT) and pencil-and-paper. Historically, the exams were pencil-and-paper with the scantron sheet, and this was how I took both the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. Over the past few years, NCEES has been transitioning the exam format from pencil-and-paper to CBT as examination administration goes forward.

CBT Grading

CBT grading is based on the total number of correct answers, with no deductions for wrong answers. I found this to be easier than the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in high school since the SAT offered the option of leaving answers blank where you had to be more strategic about omitting certain questions to better preserve your score. You should answer ALL questions for both FE and PE exams, even if you must blindly guess without having the time to properly attempt a solution. NCEES does not award partial credit or dock points for showing your work (right or wrong); the exam scoring process only considers your actual multiple-choice answer. While in grad school, I encountered a similar situation with an accidental correct answer. My professor explained that I solved the question incorrectly and that the fact I still came to the correct answer was pure luck, but I was still awarded the points! So, you can still solve for the correct answer despite incomplete computations!

FE vs. PE Exams

Both the FE and PE exams for CBT are graded using the same format. All exams are scored first, then NCEES determines the Pass/Fail borderline (cut score); scoring at or above the cut score is passing, and scoring below produces a failing result. The raw score is converted to a scaled score, adjusting for differences in difficulty across the different exams. NCEES does not release exam scores, nor do they pre-determine a PE exam or FE exam passing score or passing percentage. However, for the PE Mechanical exam, it is generally believed that the cut score is around 70% (56 out of 80 multiple choice questions). If you fail the exam, you will receive a diagnostic report identifying areas of deficiency so you can improve and refocus for retaking the exam. If you pass the exam, there is no diagnostic report as a passing FE exam score or passing PE exam score indicates that you are generally proficient in all examination subject areas.

All Exams Are Scored the Same Way

First-time takers and repeat takers are graded to the same standard; NCEES does not discriminate whether this is your first exam or 20th exam! All exams are scored the same way, regardless of discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, etc.). CBT exam results are generally available 7-10 days after taking the exam nowadays. When I took the FE and PE exams, the wait period was much longer (but at least you could enjoy the anticipation!). Once scores are available, NCEES will provide a notification with further instructions to review your exam score and the next steps, whether that be for receiving your Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation, professional licensure information, or information on retaking the exam.

The Transition from Pencil-and-Paper to Computer-Based Testing

NCEES is currently transitioning its examination administration format from pencil-and-paper to CBT. The NCEES FE Reference Handbook does not distinguish by engineering discipline; all modules are now fully CBT format. In the past few years, many PE exams have switched to the CBT format, but as of this blog post, the pencil-and-paper format is still in effect for the PE Structural engineering exam. I had taken the pencil-and-paper exam for both FE and PE exams, and NCEES will release those results to the respective state boards in about 8-10 weeks after the exam date. States have different ways of notifying examinees. I received my FE pass exam result from Professional Credential Services (PCS). Some state boards will release the results themselves to examinees while other state boards will utilize NCEES Exam Administration Services to notify examinees. Some state boards will also validate results at a board meeting to ensure agreement on the passing cut score and resolve any discrepancies before releasing results.

Pencil-and-Paper Grading

All multiple-choice exams for pencil-and-paper are machine-graded, with some scantron sheets manually checked to verify the machine process. I had a high school teacher who explained that the machine-grading was flawed while he was in grade school; you could simply fill in all answers on the scantron sheet to achieve the correct answer (back then, the machine-grading early on was unable to detect multiple answers filled-in for the same question!). Specifications can change for a particular exam; based on my own studying of past practice exams, I would say the topics and questions are adjusted approximately every five years. NCEES conducts a content review of each exam every 6-8 years. This also serves as a check and balance to ensure the content is fair and appropriate as exams are administered each year. Engineering is a dynamic industry, so you can expect change throughout your career due to economic, technological, and even political factors. If you have not taken the exam in a while, you will probably need to start fresh with your studying content and references.

PE Structural Exam

For the PE Structural exam (pencil-and-paper), the afternoon session contains essay items. The essays are graded by SMEs using a mutual scoring plan to avoid subjective opinions. Two experts will complete the essay scoring with a third expert available if necessary. Minimum competency is evaluated based on combined performance of both morning and afternoon sessions.

Changes Since I Took the Exam

I passed the FE exam in October 2013, and the examination format has changed over the past 8-9 years. I registered for the FE Chemical exam where the morning session was focused on general engineering, and the afternoon session was more geared towards the chemical discipline. But my understanding now is that both morning and afternoon sessions are more relevant towards your chosen discipline (this is good because I struggled with moment of inertia during the morning session!). My FE Chemical exam was 8 hours and 180 Questions total (120 morning, 60 afternoon), but now the FE Chemical is just 110 Questions in 6 hours. When exam topics do change, a committee of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) collaborate with statisticians to determine appropriate evaluation of comprehension for a particular subject. The PE exam first began in the 1960s and has undergone numerous changes since its inception. This reflects different testing formats as well as the evolution of the engineering industry over time.

Outlying Questions Will Be Pulled from the Queue

Some questions with unusual statistics can be flagged for further review. For example, if one question saw examinees with an overwhelming number of wrong answers, that question may be deemed inappropriate and removed from scoring consideration. It is not uncommon for examinees to challenge certain questions with comments after the examination; if further review reveals an error in a particular question, credit may be awarded for more than just the original correct answer. Keep this mind during the exam: you should not get discouraged if you are struggling with a few questions. Chances are that others are also struggling with those same questions! Remember too, the NCEES Examinee Guide is continuously updated; the most recent version is as of March 1, 2022, so be sure to keep checking for any examination updates - I am refreshing myself while writing this blog post!

Conclusion

The scoring process involves extensive statistical analysis to ensure adequate performance so individuals are ready for the next steps of the engineering profession, whether it be as an Engineer-In-Training or as a Professional Engineer. The process also upholds professional standards with an equal grading system across all engineering disciplines. You can also refer to the NCEES website for more information on the exam scoring process and official NCEES Examinee Guide. School of PE aligns itself with NCEES standards, so I would recommend checking both School of PE and NCEES frequently for the most recent updates on examination policy and procedures.

Consider partnering with School of PE to boost your chances of receiving a passing score on your NCEES exam! We offer exam prep courses in numerous engineering disciplines - register today!

About the Author: Gregory Nicosia

Gregory Nicosia, PE is an engineer who has been practicing in the industry for eight years. His background includes natural gas, utilities, mechanical, and civil engineering. He earned his chemical engineering undergraduate degree at Drexel University (2014) and master's in business administration (MBA) from Penn State Harrisburg (2018). He received his EIT designation in 2014 and PE license in 2018. Mr. Nicosia firmly believes in continuing to grow his skillset to become a more well-rounded engineer and adapt to an ever-changing world.

It's Never Too Late to Study for the PE Exam

My Journey to Becoming a PE

The statement "It's Never Too Late to Study for the PE exam!" certainly is true! I did not start studying for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE)exam until a few months before my exam day. There were some different events leading up to my shortened study path. My undergraduate degree was in Chemical Engineering (BS, June 2014), and I started grad school a little over a year later (August 2015). I was enrolled in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, so for the next few years, my schooling was removed from the engineering field. When I completed my business graduate school (May 2018), I briefly thought about leaving the engineering industry to focus on becoming a business professional. I had even applied for a financial position within my company to transition from an engineering role. The position was granted to another individual, so as Summer 2018 was approaching, I found myself looking for my next goal.

The Application Process

That was when the PE exam came about. I was not sure about completing my application at first, because I only had the bare minimum four (4) years of practical working experience. I passed the PE exam in Pennsylvania (PA), and I thought that I may not have been qualified by Board standards (State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists); my understanding was the application review process was like the college application process. The Board can approve you to sit for the PE exam (analogous to college "Acceptance"), the Board may request more information (analogous to college "Waiting List"), or the Board may deem that you are not eligible to sit for the PE exam at this time (analogous to college "Rejection"). Remember too, the PE exam application process is more involved than the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam application; while it is never too late to start studying, I would certainly recommend tracking your major engineering projects as well as keeping your PE references fresh so you are better prepared when completing your PE exam application. After some consideration, I decided to move ahead with the application process and see where I stood with the Board standards. But I was a little concerned that my background check and other items would not be completed in time for the July 1 Submission Due Date. In this case, I would have needed to wait until April 2019 to apply for the PE Mechanical exam in the Spring.

Compiling Work Experience and References

And as it turned out, it was not too late for me to start my application! I compiled my work experience and references before the July 1 deadline and received notification of my approval to sit for the exam just a couple weeks later. I was also encouraged by the fact that there is no real penalty for not passing the PE exam; there is not an additional timeframe where you must wait two years (or some other duration) before you are eligible to retake the exam. At the time, the PE Mechanical exam: Thermal and Fluid Systems was not computer-based testing (CBT) and was only offered bi-annually (April/October). I certainly remember from exam day needing to quickly (but still carefully!) bubble my answer choices on the Scantron sheet for grading by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). All PE Mechanical exams (HVAC and Refrigeration, Machine Design and Materials, and Thermal and Fluid Systems) are now offered year-round, so I will say again, "it's never too late to study for the PE exam!"

Previous Education at Drexel University

I was fortunate to have a good undergrad curriculum at my alma mater, Drexel University, so I only needed minimal studying for the FE exam to earn my Engineer-In-Training (EIT) designation (it should be noted that the EIT is a "designation" whereas the PE is the true professional license). However, the PE exam is a different beast, since it is a more practical exam that involves solving actual engineering scenarios compared to the more undergraduate theory that you would see on the FE exam. I began studying for the PE exam in July 2018, but only had a limited window for studying since I registered for the October 2018 exam. I cleared the first step of obtaining Board approval but now only had a few months to prepare and organize my reference materials for exam day. My engineering position in the natural gas industry was more related to the mechanical discipline, despite being a chemical engineering undergraduate. I originally considered the PE Chemical and even PE Petroleum exams, but after reviewing those exam topics and some discussion with my References, I decided on the PE Mechanical: Thermal and Fluid Systems exam. Both natural gas and utilities overlap amongst the chemical, mechanical, civil, and petroleum fields, so I would recommend discussing with your references to gain their input on the most appropriate exam when completing your registration. There is no true requirement on which exam you must take since the PE License is recognized by all disciplines (does not discriminate by specific subject), but the ethics aspect of being a Professional Engineer is about choosing your most appropriate field when stamping/signing associated drawings and documents.

Feelings of Intimidation

This all was a little daunting to me at first. I only had a limited window for studying and was not sure where to begin as I was now switching over from chemical to mechanical with new topics. There were a few overlapping topics, but I would mostly need to self-teach some of the new subject matter. I referred to a few undergraduate textbooks and a couple reference manuals but found myself largely overwhelmed in the beginning stages. The turning point was when I enrolled in a School of PE online review course.

Partnering with School of PE

A friend of mine had passed his PE Civil exam thanks to the School of PE, so he recommended that I try their course materials. School of PE provided excellent study material and was instrumental in helping me pass the PE exam on the first try. I would certainly recommend you sign-up for an online review course with School of PE, whether you are taking the FE or PE exam. School of PE review courses are aligned with the NCEES exam specifications, including topics such as fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics, so the reviews fit well with my preparation. This also helped expedite my learning on the shortened timeframe, since I needed an efficient way to study so I could learn quickly and have good reference materials available for exam day.

Before the Exam

I sat for the PE exam in October 2018, and at the time, you were also directed to bring your own reference materials (rather than be solely provided with the NCEES PE Reference Handbook for today's PE exam). With my School of PE Course Notes, I was well-prepared, especially considering that I had only started studying a few months before the PE exam date and was also balancing workplace commitments. I also found that studying for the PE exam helped to increase my practical knowledge, not just for passing the PE exam but also to help me better understand the engineering industry. Remember, the PE exam is more practical, so exam questions tend to draw on industry relevance that you would encounter in an actual scenario. And since the PE exam is timed, you must be decisive in your actions to resolve an issue in an actual situation before it could become a damaging incident.

Exam Day

On exam day, I already felt successful; I knew that even if I had not passed the PE exam that day, the expedited studying was worthwhile due to how much I had learned leading up to exam day. And it was thanks to the School of PE that I was able to learn so much in so little time. So again, it's never too late to start studying for the PE exam. Once you pass the exam, you will have the opportunity to further your knowledge and expertise through continuing education classes. Most states within the United States of America only require approximately 24 credit hours; these credit hours can also be completed by attending different industry conferences and seminars. There is no limit to how much you can learn and continue to grow, so it truly is never too late to start studying for the PE exam. Since NCEES is transitioning to year-round exam offerings, you also do not need to worry about delaying your application process for the next bi-annual exam date either. I would recommend you start pursuing your Professional Engineering License today!

School of PE has been offering engineering exam prep courses since 2004. If you are interested in becoming a professional engineer, a partnership with School of PE might be just what you need to help you prepare for your PE exam. Sign up for a course today!

About the Author: Gregory Nicosia

Gregory Nicosia, PE is an engineer who has been practicing in the industry for eight years. His background includes natural gas, utilities, mechanical, and civil engineering. He earned his chemical engineering undergraduate degree at Drexel University (2014) and master's in business administration (MBA) from Penn State Harrisburg (2018). He received his EIT designation in 2014 and PE license in 2018. Mr. Nicosia firmly believes in continuing to grow his skillset to become a more well-rounded engineer and adapt to an ever-changing world.

Why Do Students Choose School of PE?

With so many exam review course providers claiming to be the best, it can be challenging to make an informed decision on which provider will fulfill your specific needs. Here, we will present some of the features that make School of PE unique. In addition to our high pass rates and comprehensive course notes generated by our subject-expert instructors, students choose School of PE because we provide multiple delivery methods, discussion forum access, calculator and engineering training modules, and more. Each of our course features was hand-selected to deliver the highest quality learning tools for our students.

Why Should You Choose School of PE

1. Wide Variety of Delivery Methods

2. Expert Instructors

3. Additional Features Worth Noting

1. Wide Variety of Delivery Methods

One of the best components of our courses is that we offer them through numerous delivery methods. Say you are pursuing a professional certification while working a full-time job in addition to parenting young children. You might not have any significant free time in your schedule to devote to scheduled exam review classes. Just because you're a busy professional with a family doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to access the same learning opportunities as someone who can dedicate more time to attending classes. We created our OnDemand course option to provide flexibility. OnDemand students study at their own pace with the learning materials and study tools we generate and supply. We even developed an additional resource just for OnDemand students: a Personalized Study Plan. This dynamic tool allows our students to rank their knowledge within subjects, set study priorities, and maintain a study schedule.

We produced our Onsite and Live Online delivery methods to address our students' preference for live education either in an actual classroom or from the comfort of their own home. Our Onsite method takes place in a traditional classroom setting. Each class is scheduled at a certain location, led by an expert instructor, and attended by other students. This option is perfect for students who can allocate time to attending classes in person. For those who still want the live-teaching experience but want to do so from their own homes, we offer a Live Online exam review course. Live Online classes are perfect for students who have time for scheduled classes but who aren't able to attend in person or who want a more structured review course.

2. Expert Instructors

Another of our best resources are our subject matter expert instructors. We use multiple instructors specialized in the topics they teach, which ultimately helps our students receive the most up-to-date and relevant information in their courses. An element that students have frequently noted as an integral study tool includes our instructor-generated course refresher notes. These notes are designed around NCEES' exam specifications and feature course topics, concepts, and theories in addition to practice problems and solutions. Our students can ask their instructors questions at any point during their learning experience and have confidence that they will receive a response in a timely manner. Students can download/print course notes and ask instructors questions from their Study Hub.

3. Additional Features Worth Noting

1. Flash cards allow you to quiz yourself on important definitions and concepts.
2. Discussion forum delivers an easy way for you to communicate and collaborate with other students in the class.
3. Study Hub is the medium through which you can view and download course notes, watch course lectures, practice problem solving using our Question Bank, and more!
4. Question Bank gives you the opportunity to practice what you're learning.
5. Engineering math and calculator training modules provide a refresher to familiarize you with the math and calculator knowledge you will need for exam day.

With so many proven and helpful features, there can be no doubt why thousands of students have chosen School of PE for their professional exam licensure pursuits. No one wants to waste their own money or time on a review course that will not benefit them in the end. School of PE's constant dialogue with students improves rapport and helps us understand which elements of our courses might need to be improved or removed.

Are you interested in an exam review course with PE? Get in touch today to find out more about our course selection: www.schoolofpe.com.

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.

What are the Handoffs in Creating a Building?

During the design process, each team member is responsible for contributing not only to final design documentation for their individual discipline, but each must also provide key deliverables along the way to other team members so that they can also complete their work. Understanding the scope and timing of these "handoffs" is essential in providing a quality product on time and on budget.

At the start of a typical design-bid-build process for a new building, the client is responsible first in providing a handoff, specifically information pertaining to the design context, goals, and constraints for the project. Such information typically includes site location, building program, budget, desired schedule, survey, and geotechnical information, all of which are furnished to the architect so that the design team may begin their work. It is possible that the architect may assist with programming, site selection, or other aspects of pre-design, but this is not the usual case and would require an adjustment to the typical forms of agreement which define the scope of the architect's work.

At the start of the design process, it is then the architect's responsibility to communicate and furnish the information necessary for all other team members, including engineers, interior designers, and any other member of the design team, whether internal to the architect's firm or acting as subconsultant, to begin their work. The information provided includes the information discussed above, but the architect is also responsible for establishing key internal deadlines as well and setting up recurring project meetings so that the team is well coordinated in their work and can be sure to meet design deadlines for the client.

The architect must then work towards providing schematic design information to these team members. Once basic building massing and layouts are established, the architect is typically responsible for the computer modeling / drafting of the schematic design schemes, which must then be handed off to the engineers and other team members so that they may begin to work on their drawings and do their initial system selections and design calculations. In today's design industry, this type of collaboration is often accomplished through the use of BIM models on the cloud, although traditional 2D CAD files are also often sent as base files for others' work. Sometimes it is a mixture of both, with the architect (and specific engineers) utilizing a BIM model and then exporting particular sheets from the model as 2D CAD files for any consultants who are not utilizing BIM for their work.

As design progresses, the team members in turn are responsible for providing information and background drawings/models to the architect who has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that each party's work is coordinated within the whole and will also perform a quality review of the work. At each key design stage, a deliverable is provided to the client, which must then be reviewed with the client before the team is given the go-ahead to proceed with the next stage of design work. These deliverables are typically provided at the end of the schematic design, design development, and construction document stage. The final documents provided to the client are often referred to as the Bid Documents. Often a client will also require deliverables at additional points between these stages. For example, there may be a 95% Construction Documents Set prior to the submission of the final Bid Documents. The deliverable stages are typically outlined in the contract between the architect and client.

The documents submitted to the client typically include drawings, specifications, and estimates. Architectural drawings included in a submission typically include floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, building sections, elevations, wall sections, details (for both interior and exterior conditions), door and window schedules, and finish schedules. Each engineering discipline on the project also includes drawings within the drawing set. These usually include plans, details, schedules, and diagrams specific to their discipline. Specifications are provided for each item used on the project, in addition to front end specs which define other requirements for the work on the project. In a schematic design submission, it is often only required to provide an outline of the specification sections which will be included in the project, with the specification sections themselves only being developed and submitted in the later design submissions. The expectations for the degree to which specifications should be developed at each submission, as well as drawings that should be added, are often client-specific. Larger clients who undertake many construction projects likely have well-defined levels of development defined for each submission of the design development process. In any case, it is important that expectations for the deliverables are understood at the start of the project so that design work can progress smoothly.

In addition to the drawings, specifications, and estimates, additional material may also be provided depending on the client's needs. For example, renderings or interior finish boards might be required so that the client can review and provide feedback on design decisions. Sometimes a design narrative is also included in submissions to the client, which is a written description of the work and the design intentions for the project and can be useful in the early stages of a project. The need for the design team to provide these additional items would be indicated in the contract between the architect and client. Engineers' calculations are also often included in a submission, depending on the type of work.

After the Bid Documents, which are typically signed and stamped by the lead licensed professionals working on the project, are submitted and accepted by the client, the project can be put out for contractors to bid on. The architect's work is not over at this point, as the architect typically assists the owner with this process and provides answers to potential contractor's questions about the design documents. Sometimes addenda, or updated drawings, clarifying some design intent are required to be issued as well.

Once a contractor has been engaged and permits have been obtained, the construction process can begin, with the responsibility for the work now largely shifting to the contractor. It is also the contractor who must now provide documents to the architect and owner for their review, namely construction schedules, submittals, requests for payment, and change orders, among other items. The architect typically also conducts site visits to review the quality and progress of the work, often issuing field reports to the client to communicate the progress on the project and any issues observed at the site. The construction process concludes with the completion of punch list items and a final payment to the contractor, at which point the building is finally "handed off" to the owner. 

As can be observed from the above description, there are numerous handoffs between architects, engineers, clients, and contractors throughout the design process. When design or construction issues arise, the process can be even less linear as the team works out potential design solutions. The work of each party often depends on the quality and timeliness of the handoffs provided by the others. Understanding these handoffs is key to a successful workflow and, ultimately, to the success of a building project. Each team member must have a firm grasp of what is needed from other team members as well as what must be provided to the other team members. This is key not only to keeping a project on schedule and within budget but also for the overall quality of the end product.

About the Author: Adam Castelli

Adam Castelli is a licensed architect and engineer currently practicing in the Pittsburgh area. He holds a master's degree in architecture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Villanova University.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pipelines and Cybersecurity

The blog highlights:

1. Energy from Oil and Gas

2. The Oil and Gas Industry and Artificial Intelligence 

3. Reducing Production Cost and Increasing Recovery Rate

4. Quality Control

5. Improving Pipeline Cybersecurity

1. Energy from Oil and Gas

Energy continues to be an ongoing topic in the world with issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, and climate change all playing a factor in economic and political decisions and policies. The oil and gas industry is hotly debated due to its potential environmental impact and geopolitical concerns, while still providing a viable source of energy to the world economy. Due to these factors, there is continuous innovation for new technologies to improve efficiency, mitigate environmental impact, and ensure safety for both workers and communities.

2. The Oil and Gas Industry and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being developed for numerous oil and gas industry factors, including pipeline data, satellite imaging, component operating parameters, emissions standards, and production costs. The field of materials science is based on applied chemistry, and pipeline features such as tensile strength and longevity can be estimated based on chemical composition. AI can also evaluate equipment performance and measure pipeline integrity to detect potential threats and failure probabilities before actual damage occurs to both human life and property. Digital technologies that can rearrange data sets and optimize production have the potential to become a billion-dollar market.

3. Reducing Production Cost and Increasing Recovery Rate

Technological advances such as AI help reduce production costs and increase oil/gas recovery rates in the upstream phase of exploration and production (E&P). The potential for AI also increases competition among oil and gas companies that are seeking to profit from the advanced technology by increasing their sales and product extraction efficiency. AI presents opportunities for economic development and partnerships with regulatory agencies in the United States and abroad. Natural gas tends to be more domestic since it can be obtained within existing land and provided through interstate transmission and intrastate distribution pipeline networks. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is a regulatory body under the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) that is responsible for regulating the nation's pipeline infrastructure.

4. Quality Control

AI use in pipelines and partnerships with PHMSA can also help improve reliability of leak detection systems and integrity management of aging pipelines. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) can be utilized to detect anomalies (e.g., gouges, defects) in pipelines using inline inspection (ILI) data. Drones, robotics, and sensors are all instruments that can collect large data sets remotely in the field without requiring human interaction, saving on both costs and worker hours. Methane detection is becoming more prominent in the oil and gas industry to mitigate emissions that could have environmental impact. Combustible Gas Indicators (CGIs) are used to measure gas/air mixtures that can determine potentially hazardous areas that are within the ignitable range between the lower explosive limit (LEL) and upper explosive limit (UEL). In addition to methane (CH4), these instruments can be calibrated for other hydrocarbon gases (e.g., propane, C3H8). AI can ensure overall quality assurance (QA) in all pipeline aspects, including safety, analytics, E&P, and reduced costs, while also accelerating processes for faster delivery and quicker response times in the event of an incident.

5. Improving Pipeline Cybersecurity

AI can also help improve pipeline cybersecurity. With ransomware attacks becoming more apparent in oil and gas as well as other industries, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued two Security Directives for mandatory oversight and reporting obligations applicable to pipeline operators. The First Directive involves reviewing pipeline security plans and inspecting critical facilities that may be compromised by a cyberattack. The Second Directive involves implementing specific mitigation measures to prevent ransomware attacks as well as developing cybersecurity recovery plans in the event of a cybersecurity breach. AI is looking to be at the forefront of these initiatives as technology continues to grow worldwide.

Conclusion

Be sure to continue checking back with School of PE for future blog posts; the engineering industry is always growing and achieving a professional engineering (PE) license will help you grow personally and professionally as you progress in both your career and the industry.

Do you have goals of becoming a professional engineer? School of PE offers PE exam review courses for numerous engineering disciplines! Sign up today.

About the Author: Gregory Nicosia

Gregory Nicosia, PE is an engineer who has been practicing in the industry for eight years. His background includes natural gas, utilities, mechanical, and civil engineering. He earned his chemical engineering undergraduate degree at Drexel University (2014) and master's in business administration (MBA) from Penn State Harrisburg (2018). He received his EIT designation in 2014 and PE license in 2018. Mr. Nicosia firmly believes in continuing to grow his skillset to become a more well-rounded engineer and adapt to an ever-changing world.

How to Transfer Your PE License Between States

Once you pass your P.E. exam, the first thing you are going to want to do is to obtain your license - now you are more valuable to your company and likely have earned several rewards (salary bump, bonuses, increased respect, membership into professional groups, etc.) for your accomplishment! A good way to become even more valuable and seek out additional rewards is to become licensed in more states. A good place to start is to check in with your supervisor; typically surrounding states are first on the priority list, but depending on the size of your company, you may be heading from coast to coast. Don't worry, you won't have to buy a last-minute plane ticket! Outlined below are some of the ways to transfer your P.E. license between states.

The blog highlights:

1. Comity Versus Reciprocity

2. NCEES Record 

    2.1. NCEES Record: The Easy Stuff

    2.2. NCEES Record: The Not So Hard Stuff

    2.3. NCEES Record: The Most Difficult Stuff

    2.4. NCEES Record: Review and Transmit

3. Additional Requirements

4. Recap

1. Comity Versus Reciprocity

Most states and U.S. Territories will allow you to transfer your current license via comity or reciprocity. These two terms are often confused or used interchangeably, but they are different - reciprocity is easier than comity. Reciprocity is essentially automatic: if you have a license in one state, the new state will issue one without additional work. However, this is less common, and comity is the most typical route for obtaining multiple state licensures. Comity consists of submitting an application and meeting any requirements. Requirements such as work experience, professional references, and degree verification are common; however, some states may require additional testing, residency, or other unique conditions. For those states that only require the more common criteria, you're going to want to get your paperwork in order; luckily, NCEES is here to help.

2. NCEES Record

Applying for a P.E. license in other states is made easy with the use of an NCEES record. The first step is creating an NCEES account (which most P.E.s will have already done from preparing for their first test and license). Your NCEES account is where all your information will be stored electronically. There is no need to make copies of your references, work experience with signatures, sealed college transcripts, and more! Additionally, NCEES will send all your criteria to the state you are seeking licensure. This eliminates the need for envelopes and stamps! So, how do you get started on your NCEES record?

Once logged onto your NCEES account, you want to select "Start an NCEES Record" or click the "Multi-State Licensure" button. Once there, you will be prompted with several requirements each with different colors assigned to them. Green means you are good-to-go, yellow means you still have work to do, and the white areas are the ones you have not yet begun yet. Making all these sections green can take some time - therefore, I would recommend starting with the easy ones!

2.1 NCEES Record: The Easy Stuff

Contact information, personal information, and questions for the applicant are the easiest sections to fill out (all you have to know are the things you already know). Simply click the section and fill out basic contact information, basic personal information, and some common license/criminal questions. Getting these sections green will get you started and keep the ball rolling! Next, it is time to start with the slightly more difficult sections: education information and exam and license verification.

2.2 NCEES Record: The Not So Hard Stuff

The education information isn't as hard as requesting sealed envelopes and resending out those same envelopes to a state board (which is what you'd have to do without an NCEES record). Fill out what degree was obtained, from where, and when you graduated. Then, wait for the information to be verified, and you're done! Much easier than requesting transcripts and sealed envelopes. Moving on to exam and license verification is quite similar; request verification from the state where you passed your exam / obtained your licensure, and wait for verification. These two tasks are only slightly more difficult because there is a brief waiting period. But while you are waiting, you can get started on the last sections: work experience and professional references.

2.3 NCEES Record: The Most Difficult Stuff

These last two sections are not that difficult, as the whole process is relatively easy, but they do require more concentration, time, and persistence. I'd start with professional references so that while you are waiting for your references to respond, you can finish up the remaining tasks of your record. You'll need five total references, three of which must be licensed engineers. You should personally ask these individuals, send an email, or make a call before listing them on NCEES. Once they agree, let them know they will be getting an email that will direct them to fill out their recommendation online. Easy, right? Yes, if everyone fills them out completely and semi-promptly. I asked a few extra people just to cover my bases - I'd recommend five P.E.s and two non-licensed individuals. That way, you'll never have too many non-licensed references, and if some of the licensed people lose the email or can't find the time, you will not have to bug them. The first five to fill out the form win, so be sure not to include more than two non-licensed references. Then, just keep these references updated every 12 months, and you'll be set!

Now that your references are sent off, you can get started on the work experience. This, by far, took the longest for me and actually required me to edit and resubmit my form. NCEES breaks this down into two sections: (1) tasks and duties and (2) projects. Both are similar, but the first is a more general description, and the second is a deeper dive into the specifics. Once these are completed, they will be sent to the representative of your choice and verified. How you complete these sections will be critical.

Starting with tasks and duties is recommended since this is a broader category. Describe what engineering work you perform, the number of team members you instruct or manage, and how responsible you are for each task and the team you lead. Breaking down your tasks and duties chronologically will help your writing flow and keep you from forgetting something. For example, if you design buildings, you may start with coordination with other trades, building calculations, checking drafters' work, assigning team members to different tasks, and coordination with construction and erection, then finish with designing repair details and performing inspections. Be sure to meet the minimum word count requirement (approximately 150 when I completed mine), and then move on to projects.

The project section is the portion that I was rejected on with my first NCEES record attempt. After a few quick changes, I was able to get it accepted and obtain licenses in various other states. Depending on how many years you have been working, you will need to include anywhere from 2-12 projects. Don't worry, 12 is only required if you have been working twenty or more years! 4 projects will do the job if you've been working less than 10 years, but be sure the projects span your entire career duration. You'll need to include the name, date(s), and location of each project. Additionally, include the work that you personally performed and use strong language suggesting such. For example, you may write, "I worked on this project and ensured requirements were met." This is an example of a submission that will likely get rejected. Instead, write more specifically like, "I designed the connections for this project by calculating applied loads and connection capacity. I selected the appropriate connections to meet all requirements." It may feel weird writing "I, I, I"at the start of every sentence, but this is what NCEES is looking for.

2.4 NCEES Record: Review and Transmit

You are nearly ready to send your record off to the state of your choosing. First, someone will review your record (this has to happen every 30 days), then you can transmit it for a fee. The fees vary from $175 to $75 depending on if it is your first transmittal or subsequent transmittals. Now that this is completed, you will want to see what other requirements the state you are seeking licensure in requests.

---

If you haven't already earned your PE license, School of PE has PE exam prep courses available to help you prepare for and pass your exam!

---

3. Additional Requirements

You've sent your NCEES record to a state, and you're wondering what to do next. Well, typically this step would proceed the NCEES record, but it is not required to apply for licensure. Locate the state department that handles engineering licenses, and apply for comity or reciprocity. There is typically a fee that varies between states (ballpark of $100 typically). Scan the website for any other requirements such as additional testing, residency, certifications, further paperwork that NCEES provided, or any other item that may be listed. I always email the board I am applying to something similar to below to double check that I am meeting all the specifications they ask:

Hello, I applied for an engineering license through comity on your website and paid the fees required. I also sent over my NCEES record this afternoon. Please let me know if there is anything further you require to keep the process in motion. Thank you.

Now you are well on your way to transferring your license to another state! In most cases, the NCEES record will suffice for all the requirements. But it is always best to be sure and browse the board's website and send a follow-up email. Good luck!

4. Recap

1. Research state board

    a. Comity or reciprocity

    b. Requirements beyond NCEES record

2. Apply for a license on the state board's website

    a. Fill out general information and pay fees

3. NCEES record

    a. Contact information, personal information, and questions

    b. Education information and exam/license verification

    c. Work experience and professional references

4. Send NCEES record

    a. Select state and pay fees

5. Send a follow-up email

    a. Send an email to the state board to make sure you gave them everything they need

About the Author: Brian Huttner

Brian Huttner is a licensed professional engineer for Tindall Corporation, Virginia, who designs precast concrete structures, components, and connections. He received his Associates degree in Business Administration from New River Community College (2012) and his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech (2015). In his spare time, he enjoys being a husband and a father in a loving household of 9 animals including cats, dogs, birds, and a turtle.

Similarities and Differences Between Architects and Engineers

The practices of architecture and engineering have long been intertwined. Whether practicing as an architect or engineer, it is worth examining the roles each plays within today's construction industry.

For most of human history, the role of the architect and engineer was considered as one and the same, with master builders involved in all aspects of design and construction. During the Renaissance, when Brunelleschi conceived of his great dome for the Florence Cathedral, he was solving both an architectural and engineering challenge, and his resulting fame and admiration for this and other projects was due to his skills in both areas. Generally speaking, it was not until the late 1700s and early 1800s that a significant distinction was made between the disciplines of architecture and engineering. This came about through the conception of engineering as an applied science, incorporating advances in the fields of physics and mathematics. The historical development of industrialization and the increased need for specialization of knowledge also contributed to the separation of the disciplines. With the creation of professional societies in the 1800s, which aimed to secure professional standards and ensure the adequate level of expertise for practitioners, the distinctions became further solidified. With the ever-increasing complexities of building projects through the 20^th and 21^st centuries, the need for professionals with specialized knowledge in the areas of design and construction became essential for the realization of these projects.

First and foremost, in examining the similarities and differences between engineers and architects, the roles which they play in relation to the client and full design team should be considered. Limiting ourselves to building projects (as opposed to particular types of infrastructure projects), it is typically the architect who has a direct contractual relationship with the client. The engineers engaged on the project would be subconsultants to the architect. There are exceptions to this, such as geotechnical engineers who contract directly with the client, but this is the most typical contractual arrangement. This set of contractual relationships impacts the responsibilities and role each party has within the design team. The architect takes on the position of team leader, with the responsibility of leading discipline coordination efforts, being the primary team contact with the client, organizing team meetings, and managing the efforts of the overall design team to meet the client's goals and provide the project deliverables on budget and on schedule.

In this context, the engineers contribute to the design work by utilizing their individual disciplines to meet the needs of the project, with the architect or client providing them with information pertaining to the overall design goals and constraints. For example, in initial discussions between the client and architect, it may be determined that the client desires a building of maximum square footage on a particular lot. The architect must then determine what is feasible in terms of building size, height and stories based on code and zoning requirements. When the basic parameters of the project are determined, the structural engineer on the project can then determine what type of structural approach is best suited to the project and, as the design progresses, size individual structural members and determine structural details necessary for the project.

This points to another general point in the difference between the work of architects and engineers. It is generally the task of the architect to work with the client on finalizing the program of the building and determining the appropriate layout of spaces within a building. This work is often an iterative process in working with the client to determine what floor plan options are most desirable for the client's project. Once the preliminary floor plans are determined, and the functions of the various spaces within the building are determined, the engineers on the project can begin designing the building systems. For example, the layout of structural columns will need to be such that they are not positioned within the center of a room. Likewise, a mechanical engineer can begin to determine what systems might be most appropriate for the particular types of functions and room sizes within the building.

The work of engineers is in some sense more specialized, with electrical engineers, plumbing engineers, mechanical engineers, and structural engineers having input on the project limited to the work of their areas of specialization. However, often an engineer can provide insight on the building project which may impact the architectural layout or even the form of a building. Having discussions with the full project team early in the design project can, in fact, be highly beneficial for the end product of the design process, particularly when it is essential to meet design goals for sustainability and energy efficiency.

Both engineers and architects are involved with problem-solving. The types of problems which they solve differ, with engineers often engaged with system selection and sizing and architects involved with a broader array of potential problem types, ranging from the logical arrangement of spaces to the selection of finishes to the aesthetic appearance of a facade. The types of problems the professionals face may lead one to believe that the work of engineers is purely technical, often involving calculations, while the work of architects is creative and non-technical. This, however, is not entirely accurate, as engineers can work creatively to develop elegant solutions to design issues, particularly when they are able to collaborate productively with other design professionals early in the design process. Similarly, although architects must often be creative and have a focus on aesthetics and user experience, they must also have a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of construction. This is particularly the case in the development of details for building envelope assemblies, which is typically the responsibility of the architect. An aspect common to both architects and engineers is the need to understand building materials and products and how to utilize them successfully within a building project.

Both architects and engineers must also understand code requirements and ensure that their designs protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. While the codes which govern the particular aspects of each's work may differ, a general knowledge of the code requirements for other disciplines would benefit each professional, as this allows for a greater level of informed collaboration. Each discipline is responsible for maintaining the integrity of their work on the project, having an ethical responsibility to the users of a building and the public more generally. In this regard, the high professional standards to which they are held is common to both professions, as is the general esteem to which the professions are held in the eyes of the public.

The success of a building project, as well as the success of the architectural and engineering firms which produce their designs, is dependent on the ability of the full design team, which includes both architects and engineers, to work well together. Understanding the similarities and differences between the architectural and engineering professions, as well as the particular scope of each's work, can only aid in the success of a project and is in fact essential for productive collaboration. This is all the more true as building projects become more and more complex (having to satisfy a myriad of project goals and constraints). With advancements in technology, today's design professional is expected by clients to be ever-more productive in their work, but by the same token, these advances (both in design software and in material product advancements) require that professional knowledge is kept up to speed. To meet these demands, engineers and architects must continually learn how to work well together in this changing environment, and a thorough understanding of each's role within a design team and the potential of each design team member is an essential step.

About the Author: Adam Castelli

Adam Castelli is a licensed architect and engineer currently practicing in the Pittsburgh area. He holds a master's degree in architecture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Villanova University.