After engineers reach a certain level in their careers, they may decide to invest in their futures by becoming Professional Engineers. To attain this level of certification, they need to take at least two qualifying exams. The second of these exams, the Principles and Practice of Engineering, can be a dreaded obstacle for engineers. And, worse, if you encounter any issues that result in disqualification of your scores or a testing ban, you may not be able to progress in your field at all.
Luckily, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is here to help you ensure that issues associated with the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam don't stand in your way. Read on to discover practical information about this exam, common issues, and what to do if you're worried about your test-taking experience.
What is the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam?
The Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam (PE) is an examination that allows engineers to become Professional Engineers (also abbreviated PE; in this guide, 'PE' will refer to the exam) — a specific qualification within the engineering industry that connotes expertise and can unlock higher-paying, higher-responsibility job opportunities. After taking the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam, candidates can register with their state to become a Professional Engineer, and therefore be able to apply to jobs and sign their work as a Professional Engineer (as long as they fulfill all other relevant state qualifications).
The PE exam and its prerequisite, the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, are overseen by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (or the NCEES). If you experience any issues with your score, test application, or test administration experience, you'll contact the NCEES to work towards issue resolution.
The Principles and Practice of Engineering exam aims to ensure that a candidate has a minimum working knowledge of engineering in their specified engineering niche. As such, it is explicitly written for people with an engineering degree and several years of experience working within a particular discipline.
There are several PE exams, each of which tests competency in a different engineering discipline. These include:
- Architectural engineering
- Agricultural and Biological engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Control systems engineering
- Electrical and computer engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Fire Protection engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Industrial and systems engineering
- Metallurgical and materials engineering
- Mining and Mineral Processing engineering
- Naval Architecture and Marine engineering
- Nuclear engineering
- Structural engineering
- Petroleum engineering
In most cases, candidates need only take one PE exam, but their chosen field and the requirements in their states may indicate otherwise.
The PE exam is offered twice yearly, once in October and once in April. The exam is eight hours long with one lunch break. The exam is multiple-choice. Depending on the testing center you choose, you may take the PE exam with pencil and paper or (as is projected to be standard by 2024) on a computer. One of the most significant changes associated with the newer computer-based test is that it is no longer technically open-book. Whereas, before, with the paper PE exam, candidates could bring reference materials; now, such materials are prohibited. The NCEES has instead compiled a reference guide that should contain all the need-to-know codes and standards for each test. These guides are freely available on the NCEES website.
The PE exam is failed on a pass/fail basis. If needed, candidates can take the PE exam up to three times in one calendar year.
Applying to Take the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
Here's everything you need to know about the application process for the PE exam — including prerequisites and potential application issues.
Prerequisites for the PE Exam
Before candidates undergo the eight-hour PE exam, it's recommended that they:
- Have a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- Pass a Fundamentals of Engineering exam
- Have four years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer (or, in some cases, equivalent graduate training)
The Principles and Practice of Engineering exam may be the last thing a candidate needs to be eligible for practice as a Professional Engineer in their state.
This can make it all the more frustrating if an issue stands in their way.
Potential Application Issues
Applying for the PE exam is as simple as registering with the NCEES, deciding whether you'd like to take the exam in April or October, and finding a testing center near you.
Some registration issues could present complications right off the bat. For example, the NCEES may flag your account if:
- You register your NCEES account with fraudulent information
- You try to sign up for a test that is not in the state you live in, study in, or want to work in
- You register with someone else's information
- Your registration information does not match the information on your official identification
You should be careful as you input any information into the NCEES site, as even typos can take a long time to resolve.
To complete your registration, you'll need to pay relevant fees.
The PE exam is relatively costly. There is a $375.00 fee to take this exam. This amount can vary slightly per state. (If you must take the exam multiple times, you will need to pay the fee each time.)
And, of course, there will be costs other than the examination fee. Practice tests and workbooks to help prepare for this exam tend to be expensive. There's also the time commitment: Most recommend studying between 200 and 300 hours for optimal results.
Taking the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
After registering, paying for, and preparing for your PE exam, you'll show up at your testing center to take the eight-hour test.
The NCEES exam guide contains helpful guidelines for test-taking candidates. For example, it details the following test-taking issues that could result in dismissal from the exam or invalidation of scores:
- Bringing a cell phone with you into the testing center
- Bringing unauthorized writing materials (including loose papers, writing tablets, or legal pads) with you into the testing center
- Having a recording, copying, or communicating device in your possession while taking the test
- Trying to use a calculator that isn't specifically on the NCEES list of approved models
- Using a writing implement that is not provided by NCEES (or approved by the group or testing center)
- Copying another examinee's work
- Starting your exam before being instructed to do so by the exam proctor or continuing work after the exam period has ended
- Taking notes on anything other than provided note-taking papers
- Taking pages out of the exam booklet
The test-taking agreement within the NCEES handbook states that prohibited items will be confiscated and sent to NCEES, along with likely dismissal from the exam and disqualifying exam scores. If the item in question is of significant value — say, a tablet, or a watch that has sentimental value — that may pose an additional concern to the test-taker.
In addition to the above actions that might occur during the exam itself, NCEES has identified a list of problematic behaviors that could result in a testing ban and invalidation of existing test scores. These include:
- Surrogate testing (e.g., taking the test for someone else or asking someone else to take the test for you)
- Creating safety concerns surrounding the test, such as taking a weapon to a testing center or threatening a test moderator
- Disclosing nonpublic details about the exam after the exam is over
If NCEES has determined that you might be responsible for an illicit action, it will investigate your behaviors. The group authorizes on-site exam proctors to take any actions they deem necessary to stop, investigate, and correct any suspected prohibited behaviors as they occur. If NCEES, a test-taker, or a proctor reports unapproved activities after the fact, NCEES may review camera footage, examine submitted tests, review application information, and listen to witness testimony to determine whether a candidate is responsible for breaking PE exam rules.
To initiate its investigation, NCEES should notify you with specific information regarding its concerns. Once you know that you are under investigation, NCEES expects you to cooperate fully with that investigation.
It's in your best interest to retain Joseph D. Lento and his Student Defense Team when you realize that NCEES is looking into your behavior.
You risk several consequences if you are involved in an NCEES irregularity investigation. These include:
- Cancellation of your scores
- A temporary or permanent testing ban
- Identification to your state's board (and further sanctions)
- Not being eligible for test refunds
Aside from being out several hundred dollars and months of study, being unable to take the PE exam can present severe obstacles for engineers who wish to progress in their careers. And if a candidate's state has them listed as a person of concern — at least, according to NCEES's reports — that could jeopardize an engineer's ability to pursue state licensure even if they have valid PE test scores.
To make matters worse, these ramifications can happen quickly after your PE exam experience goes awry. If you're hoping to request a rescore for your test or appeal a mistake on the part of NCEES, you'll only have a few business days to contact NCEES and get that process started. And, if NCEES opens an investigation into your alleged test-related misdeeds, it could be just a few business days before that becomes part of your permanent record. This could make further testing or even getting a great job in your industry far more complex than it needs to be.
Fortunately, Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can provide invaluable assistance.
Your Next Steps After Experiencing Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam Issues
Once you realize that you will be involved in a PE exam irregularity investigation, consider taking the following steps to protect your reputation and future.
- Document your experience as thoroughly as you can. Collect all the information you submitted during registration, your email notifications, and any written correspondence from NCEES regarding your test. Once you realize there may be an issue with your experience, sit down and write out everything you remember regarding your test.
- Refrain from reacting (at least publicly) to the allegations against you. Don't ask other people on social media if they've experienced similar issues; don't contact NCEES or respond to any of their notifications without the help of Joseph D. Lento's Student Defense Team. It's surprisingly easy to say something that can make your case more difficult, even if you aren't responsible for the alleged prohibited behavior.
- Retain the services of Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team. For years, the Lento Law Firm has assisted students and professionals across the nation as they pursue the careers of their dreams. Now, they're ready to help you ensure that complications associated with one exam don't ruin your entire engineering career.
Retain Education Lawyer Joseph D. Lento's Team if You Experience Engineering Exam Issues
To move forward in your career as a professional engineer, there are specific exams you will need to take from time to time. One such example is the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.
Your professional potential could be tied to this exam. Pass it, and you'll unlock opportunities for career growth, better pay, and other benefits. Fail it, and you may feel stuck.
If you feel that you've been awarded a failing grade unfairly, or (worse) you've been banned from retaking the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam without just cause, you should feel frustrated. And more importantly, you need to know that there's something you can do to improve your situation.
You can retain the services of Joseph D. Lento and his experienced education defense team. With the Lento Law Firm to guide you, you can negotiate with the NCEES to reconsider an unfair score, overturn a testing ban, or protect your information so that the NCEES does not share your alleged conduct history with any other interested party.
Call 888.535.3686 today to learn more about the services the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team offers, or contact us online to set up a consultation today.
