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03.10
Recap of
the October 2009 Electrical & Computer PE Exam
ResultsBy Richard Schwarz, P.E.
The Principles and Practice of
Engineering (PE) exam for electrical and
computer engineers assumed a new structure in
the spring of 2009. Examinees now select one of
three 80-question exams. The exam choices are:
With two exam administrations
completed, the National Council of Examiners for
Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has provided
early results from the October 2009
administration of the three Electrical &
Computer PE Examinations.
The overall pass rates for the
three examinations were:
In addition, there was a slight
increase in the number of candidates taking
these three examinations.
To prepare electrical and
computer engineers for the new exams, NCEES
developed a sample book for each new exam. Each
book contains the exam specifications and 80
practice questions and solutions. For some
questions, alternative solutions are also given.
The books are intended to provide an example of
a test that meets the test specifications.
NCEES states that no
representation is made or intended as to future
exam questions, content or subject, but NCEES
staff reports that the sample exam books are
proving to be popular. The books are available
for purchase from the NCEES Web site [www.ncees.org/Exams/Study_materials.php?exam=PE],
which also contains specifications for the new
exams.
Each exam incorporates any
relevant content from the old exam version into
their respective 80-question formats. For
example, the topics from the previous breadth
exam that were most relevant to the practice of
engineering in the electric power area are
included in the new 80-question power exam.
The major topic headings for the
power exam are:
-
General Power Engineering
-
Circuit Analysis
-
Rotating Machines and
Electromagnetic Devices
-
Transmission and
Distribution
The major topic headings for the
computer exam are:
-
Computer Systems
-
Hardware
-
Software
-
Networks
The electrical and electronics
exam is geared toward electrical engineers who
practice engineering in areas other than
electric power and computer. The major headings
for the electrical and electronic exam are:
-
General Electrical
Engineering Knowledge
-
Digital Systems
-
Electric and Magnetic Field
Theory and Applications
-
Electronics
-
Control System Fundamentals
-
Communications
As a participating professional
society to NCEES, IEEE provides NCEES with the
majority of the volunteers who prepare the
electrical engineering and computer engineering
examinations. If you are a registered
professional engineer, you can write a question
for future exams. The NCEES provides a $15
stipend for each volunteer submitted exam item
that is approved and enters the question bank.
To read more about the vital role you can fill
as a volunteer PE exam item writer, visit
www.todaysengineer.org/2009/Dec/PE-exam-writers.asp.
If you’re thinking about taking
the PE exam, here are a few articles you might
want to read: “To P.E. or not to P.E.?” [www.todaysengineer.org/2009/jul/PE.asp]; “It’s Never Too Late to Become a P.E.: My
Unconventional Path to Licensure” [www.todaysengineer.org/2009/Oct/licensure.asp];
and "Why Should You Become a Licensed
Professional Engineer?" [www.todaysengineer.org/2010/Feb/PE.asp].
To learn more about licensure
and registration, visit:
Richard Schwarz, P.E.,
currently serves as past-chair of the IEEE-USA
Licensure & Registration Committee. He has
worked as a volunteer with the NCEES Electrical
& Computer PE Exam Committee for more than 25
years.
Comments may be submitted to
todaysengineer@ieee.org.
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