October 2012

PE REPORT
NCEES Takes On Industry Exemptions, Approves Computer-Based PE Exams

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying voted in August to support the expansion of PE licensure to engineered products and systems. The organization also approved the conversion of the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam to a computer-based format no earlier than 2015.
 
At the NCEES annual meeting in St. Louis, board members addressed concerns about industry exemptions in some state licensing laws. These exemptions allow unlicensed engineers employed by manufacturing businesses or utilities to carry out engineering work. The board members approved an amendment to the Model Law to require responsible charge by a licensed engineer over the engineering design of buildings, structures, products, machines, processes, and systems that can affect the public health, safety, and welfare.
 
Although the change demonstrates NCEES's commitment to protecting the public, the change would need to be adopted in state licensing laws in order for it to take effect.
 
A new NCEES task force will be studying which U.S. jurisdictions have industrial exemptions and developing a communications plan about eliminating industry exemptions.
 
Board members also unanimously decided to convert the PE exam into a computer-based format beginning in 2015. This follows the decision in 2010 to convert the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam to a computer-based test by January 2014.
 
Carter said the exam transition would be gradual in order to allow NCEES to determine how the 25 different PE exams can adjust to a new format and continue to measure professional competence. More than 25,000 licensure candidates took the PE exam during the past year. The computer-based format will allow for more scheduling flexibility for candidates, increased uniformity of testing conditions, and improved exam security.