Discussion Central

  • 1.  Florida PE certification

    Posted 09-03-2020 10:56
    I'm a chemical engineer in Florida.  I'm planning to take the PE exam.  I was wondering if anyone has experience in obtaining a PE without working under a professional engineer.

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    Shawn Piel
    Process Engineer
    QOL Medical LLC
    Odessa FL
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  • 2.  RE: Florida PE certification

    Posted 09-04-2020 00:44
    Shawn,

    Consider a broader view.   For example, look at your boss' boss and above that for a PE higher in your organization.   Also, you may also want to consider peers who are PE's who know enough about your work to be able to attest to it.

    If you happen to know of PE's in any of your external, volunteer organizations where you support, that is also a potential option.  These individuals would not be able to attest to your technical skill; however, they would be able to serve as a character reference.

    Lastly, most states have a registered PE listing that is available for public viewing.   You may want to scan that list for any names you recognize.

    Thank you for the question, as it points to an area where AIChE may be able to be of service in the future.

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    Deborah Grubbe, PE, CEng, FAIChE, FIChemE, NAC
    Past Chair, Licensing & Professional Development Cmte
    Head, AIChE Center for Ethical Practice
    Owner - Operations and Safety Solutions, LLC
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Florida PE certification

    Posted 09-04-2020 06:06
    I believe working under the direct supervision of a P.E. for some period of time, along with passing the P.E. exam, is a requirement for most, if not all states. You should check with your local state board for details.

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    Peter Sibilski FAIChE,PE,CEM
    Plant Manager
    Pharmetic Manufacturing Co., LLC
    Mountainside NJ
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Florida PE certification

    Posted 09-04-2020 08:49

    Peter and Shawn,

    Peter is correct IMHO.  Most states require a period of "apprenticeship" (of sorts) whereby the work of an EIT (Engineer in Training) is watched over (supervised) and/or mentored by a licensed Professional Engineer, who can later attest to the knowledge, experience and qualifications of the EIT.

    Check with your state engineering licensing board.  Ask to speak with one of the Board members.  They may have suggestions regarding best way to satisfy the "apprenticeship" of an EIT in case your company does not have a PE who can oversee your professional development.

    Shawn, good luck to you.  The PE process is not meant to be easy.  It is a professional development stage in your engineering career.

    Peter, I think your advice is spot on. Thanks!



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    Norman Carnahan PE, PhD, Fellow of AIChE
    Consultant
    Carnahan
    Houston, TX
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Florida PE certification

    Posted 09-04-2020 11:00
    Each State has different rules.  You will need confirmation from at least two PE registered professionals to validate your experience.  You don't have to have worked for them but at least they are familiar with the work you do and can endorse your experience.

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    Helmy Andrawis
    Vice President, Technology Director
    Worley
    Monrovia CA
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Florida PE certification

    Posted 09-04-2020 13:23
    Thanks for the insights everyone.  Yes, Florida has an exception for non-PE-supervised work. The requirement is only to explain why the work should be considered acceptable.  The problem is that it's not very specific and I was hoping to find someone who is familiar with the exception.

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    Shawn Piel
    Process Engineer
    QOL Medical LLC
    Odessa FL
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    Original Message