Structural Engineering Forum - The Platformncsea.confedge.com/asset/confEdge/NCSEA/_warehouse//file/_system...as the Truss Plate Material Standard received ... • 4 hours essay problems

1/18/2011

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Structural Engineering Forum

Susan (Sue) M. Frey, PE, SE

CH2M HILLSEAO Delegate to NCSEA

The New SE Exam

Exam Study Materials

SE Licensing

Reciprocity Comity

January 19, 2011

Continuing Education

For those licensing boards that allow professional practice based educational material to be used for continuing education credits and/or professional development hours, this webinar will be awarded 1.5 PDH or equivalent CEU.

Part 1: Background of the new 201116-hour

Structural ExamPE Structural exam

A 16-hour structural engineering examination will be offered for the first

time in April 2011.

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Existing Exams

SE I 8 hours NCEES

SE II 8 hours NCEES

SE III 8 hours WA/OR or CA

Existing Exams

SE Exams are not applicable in all states

SE I used in some states in lieu of Civil PE

SE I + II required in some states for SE

SE II + III required in some states for SE

States that proctor the 16 hour SE exam:

11 States and 2 Territories have an SE license

Some states that do not require an SE license still may proctor the exam in their states

Under the new exam, some of these non-SE states are reevaluating proctoring the SE exam

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States that proctor the 16 hour SE exam:

In Illinois, and some other states, an architect can practice structural engineering and a structural engineer can practice architecture.

The two licensing acts are mutually exclusive.

States that have SE License based on 16 hour SE exam:

• Arizona SE I + SE II• California SE II + CA SE III• Guam SE I + SE II• Hawaii SE I + SE II• Idaho SE I + SE II• Illinois SE I + SE II• Louisiana SE I + SE II• Nebraska SE I + SE II• Nevada SE I + SE II• Northern Mariana Islands SE I + SE II• Oregon SE II + WA SE III• Utah SE I + SE II• Washington SE II + WA SE III

States that proctor some of the SE exam:

Total of 39 states offered the SE I exam.– Includes those previous listed in

conjunction with SE II– Includes those that allow the SE I in lieu

of Civil PE

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Why different exams now?

Were different Codes for SE design–BOCA–SBC–UBC–Then were different exam combinations

3 Codes merged to one -- IBCSE exams merge to one exam

NCEESStructural Exam Task Force (SETF)Recommendations:

Only one SE Exam for all 16-hour exams

First Step -- Needed a new SE PAKS

(Professional Activities and Knowledge Survey)

Based on PAKS results: NCEES Task Force suggested the proposed new exam format

NCEESStructural Exam Task Force (SETF)

Every 7-10 years NCEES does an exam content survey using PAKS

Previous SE exam PAK survey was done in 2001 but NCEES moved up the next survey because of the widespread adoption of the IBC and the new seismic maps

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PAKS Study

Survey distribution to:o All engineers licensed as SE’s in 16-hour states – via

email notification. Mailing lists were obtained from Member Boards

o All other practicing structural engineers – post card notification of on-line survey.

o Mailing lists were obtained from SEI and NCSEA.

PAKS Study

• Survey distributiono Postcards requested recipients to inform their

colleagues (non-members of SEI and NCSEA) to participate in on-line survey.

o PAKS on-line survey announcements and articles appeared in professional engineering journals and NCEES member board newsletters.

Survey Content

SE Activity Examples:–Developing Preliminary concepts–Developing Preliminary Plans –Perform wind calculations for a building–Providing an end product- Drawings

SE Knowledge Examples:–Masonry design of a beam–Footing detailing–Steel seismic drag strut design

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PAKS Study Recommendations

• Demographic questions allowed sorting by

• 16-Hour Jurisdictions OR

• California, Washington and Oregon OR

• Everyone


• Exam Specifications Committee

Same composition as PAKS Committee + 1 member

Writes requirements for Test (Test Specifications)

• Target Exam format

• SE Task Force Recommendations adopted


• Committee Membership for new SE Exam

Members of the SETF (Structural Exam Task Force)

Representatives from all 16 hour jurisdictions

Representatives from Civil/Structural exam module

Representatives from SE Exam committee

2 Representatives from SEI

2 Representatives from NCSEA

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PAKS Study Outcome• Participants - A total of 1,019 structural engineers

completed the survey.

(200 needed for a valid survey)

• The respondents represented 54 of the 70 U.S. states, US territories, and Canadian Territories.

PAKS Study Outcome

• The majority of survey respondents were:

• licensed professional engineers

• currently practicing structural engineering

• devoted more than 75% of their current work time to hands-on structural engineering

• worked in private consulting practice.

PAKS Study OutcomeHow long have you been practicing structural engineering

common exam takers

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PAKS Study OutcomeHow long have you been practicing structural engineering

There was a large spread of the “Over 30 Years” group but “lumped” for survey resultsSurvey not dominated by “elders” or those with SE and PE licenses6-10 year age group: Exam takers well represented

PAKS Study OutcomeWhere are you registered to practice structural engineering

PAKS Study Outcome

• Professional Activities Importance Ratings

• 53 of survey’s 55 professional activities achieved high importance ratings.

• Respondents indicated that the survey covered the important professional activities adequately to well.

• Activities: Forces on a building, concepts, preliminary plans, final drawings, ….

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PAKS Study Outcome• Knowledge Importance Ratings

• 132 of 156 knowledge/skills achieved high importance ratings.

• Respondents indicated that the survey covered the important knowledge/skills adequately to well.

• Knowledge: Masonry, Steel, Wood, Concrete, …..

PAKS Study Outcome

• Codes and Standards Importance Ratings

• 8 of the 17 codes achieved high important ratings

• The 8 included IBC, ASCE 7, Major Material Codes, …

• 9 Secondary codes and standards not used such as the Truss Plate Material Standard received lower ratings

Part 2: The new 201116-hour

Structural ExamPE Structural exam

A 16-hour structural engineering examination will be offered for the first

time in April 2011.

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New Exam Format

• Two 8-hour Components (within one exam)

• Breadth and Depth tested in each

• Integrated design, analysis and detailing questions

• No single portion of the exam is a sufficient stand-alone exam for any purpose

• Therefore there is no 8 hour section to use in place of an 8 hour Civil PE exam

General

New Exam Format

• Examinees must choose Buildings or Bridges Topic for both Components

• Examinees must take the breadth module of each component (AM each day)

• Examinees may take one of the two depth modules in each component. (Buildings or Bridges)

General

New Exam Format

• 8-hours -- Friday

• Vertical Forces (Gravity/Other)

• Incidental Lateral Loads (Soil, Ice,…)

• Focuses on gravity loads and lateral earth pressures.

Component One

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New Exam Format

• 4 hours of 40 multiple choice problems = Breadth (AM)

• 4 hours essay problems = Depth (PM)

• Applicant Chooses:

o Four at 1-hour each of all building problems OR

o Two 1-hour bridge and one 2-hour bridge problems (all bridge problems)

Component One - Gravity, Incidental Lateral

New Exam Format

• 4 hours ( 4 at 1 hour each) Building Essay Problems

• Loads, Lateral Earth Pressures

• Analysis, Element Design, Connections

• Foundations, Retaining Walls

Component One: Afternoon Session Buildings

New Exam Format

• Four – 1 hour problems in each of

• Steel

• Concrete

• Masonry

• Wood

• At least one of the problems will have

• Multi story building design and

• Foundation design

Component One: Afternoon SessionBuildings

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New Exam Format

• Problems in EACH of

• Gravity

• Superstructures

• Substructures

• Non-wind/seismic lateral loads

• May have Pedestrian Bridge

• May have vehicular Bridge basic knowledge

Component One: Afternoon Session Bridges

New Exam Format

• One 2-hour problem

• Steel Superstructure

• One hour

• Concrete Superstructure

• One hour

• Bridge Elements such as culverts, abutments, retaining walls

Component One: Afternoon Session Bridges

New Exam Format

• 8-hours – Saturday

• Lateral Forces

• Wind and Seismic

• Design

• Analysis

• Application

Component Two - Lateral Loads

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New Exam Format

• 4 hours of 40 multiple choice problems = Breadth (AM)

• 4 hours essay problems = Depth (PM)

• Applicant Chooses:

o Four at 1-hour each of all building problems OR

o Two 1-hour bridge and one 2-hour bridge problems (all bridge problems)

Component Two: Afternoon Session Buildings

New Exam Format


• Steel

• Concrete

• Masonry/Wood

• General Analysis

• Existing Structures

• Secondary Structures

• Non- Building Structures

• Computer input/output verification

Component Two : Afternoon Session Buildings

New Exam Format


• Minimum 2 problems—SDC D or above

• Minimum 1 problem- wind 110 MPH or above

• May include a multi-story building

• May include foundation design

Component Two: Afternoon Session Buildings

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New Exam Format

• Problems in EACH of

• Gravity

• Superstructures

• Substructures

• Lateral Loads

• May have Pedestrian Bridge

• May have vehicular Bridge basic knowledge

Component Two : Afternoon Session Bridges

New Exam Format

• One 2-hour problem

• General wind or seismic analysis

• One hour

• Columns

• One hour

• Footings

Component Two: Afternoon Session Bridges

Passing the New 2011 SE Exam

• Take the exam one day at a time per session or

• Take the exam on two consecutive days

• April/October

• Must successfully complete both modules to pass the exam

• Recommended: Candidates will have 5* years (up to ten exam administrations) to pass the exam

• *States/territories will determine their requirements individually

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Exam Restrictions

Washington and Oregon: – Applicants must currently have a Civil PE in order to

sit for the SE exam:

previously was the SE II and WA State SE III

Now the new SE exam

Utah, Guam, Nevada and Idaho:– Require a Civil PE in order to sit of the SE exam:

Previously was the SE I and SE II

Now the new SE Exam

Exam Restrictions

California:– Applicants must currently have a Civil PE in order to

sit for the SE exam:

previously was the SE II and State SE III

Now the new SE exam

– Applicants must also still pass a 4 hour survey/seismic portion of the CE exam in addition to the 8 hour Civil PE before taking the SE exam

Transitioning from SE I, II, III to New Exam

• Candidates who have passed only SE I or SE II but need both to be licensed in a state requiring a 16 hour exam had one last chance in October 2010’s exam administration to have passed the other module if they want to practice in:

• AZ, Guam, HI, ID, IL, and

• LA, NE, NV, NM, or UT

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• Candidates who have passed SE II or III but not both had one more exam administration to pass the CA SE III in the October 2011 administrative exam cycle

• Candidates who have passed SE II but not WA/OR SE III will have one more exam administration to pass SE III if they want to practice in OR or WA (October 2011)

• 2010 October SE Exams are in grading/cut process


• The information presented in this presentation for exam schedule and requirements is subject to change at any time by any state’s or territory’s licensing board.

• Always verify the requirements for the exam schedule, baseline requirements for fees and educational requirements and other specific requirements that are modified to suit current local needs.

Part 3: The new 201116-hour

Structural ExamReview and/or Refresh

Materials

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SE Exam Review and Refresh Materials

All of the materials presented can be used by practicing structural engineers who may or may not already hold a license to:– update or review or refresh their design

skills– learn specifics of a new material or

method–Learn high wind/seismic specifics if not

currently part of their practice


The format available for these materials vary with the source but can include one or more of:–On site classes (usually by state)–Published review course materials–Webinar format -Live –Webinar format- Recorded–Supplemental materials


The annual time of year that the courses are offered vary with the source organization but currently have start dates in – Late summer/Early fall– Early November–Late January

Length of course varies by organization

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Various SEA organizations already provide materials that are available on line or on site that have been used in the past:–Prepare for SE I–Prepare for SE I and II–Prepare for CA or WA/OR SE III as well

as NCEES SE II.

Study Materials

SEAs with SE III study materials or Webinars –appropriate for new exam–Washington -SEAW–California - private institutes

SEAs with SE I/II study materials or Webinars –appropriate for new exam–Illinois -SEAOI–Nevada SEASoN (not currently offering)

NCEES Exam Review MaterialsNCEES Sample Questions and Solutions

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SEAOI Refresher CourseIllinois: SEAOI Refresher Course

SEAW Refresh MaterialsWashington: SEAW Refresher Course

NCSEA SE Exam Review and Refresh Materials

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Structural Engineering Exam Live Online Review Course

New course ( January 2011) designed by the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA), Kaplan Engineering Education, and practicing structural engineers from across the industry.


Review includes:–24 hours of instructor-led review –Key topics of structural codes –Efficient analytical methods –Material targeted in the 16 hour SE

Exam–Exam formatted to Vertical and Lateral

Topics to Match Exam Format


Review includes:–Typical exam questions–Problem solving techniques –Exam day skills –24/7 playback

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Part 4: SE Licensing

Practice Restriction

At present, only Hawaii, Illinois, California, Oregon, Washington and Utah have Structural Engineering Practice Restrictions in place.

In these states, one must possess a valid structural engineering license in order to provide (some to all of defined) structural engineering services.

SE Practice Restriction

Hawaii and Illinois:Require structural licenses for all structural engineering design

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Practice Restriction

California–Must have an SE License to provide

design of schools and hospitals

SE Practice Act

Oregon 1997 -- Hazardous facilities and special occupancy structures, essential facilities over 4,000 sft plan area or 20 ft in height, structures with irregular features, occupied buildings more than 4 stories or 45 ft in height. Limited to primary frame or lateral load-resisting system.

SE Practice Act

Washington 2003--Hazardous facilities, essential facilities over 5,000 sq ft plan area or 20 ft in height including standby power equipment, air traffic control towers, critical national defense structures, structures exceeding 100 ft in height, occupied building more than 4 stories, bridges with total span over 200 ft and piers with surface area over 10,000 sft, and structures where over 300 people congregate.

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SE Practice Act

Utah 2008: Hazardous facilities, public occupancy assembly greater than 300, schools and care facilities with occupancy greater than 250, college/adult education facility with occupancy greater than 500, resident health care facilities with occupancy of 50 plus, jails/detention facilities over 3000 square feet or occupancies greater than 5000. Essential facilities including hospitals, surgery/emergency facilities over 3000 square feet, fire/rescue/police/emergency vehicle garages with a height over 24 feet or over 5000 square feet, emergency shelters over 3000 square feet, emergency communication and ops centers with a height over 24 feet or over 5000 square feet, power stations/public utilities over 3000 square feet, Structures with toxic contents over 24 feet or over 5000 square feet, aviation control towers and centers and emergency hangers over 35 feet or 20,000 square feet; normally occupiedstructures of 5 or more stories of avg roof height of 60 feet or more, or over 200,000 square feet.

Title Restrictions

Passed 16 hour SE exam and allowed to use “SE title” but no practice restrictions above those for CE PE

ArizonaNebraskaVermont Idaho

Practice Rules

At present, Nevada has a Structural Engineering Practice “Rule”. (Restrictions of Practice)

Nevada – Structures requiring special expertise (radio towers, buildings over 45 feet/3 stories)

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SE Title Restrictions

• New Mexico• allows you to have an "R" on the states

roster indicating structural is your area of practice but no SE exam and no stamp but registered as a PE.

SE Practice and Title Restrictions

Several states offered the past SE exam as a service to the engineers within their states even if they do not have any title or practice restrictions.

Some of these states may reconsider this service under the new exam (economy impacts)

SE Licensing

Florida Connecticut Nebraska Ohio Georgia Maine Idaho

Texas New York Minnesota Idaho Alaska California –revise

restrictions

2010: States interested in pursuing Separate SE Licensure

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Part 5:Reciprocity and Comity

Reciprocity and Comity

Currently, all previous exams were written and graded by NCEES except for Washington, Oregon and California who wrote and/or graded a high seismic SE III exam

Depending on which state was the original state of SE registration, exam hours for reciprocity vary greatly.


The following states/territories require that both a civil PE and a Structural SE license be held to apply for reciprocity:

Utah OregonGuam WashingtonNevada IdahoCalifornia

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Note that for the “mature” structural engineers, all states accept the original Western States 16-hour SE exam as a basis of reciprocity without other testing for the SE portion of the requirement.


California: 8 hours CE or SE I PE + 4 hours survey/seismic (CA SS) CE +16 hours SE II and III = 28 hours

Washington/Oregon: 8 hours CE or SE I PE + 16 hour SE II and III = 24 hours

(for CA CE/SE reciprocity with WA/OR SE in hand: adding survey/seismic to receive civil PE = 28 hours)


Nevada/Idaho: 8 hours CE PE + 16 hours SE I and II = 24 hours(for WA/OR reciprocity add SE III additional 8 hours of exams (+8 = 32 hours)(for CA reciprocity add SE III and CA SS exams (+8+4= 36 hours)

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Illinois/Hawaii: – 16 hour SE I + II = 16 hours

– for WA/OR reciprocity add SE III and Civil PE exams (+8+8 = 32 hours)

– for CA reciprocity add SE III and CA CE with SS exams (+8+8+4= 36 hours)

Part 6:National SE Licensing

Committees

Licensing Committees

Through the Member Organizations, the NCSEA Licensing Committee seeks to influence states, in the interest of public safety, to adopt consistent licensing laws, especially concerning separate licensing of structural engineers.

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In 2004, the National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEES) published a model-law Structural Engineer.

This model law is intended to be a typical law, that could be adopted by a state legislature to establish a structural engineering practice license in their state.


NCSEA has partnered with SEI to hold several workshops to gather information on how interested engineers can mobilize and be successful in obtaining SE practice restriction legislation within their states. A report on these workshops has been published and is available on-line at http://www.seinstitute.org/files/pdf/Report.pdf


http://www.ncsea.com/downloads/groups/LicensingSummitReport.pdf

2004

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Part 7:Continuing Education

Why Continuing Education for SE Licensing Renewal?

Public Safety– Current and Ever Changing Building

Codes– Changes in Products and Materials– Changes in Design Criteria– Changes in Risk Evaluations

Continuing Education under SE Practice Restriction

Illinois’ continuing education requirements for structural engineers are administered under a separate program that is similar to that for other professional engineers in number of hours required and credits granted.

Activities must “foster the enhancement of general or specialized practice and values of structural engineering”.

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Why Continuing Education for SE Licensing?

UTAH: Raise the level of awareness of

professional and ethical conduct Increased awareness of the State

Board’s laws and rules Updating or improving skills Learning new techniques


ALASKA is the one state that does impose substantial restrictions on content of Continuing Education: Subject matter must address “the proper planning, design, and construction of buildings, structures, infrastructure, and the spaces within and surrounding such facilities so that:


ALASKA:

Risk of injury to persons or property is minimized;

the results are durable and environmentally friendly;

the results function properly in all relevant aspects; and

the results enhance the general welfare of the public”

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Part 8:The Future

Future Path Forward

Common requirements from state/territory to state/territory

including:–Consistency of Exams (Are we there?)–Consistency of SE Licensing–Consistency of Continuing Education

Requirements

Thank You

Questions?

As always, check current publications from state licensing boards for exam and reciprocity/comity specific requirements for the time frame that effects your needs. Change is constant, uniformity is a future goal.

Documents

Structural Engineering Forum - The Platformncsea.confedge.com/asset/confEdge/NCSEA/_warehouse//file/_system...as the Truss Plate Material Standard received ... • 4 hours essay problems