Introduction:

Becoming a licensed civil engineer is an essential milestone in an engineer’s career, as it ensures credibility, competence, and the ability to sign and seal engineering documents. This 5-day training course is designed to help civil engineering professionals prepare for the Professional Engineering (PE) licensure exam, focusing on the key areas of civil engineering knowledge required for the exam. The course covers fundamental topics in structural, geotechnical, environmental, water resources, and transportation engineering, along with test-taking strategies, professional ethics, and the application of engineering principles to real-world problems. By the end of this course, participants will be better prepared for the licensure exam and be equipped to practice as licensed civil engineers.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the requirements and process of obtaining a Professional Engineering (PE) license.
2. Review key civil engineering subjects covered in the licensure exam.
3. Learn effective test-taking strategies for the PE licensure exam.
4. Understand professional ethics and responsibilities in civil engineering.
5. Gain confidence in applying engineering principles to solve real-world problems.
6. Be prepared for the exam’s multiple-choice questions, open-ended problems, and design scenarios.

Who Should Attend:

This course is intended for civil engineering professionals who are seeking to obtain their Professional Engineering (PE) license or those interested in understanding the licensure process, including:

• Aspiring Civil Engineers preparing for the PE Exam
• Engineers in training (EITs) who have met the required education and experience criteria
• Civil Engineering Graduates preparing for a professional career in engineering
• Engineering Technicians and Project Managers looking to pursue licensure

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Professional Licensure and Exam Overview

• Session 1: Overview of the Professional Engineering (PE) Licensure
  • The Role and Importance of PE Licensure in Civil Engineering
  • Requirements for Licensure: Education, Experience, and Examination
  • Understanding the Exam Format: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) vs. PE Exam
  • Licensing Agencies and State Requirements
• Session 2: Review of Civil Engineering Disciplines in the PE Exam
  • Core Disciplines: Structural, Geotechnical, Environmental, Water Resources, and Transportation Engineering
  • How the Exam is Structured: Topics Covered and Weighting
  • Focus Areas for Study in Civil Engineering Licensure
• Session 3: Test-Taking Strategies for the PE Exam
  • Time Management and Study Planning Tips
  • How to Approach Multiple-Choice Questions and Open-Ended Problems
  • Tips for Answering Design and Calculation-Based Questions
• Activity: Group Discussion – Understanding the Licensure Process and Planning for Exam Preparation

Day 2: Structural Engineering Fundamentals for the PE Exam

• Session 1: Introduction to Structural Engineering Principles
  • Key Structural Concepts: Forces, Moments, Shear, and Bending
  • Materials Used in Structural Engineering: Concrete, Steel, and Wood
  • Structural Analysis: Methods for Analyzing Beams, Frames, and Trusses
• Session 2: Structural Design Codes and Standards
  • Overview of AISC, ACI, and ASTM Codes for Structural Design
  • Design Considerations for Different Materials: Concrete, Steel, and Timber
  • Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) vs. Allowable Stress Design (ASD)
• Session 3: Common Structural Analysis and Design Problems
  • Solving Common Structural Problems: Deflection, Stress, and Load Distribution
  • Design of Simple Beams, Columns, and Foundations
  • Real-World Application of Structural Engineering Concepts
• Activity: Practice Problems – Solving Structural Design Challenges for the PE Exam

Day 3: Geotechnical, Environmental, and Water Resources Engineering

• Session 1: Geotechnical Engineering Principles
  • Soil Properties and Classification: Understanding Soil Behavior
  • Foundation Design: Shallow vs. Deep Foundations, Settlement Analysis
  • Slope Stability and Earthworks: Methods for Analyzing Soil Stability
• Session 2: Environmental Engineering Fundamentals
  • Water Treatment and Wastewater Management
  • Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste Management Techniques
  • Pollution Control Methods: Air, Water, and Noise
• Session 3: Water Resources Engineering
  • Hydrology: Precipitation, Runoff, and Infiltration
  • Hydraulic Analysis and Design: Pipes, Pumps, and Open Channels
  • Stormwater Management: Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Activity: Group Exercise – Solving Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering Problems for the PE Exam

Day 4: Transportation and Construction Engineering

• Session 1: Transportation Engineering Fundamentals
  • Highway and Roadway Design: Alignment, Pavement Design, and Cross Sections
  • Traffic Flow and Control: Signal Design and Intersection Analysis
  • Geometric Design of Roads and Streets: Considerations for Safety and Efficiency
• Session 2: Construction Management and Practices
  • Construction Materials and Methods: Concrete, Steel, and Other Building Materials
  • Project Scheduling and Estimation: CPM, PERT, and Resource Allocation
  • Construction Equipment: Selection and Operations
• Session 3: Infrastructure Design Considerations
  • Design and Maintenance of Bridges, Tunnels, and Airports
  • Understanding Structural and Mechanical Systems in Infrastructure Projects
  • Construction Site Safety and Risk Management Practices
• Activity: Case Study – Design and Construction of a Roadway Project for the PE Exam

Day 5: Professional Ethics, Licensure Process, and Final Exam Review

• Session 1: Professional Ethics for Civil Engineers
  • Importance of Ethics and Professionalism in Engineering Practice
  • Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks and Codes of Conduct
  • Case Studies in Civil Engineering Ethics: Conflict of Interest, Public Safety, and Environmental Responsibility
• Session 2: Understanding the PE Exam Process
  • What to Expect on Exam Day: Procedures, Policies, and Documentation
  • How to Register for the PE Exam and What to Bring
  • Overview of Post-Exam Procedures and Obtaining Licensure
• Session 3: Final Review and Q&A
  • Review of Key Topics Covered in the Course
  • Final Exam Review: Recap of Problem-Solving Techniques and Test Strategies
  • Open Q&A Session: Addressing Participant Questions and Concerns
• Activity: Mock PE Exam – Practice Problems and Test Simulation

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: Presentations covering essential licensure exam topics and strategies.
• Practice Problems and Case Studies: Hands-on practice solving real-world engineering problems.
• Mock Exams and Review: Simulated PE exam questions to build confidence and familiarity with the test format.
• Group Discussions: Collaborative activities for discussing exam strategies and problem-solving techniques.
• Q&A Sessions: Opportunity for participants to ask questions and clarify concepts.