NCEES takes additional steps toward implementing computer-based testing

At its 90th annual meeting, held August 24–27 in Providence, Rhode Island, the member licensing boards of NCEES approved a new pricing model for NCEES exams that will go into effect when the Fundamentals of Engineering and Fundamentals of Surveying exams shift to computer-based testing in January 2014.

The new pricing model, which features an all-inclusive fee for the FE and FS that covers the exam itself and administration costs, was a key step in the transition from paper-and-pencil toward computer-based testing.
The final paper-and-pencil administration of the FE and FS exams, which are taken by nearly 50,000 examinees throughout the United States and in several foreign locations each year, will take place in October 2013.

About the exams

The FE exam is the first of two exams required for professional engineering licensure; it is designed to test students’ knowledge of concepts learned while earning an accredited bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. The FS exam is a similar exam designed for surveying licensure candidates.

The PE and PS exams, which are designed for candidates who have already passed the FE or FS and gained professional experience, will continue to be administered via paper and pencil for the foreseeable future.
“Adopting a new pricing model was just one of many steps needed as we move the FE and FS to CBT,” said Jerry Carter, NCEES executive director. “We remain excited about the many enhancements CBT will provide for our exams and the testing experience for candidates.”

Alternate pathway for education voted down

Among other actions taken at last week’s annual meeting was a decision by the member boards against adopting an alternate pathway toward fulfilling the Model Law 2020 education requirement for engineering licensure. This alternate pathway would have allowed candidates seeking a P.E. license to fulfill the education requirement via a combination of approved continuing education coursework, additional experience, and mentoring.

The Model Law 2020 requirement, which is set to go into effect in 2020 but is nonbinding in any state that does not incorporate it into its laws, calls for candidates seeking a P.E. license to complete an engineering master’s degree or its equivalent. Currently, the Model Law requires P.E. candidates to complete an accredited engineering bachelor’s degree.

Proposed amendment takes aim at industrial exemption

NCEES member boards expressed their support for strengthening licensure’s protections by applying them toward engineered products and systems. They approved charging the Committee on Uniform Procedures and Legislative Guidelines with amending the Model Law to require responsible charge of a licensed engineer over the engineering design of buildings, structures, products, machines, processes, and systems that affect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. The proposed amendment is a response to provisions in many state laws, known as industrial exemptions, that exempt firms that manufacture products from requiring a P.E. to oversee their design.

Full details on all motions considered during the annual meeting will be included in the official minutes, which will be published later this fall.

Contact

For more information, contact NCEES Director of Public Affairs Nina Norris.