how to pass preview-20111 how to pass the professional review examination (pr/pe) dr sam man keong...

How to Pass PReview-2011 1

How to Pass the How to Pass the Professional Review Professional Review Examination (PR/PE)Examination (PR/PE)

Dr Sam Man KeongDr Sam Man Keong 岑文强岑文强CEng, FIET, MICE, MIMMM, CEng, FIET, MICE, MIMMM,

FSE, FSPE, PEng(UK), FBEng, FSE, FSPE, PEng(UK), FBEng, CEnv.CEnv.

Email: Email: [email protected]@singnet.com.sg ; HP: 96740515 ; HP: 96740515


Highlights (1)Highlights (1)

• IntroductionIntroduction• Preparing for the CPRPreparing for the CPR of the ICE of the ICE

– Written Submissions.Written Submissions.– Interviews.Interviews.– Essay Preparation.Essay Preparation.– The Engineer in Society.The Engineer in Society.– Causes of failureCauses of failure..– One Word of Advice.One Word of Advice.


Highlights (2)Highlights (2)

• Professional Review for CEng(UK) – Professional Review for CEng(UK) – A A Real Example.Real Example.– Panel Details.Panel Details.– Criteria.Criteria.– Conditions for Recommendation for Conditions for Recommendation for

Passing.Passing.– Panel Recommendation.Panel Recommendation.

• Some Some Good BooksGood Books to Read. to Read.• Questions & AnswersQuestions & Answers..


About the Speaker About the Speaker – Dr Sam Man Keong– Dr Sam Man Keong

• Singapore :Singapore : SP/NUS/NTU. SP/NUS/NTU.• Australia :Australia :

MelbU/RMIT/CQU.MelbU/RMIT/CQU.• Chartered EngineerChartered Engineer

(UK/Ireland/Australia)(UK/Ireland/Australia)• Registered EngineerRegistered Engineer (UK) (UK)• Chartered BuilderChartered Builder (UK) (UK)• Chartered MathematicianChartered Mathematician

(UK)(UK)• Chartered ScientistChartered Scientist (UK) (UK)• A life-long learner.A life-long learner.


Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it isn’t a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.

…. W.J. Byran

把握當下，莫等待。


Introduction – PR/PEIntroduction – PR/PE

• ICE –PEICE –PE : It consists of the assessment of a : It consists of the assessment of a report report and supporting documents on training and supporting documents on training or experience submitted by the candidate; an or experience submitted by the candidate; an oral examinationoral examination at which he is questioned at which he is questioned both on the report and generally on his both on the report and generally on his training; and training; and two essaystwo essays, one connected , one connected directly with his work, and the other on a directly with his work, and the other on a question chosen from a list of 36, previously question chosen from a list of 36, previously available to the candidate, on ‘The place of the available to the candidate, on ‘The place of the engineer in the community’ and ‘Management’ engineer in the community’ and ‘Management’ topics. The Examiners give the candidate a topics. The Examiners give the candidate a choice of two questions and he must answer choice of two questions and he must answer one.one.


Introduction – PR/PEIntroduction – PR/PE

• The PE is an occasion when, having regard to The PE is an occasion when, having regard to his age and experience, a candidate’s his age and experience, a candidate’s professional competenceprofessional competence is being tested in all is being tested in all its aspects.its aspects.

• It must not be seen only as a 30 minute oral It must not be seen only as a 30 minute oral examination followed by the essays. That is examination followed by the essays. That is only the culmination of a process which has only the culmination of a process which has lasted for a minimum period of six years.lasted for a minimum period of six years.


Introduction : How to prepare and Introduction : How to prepare and to pass the ‘to pass the ‘Professional ReviewProfessional Review’?’?

• Engineering Ethics.Engineering Ethics.– Moral Thoughts.Moral Thoughts.

– Code of Professional Conduct.Code of Professional Conduct.

• Professional JudgementProfessional Judgement..– EducationEducation

– KnowledgeKnowledge

– Experience (Civil Engineering):Experience (Civil Engineering):• (a) (a) Feasibility StudiesFeasibility Studies or or report workreport work, or, or

• (b) the (b) the design and constructiondesign and construction of civil engineering work. of civil engineering work.


PR/PE – ICE, UKPR/PE – ICE, UK

• The ICE-PE was first held in The ICE-PE was first held in 19451945 when it replaced when it replaced Section C of the Institution Examination. Initially Section C of the Institution Examination. Initially interviews were conducted by one person, but an interviews were conducted by one person, but an Assessor was later introduced in case the Interviewer Assessor was later introduced in case the Interviewer required a second opinion. This led in 1948 to the required a second opinion. This led in 1948 to the present system (1984) of having two Interviewers, present system (1984) of having two Interviewers, and the need to pass the and the need to pass the Professional InterviewProfessional Interview, as it , as it was then called, was incorporated into the By-laws.was then called, was incorporated into the By-laws.

• Professional Examination Part 1 (Professional Examination Part 1 (PE1/IPDPE1/IPD)[)[ AMICE]AMICE]

• Professional Examination Part 2 (Professional Examination Part 2 (PE2/CPRPE2/CPR)[)[ CEng, MICE]CEng, MICE]


ICE, UK – ICE, UK – PE1/IPDPE1/IPD

• PE1 is primarily a test of PE1 is primarily a test of technical technical competencecompetence, although candidates also have to , although candidates also have to satisfy other detailed requirements.satisfy other detailed requirements.

• Everyone (except mature candidates) must Everyone (except mature candidates) must have have an approved degreean approved degree, or a non-approved , or a non-approved degree with top-up examinations agreed by degree with top-up examinations agreed by ICE.ICE.

• 3 years Training under Agreement.3 years Training under Agreement.


ICE, UK – ICE, UK – PE2/PRPE2/PR

• PE2 is a test of PE2 is a test of professional competenceprofessional competence..• Normally taken about three years (gaining the necessary Normally taken about three years (gaining the necessary

professional experienceprofessional experience) after passing the PE1.) after passing the PE1.• Four sponsors : to complete and submit a Four sponsors : to complete and submit a confidential confidential

questionnairequestionnaire to the ICE. to the ICE.• The The written submissionwritten submission will include: will include:

– A 2000 word report on your professional experienceA 2000 word report on your professional experience– A 4000 word project reportA 4000 word project report– FormsForms– Details of courses attended. (Record of Continuing Education on Form Details of courses attended. (Record of Continuing Education on Form

iCE8, certified by a sponsor).iCE8, certified by a sponsor).


Preparing for the PR of the Preparing for the PR of the ICE – ICE – Written SubmissionsWritten Submissions : :

PE1/PRPE1/PR• Training RecordTraining Record..• Report on experienceReport on experience: :

no longer than 2000 no longer than 2000 words; no longer than words; no longer than 4000 words for research 4000 words for research candidates.candidates.

• Calculations, Drawings, Calculations, Drawings, Quantities and Costings.Quantities and Costings.

• Forms.Forms.


Preparing for the PR of the Preparing for the PR of the ICE – ICE – Written SubmissionsWritten Submissions : :

PE2/PRPE2/PR• Individuals have to Individuals have to

take responsibility take responsibility for planning and for planning and organizing organizing relevant relevant experience and off-experience and off-the-job training.the-job training.

• Project reportProject report : : 4000 words.4000 words.


Preparing for the PR of the Preparing for the PR of the ICE – ICE – InterviewsInterviews

• At both PE1 and PE2, the candidate will be At both PE1 and PE2, the candidate will be interviewed by two senior members of the interviewed by two senior members of the profession.profession.

• PE1/IPD : TechnicalPE1/IPD : Technical Competence. Competence.• PE2/CPR : ProfessionalPE2/CPR : Professional Competence. Competence.• The Examiners will already have formed a The Examiners will already have formed a

view of you from your written submission and view of you from your written submission and their next reaction will be to their next reaction will be to your appearanceyour appearance as you walk towards them.as you walk towards them.



• Preparation for the Interviews:Preparation for the Interviews:– Preparing for the Preparing for the essaysessays..

– Preparation for the Preparation for the interviewinterview : several weeks before the : several weeks before the interview date you should interview date you should read your submission very read your submission very criticallycritically, listing all the topics mentioned., listing all the topics mentioned.

• It will sound very weak in the interview if you have It will sound very weak in the interview if you have to say “to say “Well, I don’t know about itWell, I don’t know about it” too many times ” too many times when you have claimed knowledge of a subject in when you have claimed knowledge of a subject in your submission.your submission.



• If you do claim knowledge of a topic, then If you do claim knowledge of a topic, then make sure you make sure you have done the necessary have done the necessary readingreading – books, articles, ICE Proceedings, – books, articles, ICE Proceedings, project documents, etc. project documents, etc.

• Do remember that your written submission Do remember that your written submission includes a list of includes a list of courses attendedcourses attended and where and where necessary, your Training Record. These topics necessary, your Training Record. These topics can come up at interviews too!can come up at interviews too!



• The The ExaminersExaminers themselves come from widely themselves come from widely differing backgrounds and obviously have a differing backgrounds and obviously have a wide range of individual personalities.wide range of individual personalities.

• Improving your Improving your interviewing skillsinterviewing skills will not will not only assist your chances of success at PE1 and only assist your chances of success at PE1 and PE2 but will be important for future job, PE2 but will be important for future job, promotional and appraisal interviews.promotional and appraisal interviews.


ICE-UK : Professional ICE-UK : Professional ReviewReview


ICE- UK : Professional ICE- UK : Professional ReviewReview

• The The ExaminersExaminers will be asking themselves the will be asking themselves the following following questionsquestions::– 1. What has the candidate done?1. What has the candidate done?

– 2. Why has he done it?2. Why has he done it?

– 3. Does he fully understand what he has done?3. Does he fully understand what he has done?

– 4. What engineering decisions has he made?4. What engineering decisions has he made?

– 5. What investigations has he undertaken which led him to 5. What investigations has he undertaken which led him to make these decisions?make these decisions?

– 6. Has he carried out any research which persuaded him to 6. Has he carried out any research which persuaded him to reach his conclusions?reach his conclusions?


ICE- UK : Professional ICE- UK : Professional ReviewReview

• The The oral examinationoral examination is not a confrontation between is not a confrontation between the candidate and the examiners.the candidate and the examiners.

• CandidateCandidate : : – appearance and grooming.appearance and grooming.– When leaving the room he will have his back to two pairs When leaving the room he will have his back to two pairs

of very observant eyes. Being of very observant eyes. Being down-at-heeldown-at-heel is not the best is not the best way to impress people!way to impress people!

• The The examinersexaminers : : – are trying to find out what you know, not what you don’t are trying to find out what you know, not what you don’t

know. know. • It should therefore be an It should therefore be an interesting discussioninteresting discussion on on

your experience.your experience.


Preparing for the PE of the Preparing for the PE of the ICE – ICE – Essay PreparationEssay Preparation

• PE1 EssayPE1 Essay : Unseen based on submission. : Unseen based on submission.

• PE2 EssayPE2 Essay : Published list. : Published list.– The Examiners select two questions from the The Examiners select two questions from the

published list of 36 questions, and the candidate published list of 36 questions, and the candidate can choose which of these two questions to answer can choose which of these two questions to answer in the in the 90 minutes90 minutes..

– It is also very important that It is also very important that your studying covers your studying covers all the question topicsall the question topics as you cannot predict as you cannot predict which questions you will be asked.which questions you will be asked.


Preparing for the PE of the Preparing for the PE of the ICE – ICE – Essay PreparationEssay Preparation

• PE2 Essay : Published list.PE2 Essay : Published list.– The best time to start is The best time to start is at least a yearat least a year before you plan to before you plan to

take PE2 and preferably even longer.take PE2 and preferably even longer.– Start a fileStart a file on each of the questions. on each of the questions.– InformationInformation for each question should actively be sought: for each question should actively be sought:

books and journals; newspapers; discussions with SCEs, books and journals; newspapers; discussions with SCEs, colleagues; attending meetings of ICE..etc; attending colleagues; attending meetings of ICE..etc; attending courses, conferences.courses, conferences.

– Write out the essay planWrite out the essay plan for a 1000 word essay using for a 1000 word essay using references and taking time over it.references and taking time over it.

• ““knowledge and relevanceknowledge and relevance”; must display good ”; must display good ‘grammar, syntax and clarity of argument and ‘grammar, syntax and clarity of argument and presentation’.presentation’.


Preparing for the PE of the Preparing for the PE of the ICE – ICE – The Engineer in The Engineer in

SocietySociety• The Institution of Civil Engineers (The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICEICE), UK.), UK.

– 18181818 : The Formation of ICE. : The Formation of ICE.– 1828 : Royal Charter granted.1828 : Royal Charter granted.– 1922 : Supplementary Charter (giving the ICE the 1922 : Supplementary Charter (giving the ICE the

role of qualifying body for all civil engineers).role of qualifying body for all civil engineers).

• The two main purposes of the ICE are:The two main purposes of the ICE are:– A A learned societylearned society..– A A qualifying bodyqualifying body..


Preparing for the PE of the Preparing for the PE of the ICE – ICE – The Engineer in The Engineer in

SocietySociety• The Engineering Council (The Engineering Council (ECEC), UK.), UK.

– The EC was established by Royal Charter granted The EC was established by Royal Charter granted on 27on 27thth November November 19811981, replacing the much , replacing the much smaller Council of Engineering Institutions (smaller Council of Engineering Institutions (CEICEI).).

– 53 member organizations arranged in five groups.53 member organizations arranged in five groups.

• Issues concerning the Engineer’s place in Issues concerning the Engineer’s place in societysociety..

• EC Part 2 : 300 – The Engineer in SocietyEC Part 2 : 300 – The Engineer in Society


Preparing for the PE of the Preparing for the PE of the ICE – ICE – Causes of FailureCauses of Failure

• (a) (a) Lack of confidenceLack of confidence : 5 Is (indecisive; : 5 Is (indecisive; incompetent; ……),incompetent; ……),

• (b) slavish use of proven techniques and the (b) slavish use of proven techniques and the avoiding of engineering decisions,avoiding of engineering decisions,

• © © insufficient and hurried preparation of insufficient and hurried preparation of the report and other documentsthe report and other documents; this implies ; this implies you have not taken the examination seriously you have not taken the examination seriously enough,enough,


Preparing for the PE of the Preparing for the PE of the ICE – ICE – Causes of FailureCauses of Failure

• (d) (d) inability or failure to give evidenceinability or failure to give evidence of the of the ability to organize one’s thoughts clearly in ability to organize one’s thoughts clearly in both speech and writing,both speech and writing,

• (e) (e) failure to speak up at the oral failure to speak up at the oral examinationexamination, this has the effect of destroying , this has the effect of destroying confidence on both sides: in the candidate’s confidence on both sides: in the candidate’s confidence in himself and the Examiner’s confidence in himself and the Examiner’s confidence in the candidate.confidence in the candidate.


Preparing for the PE of the Preparing for the PE of the ICE – ICE – One word of adviceOne word of advice

• READ THE INSTRUCTIONSREAD THE INSTRUCTIONS – – ICE 43 ICE 43 Rules for the Professional Examinations.Rules for the Professional Examinations.

• Should be read from cover to cover, not once, Should be read from cover to cover, not once, but several times, to ensure that you but several times, to ensure that you understand what is being required of youunderstand what is being required of you . If . If you comply with these rules your chances will you comply with these rules your chances will be much better that you don’t!be much better that you don’t!

• Website : Website : www.ice.org.ukwww.ice.org.uk


Professional Review for Professional Review for CEng(UK) – CEng(UK) – A Real Example.A Real Example.

• Panel Details.Panel Details.• Criteria.Criteria.• Conditions for Recommendation Conditions for Recommendation

for Passingfor Passing..• Panel Recommendation.Panel Recommendation.


Criteria : 5 main areasCriteria : 5 main areas

• A. Knowledge & A. Knowledge & Understanding.Understanding.– 1. Sound theoretical 1. Sound theoretical

approach.approach.

– 2. Creative problem 2. Creative problem solving approach.solving approach.

– 3. Exploiting emerging 3. Exploiting emerging technologies.technologies.

– 4. Promote innovation 4. Promote innovation and technology transfer.and technology transfer.

• B. Application to B. Application to Practice.Practice.– 1. Identify potential 1. Identify potential

projects & opportunities.projects & opportunities.

– 2. Research, design & 2. Research, design & development.development.

– 3. Plan and implement 3. Plan and implement solutions.solutions.

– 4. Evaluate solutions and 4. Evaluate solutions and make improvements.make improvements.



• C. Leadership C. Leadership Management & Management & Supervision.Supervision.– 1. Plan for effective 1. Plan for effective

project implementation.project implementation.– 2. Plan, budget, organize, 2. Plan, budget, organize,

direct, control.direct, control.– 3. Staff management & 3. Staff management &

technical development.technical development.– 4. Continuous 4. Continuous

improvement.improvement.

• D. Inter personal D. Inter personal Skills.Skills.– 1. Work with others & 1. Work with others &

communicate.communicate.– 2. Presentation and 2. Presentation and

discussion.discussion.– 3. Team building and 3. Team building and

negotiation.negotiation.



• E. Professional Conduct.E. Professional Conduct.– 1. Code and Rules of Conduct.1. Code and Rules of Conduct.– 2. Safe Systems of Work.2. Safe Systems of Work.– 3. Codes of Risk and Environment.3. Codes of Risk and Environment.– 4. Continuing professional development.4. Continuing professional development.


Conditions for Conditions for Recommendation for PassingRecommendation for Passing..

• Total score Total score ≥≥ 33 33• Block Mean Score in Any Block Block Mean Score in Any Block ≥≥ 1.5 1.5• Not more than one Zero across the whole Not more than one Zero across the whole

form.form.• Panel Recommendation:Panel Recommendation:

– 1. 1. SatisfiedSatisfied the requirements…. the requirements….– 2. 2. Failed Failed to satisfy….to satisfy….– 3. 3. Marginally failedMarginally failed to satisfy… to satisfy…– 4. 4. The panel could not reach an agreementThe panel could not reach an agreement….….


Professional Review for Professional Review for CEng(UK)CEng(UK)


Website : http://www.peb.gov.sg/peb/html/index.html

The Professional Engineers Board Singapore (PEB) is a statutory board in the Ministry of National Development. PEB was established since 1971 under the Professional Engineers Act.


PR Exam in Engineering in PR Exam in Engineering in SingaporeSingapore – – Professional Engineers ActProfessional Engineers Act

• Approved QualificationApproved Qualification, e.g. BEng awarded , e.g. BEng awarded by National University of Singapore (NUS) or by National University of Singapore (NUS) or Nanyang Technological University (NTU).Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

• ExperienceExperience : : not less than four years of not less than four years of practical experiencepractical experience in such in such professional professional workwork and at such and at such level of responsibilitylevel of responsibility as to as to be sufficiently competent for registration as a be sufficiently competent for registration as a professional engineer.professional engineer.



• Sat and passed the following examinations:Sat and passed the following examinations:– Fundamentals of Engineering ExaminationFundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE Exam), (FE Exam),

– Practice of Professional Engineering ExaminationPractice of Professional Engineering Examination (PE (PE Exam).Exam).

• FE ExamFE Exam– Part 1 – 3 hours (9am – 12 noon); 40 MCQsPart 1 – 3 hours (9am – 12 noon); 40 MCQs

– Part 2 – 3 hours (2 pm – 5 pm); Answer 5 out of 9 Part 2 – 3 hours (2 pm – 5 pm); Answer 5 out of 9 questions (Civil)’ Answer 5 out of 7 questions (Electrical, questions (Civil)’ Answer 5 out of 7 questions (Electrical, Mechanical)Mechanical)



• PE ExamPE Exam : :– SummarySummary of Postgraduate Professional of Postgraduate Professional

ExperienceExperience– ReportReport on Postgraduate Engineering Experience : on Postgraduate Engineering Experience :

2,000 – 4,000 words; in detail his involvement in 2,000 – 4,000 words; in detail his involvement in not more than four projects in the branch of not more than four projects in the branch of engineering that he is seeking registration. See engineering that he is seeking registration. See ‘Check List for PI in Appendix A’.‘Check List for PI in Appendix A’. [website: [website: www.peb.gov.sgwww.peb.gov.sg ] ]

– Professional Interview (PI)Professional Interview (PI)


Pathways to become Professional Engineer in Singapore

Approved Qualifications, e.g. BEng from NUS/NTU

PEB – FE Exam

Experience

PEB – PE Exam

. Summary of Postgraduate Professional Experience

. Report on Postgraduate Engineering Experience

. Professional Interview (PI)

Professional Engineer (PE)


Professional InterviewProfessional Interview for Registration as for Registration as Professional Engineer - Professional Engineer - SingaporeSingapore

• Requirements:Requirements:– 11. Appropriate . Appropriate qualificationsqualifications – Section 15(1); – Section 15(1);– 22. Appropriate . Appropriate experienceexperience – Section 15(2)(a); – Section 15(2)(a);– 33. Sat and passed prescribed . Sat and passed prescribed examinationsexaminations – –

Section 15(2)(b);Section 15(2)(b);– 44. . Good character and reputationGood character and reputation – Section – Section

15(4)(a); and15(4)(a); and– 55. . Able to carry out the dutiesAble to carry out the duties of a professional of a professional

engineer effectively – Section 15(4)(b).engineer effectively – Section 15(4)(b).



• The The PurposePurpose of PI is to determine the of PI is to determine the following:following:– 11. The . The duration and adequacyduration and adequacy of practical of practical

experience;experience;– 22. The . The type, quality and relevancetype, quality and relevance of practical of practical

engineering experience;engineering experience;– 33. The . The charactercharacter and and reputationreputation; and; and– 44. The . The abilityability to carry out the duties of a to carry out the duties of a

professional engineer effectively.professional engineer effectively.



• The The PI processPI process comprises three components: comprises three components:– 11. review the Summary of Postgraduate . review the Summary of Postgraduate

Professional Experience;Professional Experience;– 22. assessment of the Report on Postgraduate . assessment of the Report on Postgraduate

Engineering Experience; andEngineering Experience; and– 33. attending the interview.. attending the interview.



• The Professional Interview (PI):The Professional Interview (PI):– Applicant : Applicant : 10 – minute presentation10 – minute presentation of one or of one or

more of his projects highlighted in his report.more of his projects highlighted in his report.– About 45 minutesAbout 45 minutes : to discuss with the panel on : to discuss with the panel on

his involvement in achieving the various his involvement in achieving the various competent elementscompetent elements as presented in his report; to as presented in his report; to answer questions on other aspects relating to his answer questions on other aspects relating to his application and professional practice such as application and professional practice such as summary of postgraduate experience.summary of postgraduate experience.

– Further information or clarification.Further information or clarification.


Some Good Books to Some Good Books to read..read..

• ICE, UKICE, UK::– The Routes to Corporate Membership.The Routes to Corporate Membership.

– Rules for the Professional Examination.Rules for the Professional Examination.

– How to Pass the Professional Examination by R.L. How to Pass the Professional Examination by R.L. Armstrong.Armstrong.

– Preparing for the Professional Examination of the Preparing for the Professional Examination of the Institution of Civil Engineers.Institution of Civil Engineers.

• Books on Engineering EthicsBooks on Engineering Ethics, e.g. Engineering , e.g. Engineering Ethics by Charles B. Fleddermann.Ethics by Charles B. Fleddermann.


ICE - UKICE - UK


Engineering EthicsEngineering Ethics


Ability will enable a man to get to the top but character is the only thing that keeps him from falling off.

….Anonymous


Questions & AnswersQuestions & Answers

Thank YouThank You

自强不息 , 力求上进

how to pass preview-20111 how to pass the professional review examination (pr/pe) dr sam man keong...

Documents