Pickering Associates is pleased to announce Civil Engineer John Bentz, PE recently passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Exam, earning him the title of Professional Engineer (PE). The PE Exam is the second required exam for engineers, and is taken after the completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.

The PE Exam is created and scored by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). NCEES is a national non-profit organization composed of engineering and surveying licensing boards representing all states and U.S. territories. Much like the examinations required for public accounting, law and other professions, exam candidates spend a large amount of time preparing for the exam.

As a PE, he will now be able to sign off on drawings and reports to ensure the highest performance standards have been taken. “It comes with the responsibility to hold public health, safety, and welfare as the highest priority,” said Bentz of the designation.

Bentz chose a career in Civil Engineering because it offered the opportunity to use creativity to benefit and positively impact the lives of others. “I was particularly interested in Civil Engineering due to the myriad of specializations that are offered (i.e. geotechnical, structural, site design, water resources, etc.),” said Bentz. “While determining which Depth of the PE exam I would take, it was nice to be able to dabble in most of these specializations, gain experience, and become a well-rounded engineer.”

The most enjoyable part of his job, says Bentz, is the ability to provide design services for infrastructure that most people would typically take for granted on a day-to-day basis, such a roadway design, or laying out a commercial site. “The career also provides a sense of self-pride to see a project being utilized and enjoyed by the public.”

Bentz is also currently enrolled in a Graduate Program through Marshall University and will graduate with a Masters of Science in Engineering next summer.