CPE II case studies
CPE II · Put your knowledge to work in context.
CPE II - the Certified Professional in Engineering II credential - is an intermediate-level professional certification for engineers who already handle technical work independently and are moving into roles where they also own schedules, budgets, quality systems, and small teams. The exam is delivered as multiple choice and is organized around eight content areas: engineering fundamentals and applied science; design, analysis, and technical problem solving; project planning, scheduling, and controls; quality management and continuous improvement; safety, health, environment, and regulatory compliance; engineering economics, costing, and contracts; professional ethics, communication, and team leadership; and information management, documentation, and digital tools. The CPE II case studies are 5 cases and about 2,922 words.
1Pump Delivery Slip on a Treatment-Plant Upgrade
Your firm is managing a 12-week upgrade of a water-treatment plant. The approved schedule has these activities: A site preparation (5 days), B foundations (8 days, after A), C purchase and delivery of the main pump (20 days, after A), D pump installation (6 days, after B and C), E pipe-rack fabrication (10 days, after B), F electrical and instrumentation (7 days, after E), and G commissioning (4 days, after D and F).
644 words, about 3 min2Confined-Space Entry in a Sludge Sump
At a food-processing plant, a 30 m3 concrete sump collects washdown water and sludge. The only access is a 600 mm top opening; the sump is 4 m deep.
610 words, about 3 min3Lifecycle Bid Evaluation with Delivery Penalty
Your company is evaluating three bids for a continuously operated pump. The hydraulic duty is 150 kW at 6,000 hours per year; energy costs 0.10/kWh and the project life is 10 years with an 8% discount rate.
558 words, about 3 min4Filling-Line Capability and Tampering
On a bottling line filling 500 mL bottles, the fill volume specification is 495-505 mL. Operators collect 25 subgroups of five bottles every 30 minutes.
566 words, about 3 min5Invalid Hydrotest Certification
During commissioning of a new 12 barg saturated-steam line, the contractor performs a hydrotest at 18 barg for 30 minutes. The analog gauge used for the test has a calibration sticker expired three months ago.
544 words, about 3 min