Dear SEAOI Members,

As we move forward into February, I’d like to take a moment to update you on the progress of our efforts regarding the NCEES CBT Exam feedback. Over the past few months, we have been actively engaging with NCEES and the State of Illinois Licensing Board to address concerns about the new exam. Our feedback has been acknowledged in a response letter from NCEES. Additionally, we requested that the topic be added to the last State of Illinois Licensing Board Meeting of 2024. A group of SEAOI leaders attended the meeting in early December where Mr. Dekle of NCEES also joined and addressed our concerns in an open discussion. 

We offered our support to NCEES as they continue to slowly work through the unique challenges of our licensing exam. We also offered our support to the Illinois Licensing Board as they proceed to advocate for us. We attended the January Board Meeting and learned that Illinois is scheduled to meet with the nine other state boards that have a structural designation and NCEES at the end of February. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their insights and experiences—it is through collective advocacy that we make meaningful change.

In addition to our work on this important issue, I’m excited to introduce this month’s Engagement Challenge: Share a Success Story. We encourage you to submit a story about a project or achievement you’re proud of. Whether it’s a personal accomplishment, a breakthrough on a challenging project, or recognition of a colleague’s excellence, we want to celebrate the successes that make our profession stronger. Stories should be shared through your social media outlets using #SEAOIEngagement.

Your engagement and contributions continue to inspire and strengthen our community. I look forward to seeing the incredible achievements you share this month and to continuing our work together to advance structural engineering.

With appreciation and excitement for the road ahead,

Jennie Traut-Todaro SE, LEED AP

President, Structural Engineers Association of Illinois