An Introduction to the CM Exam

Date February 8th 2011

Lecture 2

Matthew J. Esther
Chairman UAE Division
BEng (Hons.) CEng EurIng FIStructE MICE MSFE

Course programme

Todays Programme

General introduction

by Matthew J. Esther

An examiners perspective

by Shapour Mehrkar

Reflections from candidates successful in 2010

by Roger Fleming & Richard Jowett

What this course will do for you

Clarify the purpose and outline key aspects of the exam

Guide you to manage your time well
Draw your attention to pitfalls
Indicate what examiners are looking for
Give you the opportunity to participate in workshops

What this course will NOT do for you

Teach you how to design
Guarantee a pass

What you will be examined on

You will have to demonstrate your ability as a structural
engineer
The exam focuses on engineering principles
Candidates who prepare themselves competently to be
structural engineers will pass the CM Exam!
Those who prepare themselves to pass the CM Exam
will not!!!!!!!!!

What you will be expected to produce

Understand a brief
Produce 2 distinct and viable solutions
Produce workable and stable solution
Produce good drawings
Write a good letter
Plan and manage your time

Purpose of the CM Exam

It is a tough but fair test
Questions will contain aspects of the following:
Large and complex spans
High loads
Difficult site conditions
Floors with discontinuous columns
Spans with bits missing
Structures with complex geometries
One weeks work in one day

Introduction to the question paper

An introduction to the question paper

Exam deliverables

Mark allocation

Allocation of time and marks

Pass mark

Causes of failure

Lack of ability in conceptual engineering

Poor drawing skills
Inability to deal with client problems & poor letter writing
Weak exam technique
Question not carefully read
Alternative schemes not sufficiently distinct

Questions?