Engineering Update Institute

General Information about
Professional Engineering Registration

To The Department of Professional Engineering

Questions?


Copyright (c)1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why should I become a licensed engineer?

There are 5 reasons to become licensed:

1. All 50 states have adopted laws requiring engineers to obtain a license prior to engaging in private practice, providing engineering consultation, performing engineering services, entering into contracts, or submitting original designs, plans, or specifications for approval.

2. Many companies consider licensing important when assigning supervisory tasks to their employees.

3. Many companies consider licensing important for employee advancement along technical lines.

4. Many city, state, and government agencies now require PE licenses for all their employees who perform responsible engineering duties of any kind.

5. Licensing is required to be an expert witness.

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Copyright (c)1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the qualifications to become a licensed engineer?

The qualifications required by each state are similar. There is also a certain amount of flexibility which varies from state to state. Formally the basic requirements are:

  1. Completing a four-year educational program in an approved branch of engineering leading to a bachelor's degree, conferred by an EAC accredited institution. (Some states permit engineers without degrees to become licensed.)

  2. Passing the FE examination.

  3. Performing a given number of years (usually four, but fewer in some states) of increasingly responsible engineering work at satisfactory professional levels.

  4. Passing the PE examination.

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Copyright (c)1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What exams are involved in the licensing process?

There are two eight-hour engineering examinations administered by your state. The first is known as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. It was formerly (and often still is) called the Engineer-in-Training or EIT exam. This exam is given in one day and is divided into two four-hour sections. The morning section covers general engineering topics. In the afternoon, you have the choice of taking one of six different exams: chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, or general.

The second eight-hour licensing exam is known as the Principles and Practice of Engineering, or PE, exam. This exam is on your major field of engineering (one of the 5 major areas mentioned above).

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Copyright (c)1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are the exams the same in every state?

Identical exams are given nationwide on the same dates. Both the FE and PE examinations are prepared by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). All states accept and use the NCEES-recommended minimum passing scores (although they are free to establish their own passing scores if they choose to do so.)

It is recommended that you check with your state board for specific exam information.

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Copyright (c)1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I get my license in one state, what happens if I move to a different state?

Although specific requirements vary by state, there has been reciprocity regarding PE licenses. You will typically be required to file an application and pay some fees, but you will probably not have to take the examination in the new state.

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To The Department of Professional Engineering


Copyright (c)1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.