Becoming a licensed professional engineer is a great accomplishment. Many doors open and many opportunities become available for engineers that are able to obtain a P.E. license. There are a number of steps that are involved in the process for obtaining a P.E. license, which include passing two major exams. The entire process can take a number of years to complete. However, the benefits from completing this process are invaluable to an engineer’s career.
STEP 1: Education
The first step in the journey to obtaining a P.E. license is to enroll in a licensure qualifying EAC/ABET accredited baccalaureate program in engineering. By enrolling in an accredited engineering program, one can learn the basics for becoming an engineer. As an alternative, there are many additional paths to licensure through a combination of education and experience these alternatives are summarized in our education table (attached)
STEP 2: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
The next step is to successfully complete the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination. Eligibility to sit for this exam is dependent upon your educational program. For those enrolled in a licensure qualifying program (EAC/ABET engineering program) you are eligible to sit for the exam in your last semester of your senior year. Alternative programs require graduation and possibly experience. When one is eligible and feels comfortable enough with the test material, they should register to take the FE examination and pass the test. To help with taking the exam, a number of universities and organizations offer review courses and test preparation materials. In New YorkState – “Intern Engineer” certificates are only issued to individuals who have completed a licensure qualifying program and successfully completed the FE exam.
STEP 3: Licensure as Professional Engineer P.E. – Experience Requirement
All US jurisdictions require that a P.E. candidate must complete at least three or more years (depending upon your education and jurisdictional requirements) of qualifying engineering experience, which is typically under the supervision of a professional engineer. After spending some time in the industry and acquiring some real engineering experience, one should consider studying and preparing for the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam (PE). In New York you must consult the New York State Education Department – Office of the Profession’s website for the NYS specific experience requirements.
STEP 4: Licensure as Professional Engineer P.E. – Principles and Practice exam (PE)
In this final step for obtaining a P.E. license, you must apply to the jurisdiction where you would like to become licensed for eligibility to sit for the NCEES PE exam. Numerous exam review resources are available to candidates throughout the country. Many universities will offer extensive exam review courses for a fee, and practice exam books can be purchased online. When this young engineer feels prepared, they should register to take the PE exam and pass this final test in order to claim the honorable title of P.E., Professional Engineer, and become a license P.E..
Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.
References:
http://www.nspe.org/Licensure/HowtoGetLicensed/index.html
Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.
Tim says
I am inquiring about starting my journey in obtaining a PE license. I have never graduated from an engineering college however for the past 27 yr years I have worked for to engineering firms in Manhattan. Would those years if substantiated via documentation be a viable substitute for the education portion.
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Anthony Fasano says
Hi Joe, you should check with the State Board, here is some info from NY:
http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/pels/pelic.htm
Anthony Fasano says
Hi Ferhat you should check with the State Board: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/pels/pelic.htm
Marc says
“As an alternative, there are many additional paths to licensure through a combination of education and experience these alternatives are summarized in our education table (attached)”
Where is this table?
K. M. Riadul Islam says
I completed my graduate (4 Years) in Civil and Environmental Engineering from a Bangladeshi university. I have more than 7 yrs construction experience in real estate and industry sector.Recently, I am also a American immigrant. How can I enter job sector in New York ? Is it required to set in FE and PE exams ?
Jam says
I have M.S. in electrical engineer (power) from overseas and I have more than 8 years related working experience from overseas. I immigrated to US last year and I have one year experience here is US. How and When can I apply for PE? Thanks
aken says
hello i have been trying to find a job in mechanical engineering. I currently have my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and it has been impossible to find anything in my field can you please be of some help
Mahmoud Hamdy says
I am inquiring about obtaining a PE license. I am a fresh graduate and obtained my degree in electromechanical engineering from Alexandria University in Egypt so what are the steps exactly to get the license and be able to work in us?
Thanks in advance.