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A Guide For Professional Engineers

Obtaining a professional engineer (PE) license is a significant milestone for many engineers, as it not only validates your expertise but also enhances your professional opportunities and earning capacity. The process varies by state, but the following guide provides a general overview of the steps involved in obtaining a PE license.

Do I need a Professional Engineer License?

A PE license signifies that an engineer has met specific educational, experience, and examination requirements. 

All states require that certain engineering tasks, such as those affecting public safety, be performed by a licensed engineer.  These tasks often include the authority to sign and seal engineering plans, bid for government contracts, own a firm, consult, and offer expert witness testimony.

States also prohibit unlicensed individuals from using certain titles, such as “professional engineer,” “consulting engineer” or “registered engineer.”

Licensure can significantly enhance career prospects. Many employers prefer or require PE licensure for advanced positions, especially those involving project management or leadership roles.  

Licensed professional engineers typically earn higher salaries than their non-licensed counterparts. The investment of time and resources in obtaining a license often pays off financially.

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Consequences of Practicing Without a License

Practicing engineering without a license can result in fines, penalties, and lawsuits. Unlicensed engineers may be held liable for any mistakes or failures in their work, leading to costly lawsuits or damage claims. 

Without a PE license, obtaining professional liability insurance may be difficult or impossible, leaving individuals exposed to significant financial risk.

If a project is found to involve unlicensed engineering work, it may be halted or delayed, resulting in financial losses.

Moreover, in many states, it is a misdemeanor to represent yourself as a licensed professional engineer without a PE license. It can also be illegal for unlicensed individuals to manage engineering projects or own a business that provides engineering services.  

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Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Professional Engineer License

Step 1: Educational Requirements

The first step toward obtaining a PE license is earning a four-year degree from an engineering program. Most states, and many employers, require that the engineering program be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

  1. Choose an Accredited Program: Ensure your undergraduate degree is from an ABET-accredited program. Fields can range from civil, mechanical, electrical, to more specialized areas like environmental or aerospace engineering.
  2. Complete Coursework & Obtain Degree: The curriculum should cover essential engineering principles, mathematics, physics, and relevant electives that align with your career goals.

Step 2: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE Exam)

Before becoming licensed, aspiring engineers must pass the FE exam, which tests knowledge of engineering principles and fundamentals.  It is designed for recent graduates and students. The FE exam is developed and scored by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Steps include:

  1. Review Exam Requirements: Check your state's licensing board for specific FE exam requirements.
  2. Prepare for the Exam: Utilize study materials such as textbooks, review courses, and practice exams.
  3. Schedule and Take the Exam: Set up an account and schedule your exam with the NCEES. The exam can be taken year-round at designated testing centers. Examinees can only take the FE exam once per quarter and three times in any 12-month period.

Passing the FE exam typically allows you to earn the title of Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI), which is a valuable credential as you progress toward licensure.

Step 3: Gain Work Experience

After obtaining your degree, the next step is to gain relevant work experience. Most states require a minimum of four years of work under the supervision of a licensed engineer.

  1. Work Under a Licensed Engineer: Most states require at least four years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed PE. This practical experience is crucial for understanding the application of engineering principles in real-world scenarios.
  2. Document Your Experience: Maintain a detailed log of your work activities, including the types of projects you’ve worked on, your roles, and skills developed. This documentation will be vital when applying for licensure.

Step 4: Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam (PE Exam)

Once you have accumulated the required work experience (typically four years), you can take the PE exam.

  1. Choose Your Discipline: Select a PE exam that aligns with your engineering specialty. The PE exam is currently offered in 27 disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and others.
  2. Prepare for the Exam: Similar to the FE exam, preparation is crucial. Use study guides, courses, and practice exams specific to your chosen discipline.
  3. Schedule and Take the Exam: Schedule your exam in your NCEES account. Some PE specialty examinations are offered only once or twice a year, while others are offered throughout the year.  The PE exams are longer than the FE exam. They typically consist of a morning and an afternoon section.

Step 5: Submit Your License Application

After passing the PE exam, you can apply for licensure through your state’s engineering licensing board.

  1. Complete the Application: Gather all required documentation, including proof of education, work experience, and exam results.
  2. Pay the Fees: Application fees vary by state, so check with your licensing board for the exact amount.
  3. Prepare for an Interview (if required): Some states may require an interview as part of the application process. Be prepared to discuss your experience and professional ethics.

Step 6: Maintain Your License

Once you obtain your PE license, it’s important to maintain it.

  1. Continuing Education: Most states require licensed engineers to complete continuing education courses periodically. This ensures that you stay current with industry standards and practices.
  2. Renew Your License: Keep track of renewal dates and ensure that you meet all requirements to maintain your license.

Reciprocity

Many states and countries offer reciprocity for PE licenses, allowing licensed engineers to obtain licensure in another jurisdiction without having to go through the entire process again. 

Even with reciprocity, engineers usually need to apply for a license in the new state and may need to provide documentation of their credentials, work experience, and examination results. 

Reciprocity rules and requirements can vary significantly from state to state, so it's important to check the specific regulations of the state where you intend to practice.

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How 3HCG Helps Engineers Stay Compliant

Obtaining an engineering license is a rigorous but rewarding process. As you navigate this journey, it’s wise to have a professional in your corner to keep your approach compliant.
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How to Start an Engineering Firm

If you are planning to operate as an engineering firm, first, you will need to set up your business.  

  1. Business Structure: You will need to decide on your business structure (i.e. corporation, LLC, partnership or sole proprietorship).  It is important to check your state’s rules regarding engineering firm structures.  Some states also require that engineering firms be formed or incorporated as professional corporations or professional LLCs, but others prohibit it.  
  2. Business Name: You will also need to determine your business’ legal name. Many states have rules regarding the name of engineering firms.  For example, some states require that the word “engineering” appear in the legal name of the engineering business.
  3. Business Ownership and Management: Many states require that owners and/or managers are licensed engineers.  It is important to verify that your business will meet any such requirements.
  4. Secretary of State: You will then need to incorporate or form the business and register it with the Secretary of State. 

After you have created your business, you will need to obtain any necessary licenses.  It is essential to research the specific requirements for your state.  Most states require that engineering firms obtain a license, often called a Certificate of Authorization, but some states have a different process and requirements.  Also, some states require that the engineering firm register any branch offices.

Engineering License Requirements by State

State Engineering License Information
Alabama Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Alaska Alaska State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors
Arizona Arizona State Board of Technical Registration
Arkansas Arkansas Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors
California California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Colorado Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions and Occupations
Connecticut Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Delaware Delaware Board of Professional Engineers
Florida Florida Board of Professional Engineers
Georgia Georgia Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Board
Hawaii Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs - Professional Engineers
Idaho Idaho Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
Illinois Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Indiana Indiana Professional Licensing Agency - Board of Registration for Professional Engineers
Iowa Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board
Kansas Kansas State Board of Technical Professions
Kentucky Kentucky Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Louisiana Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board
Maine Maine Professional Engineers Board
Maryland Maryland Board for Professional Engineers
Massachusetts Massachusetts Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
Michigan Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - Professional Engineers
Minnesota Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design
Mississippi Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors
Missouri Missouri Division of Professional Registration - Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects
Montana Montana Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
Nebraska Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects
Nevada Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
New Hampshire New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification - Board of Professional Engineers
New Jersey New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
New Mexico New Mexico Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors
New York New York State Education Department - Professional Engineering
North Carolina North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors
North Dakota North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Ohio Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors
Oklahoma Oklahoma State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Oregon Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering & Land Surveying
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Rhode Island Rhode Island State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers
South Carolina South Carolina Board of Professional Engineers and Surveyors
South Dakota South Dakota Board of Technical Professions
Tennessee Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners
Texas Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Utah Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - Engineers
Vermont Vermont Secretary of State - Board of Professional Engineering
Virginia Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Washington Washington State Department of Licensing - Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
West Virginia West Virginia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers
Wisconsin Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Professional Engineers
Wyoming Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors

 

All-In-One Compliance Expertise

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Our comprehensive approach allows businesses to save substantial amounts of money by streamlining their operations and optimizing how they structure their business and go to market.

3HCG offers a unique combination of services, including business filings, consulting, software solutions, and outsourced license management—all in one place. Engineers and Engineering firms benefit from our:

  • Streamlined legal compliance services
  • Creative Compliance Hub software platform for an automated reporting and licensing tracking
  • Digital entity management solutions
  • Registration footprint management

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