If you’re on the path to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), you’ll need to pass the PE exam. This engineering examination is offered in 27 different discipline formats, ranging from Agricultural and Biological to Petroleum. This exam is for those who have met certain education and work requirements.
But what are these conditions, exactly?
I’ve outlined each of the PE exam requirements, including the engineering education and work experience requirements needed.
Key Takeaways
- Education: To qualify for the PE exam, candidates need a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program.
- Work Experience: You must have at least four (sometimes six) years of progressive engineering work experience under the supervision of a licensed PE.
- FE Requirement: Aspiring PEs must first pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to obtain the Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate, followed by the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in their specific discipline.
- Character Requirement: Candidates must demonstrate good moral character and comply with state laws.
Educational Requirements
Candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program to be eligible for the PE exam. This ensures that your education meets the rigorous standards set by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
It’s important to note that while there are some general requirements for the PE exam, specific state requirements do exist. Consulting your state board is the best route for state-specific exam questions.
In Florida, you must have one of the following requirements:
- Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an EAC/ABET-accredited program;
- Bachelor of Science degree in engineering technology from an ETAC/ABET-accredited program or
- Foreign degree or degree from a non-EAC/ABET- or non-ETAC/ABET-accredited program that has been evaluated for equivalency
You must meet other requirements if you do not possess a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or engineering technology. This involves providing proof of having an advanced degree in engineering. Then you’ll need to obtain an evaluation to demonstrate that your degree is equivalent to the EAC/ABET degree requirements.
Experience Requirements
The experience requirements are as follows:
- Four years if you have a B.S. in engineering
- Six years if you have a B.S. in engineering technology
Candidates must accumulate four to six years of progressive engineering experience. This experience should demonstrate increasing responsibility and complexity in engineering tasks. It is crucial that this work be in the practice of engineering and under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer.
FE Examination Requirements
The first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is passing the FE exam. This exam tests candidates’ understanding of fundamental engineering principles.
FE Exam
- Engineer in Training (EIT) Certificate: Successfully passing the FE exam earns you the EIT certificate, which is a critical milestone on your path to becoming a PE.
- Exam Content: The FE exam covers a broad range of topics, including mathematics, engineering sciences, and discipline-specific subjects. It is offered in several disciplines, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering.
EIT Certificate
- Prerequisite for the PE Exam: The EIT certificate is a prerequisite for taking the PE exam. It signifies that you have a solid foundation in engineering principles and are ready for more advanced professional responsibilities.
- Validity: The EIT certification does not expire, allowing you flexibility in planning when to take the PE exam based on your career progression and readiness.
Ethical and Legal Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate good moral character. This is often assessed through background checks and ethical evaluations. This ensures that licensed engineers uphold the integrity and trust required in the profession. Here are some additional details:
- Background Checks: Many states require candidates to undergo background checks to ensure there are no legal issues that could affect their ability to practice engineering responsibly.
- Ethical Evaluations: Candidates might need to provide references or undergo interviews that assess their ethical standards and professional conduct.
- Ongoing Requirements: Engineers must adhere to a code of ethics once licensed. This often means completing continuing education to stay current with industry standards and practices.
Professional Engineer Exam
Once you meet all of these requirements, you can sit for the PE exam. The PE exam assesses the candidate’s engineering knowledge and competency in their specific discipline. Successful completion of this exam is essential for obtaining a professional engineering license.
Exam Structure and Format
- Discipline-Specific: The PE exam is tailored to your specific engineering discipline, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering. Each discipline has its own exam with questions relevant to that field.
- Duration: The exam typically lasts 8 hours, divided into two 4-hour sessions. This includes a morning session and an afternoon session, with a break in between.
- Question Types: The PE exam consists of multiple-choice questions and, in some cases, alternative item types (AITs) such as fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and point-and-click questions.
After the PE Exam Requirements
After passing the PE exam, candidates must submit the required forms, including detailed experience records and proof of education, along with the registration fees specified by the state board. The licensing board then reviews applications to ensure all licensure requirements are met, including verifying education, experience, and ethical standards. Maintaining an NCEES record can simplify the application process across different states, as it contains verified education and experience details. Additionally, licensed professional engineers must engage in continuing education to maintain their licenses, with state laws specifying the required number of hours and types of courses.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) requires meeting specific educational and experience requirements, passing the FE and PE exams, and maintaining ethical standards. Candidates must complete an accredited engineering degree, gain four to six years of progressive work experience, and pass the FE exam to earn the EIT certificate before sitting for the PE exam. The PE exam, tailored to various engineering disciplines, assesses advanced knowledge and competency. Once licensed, engineers must adhere to ongoing ethical and continuing education requirements to uphold professional standards and retain their licensure.
FAQ
To obtain the same professional engineering license, candidates must complete an accredited engineering degree, gain four to six years of work experience, pass the FE and PE exams, and demonstrate good moral character through ethical evaluations.
Four to six years of progressive engineering experience. The exact number depends on your degree and state board rules.
Yes, passing the FE exam is a prerequisite for the PE exam. This is for those focused on civil engineering or any of the 27 PE disciplines.
Yes, but you may need additional coursework or a supplementary graduate degree.
Yes, a licensed PE must complete continuing education as specified by state laws regarding engineering work to keep their professional engineer license.
