What is a PE License and Why Do I Want It?

In the United States, engineering is one of the professions that is regulated by the government. Just like a medical doctor or  a lawyer, an engineer can’t practice engineering until licensed by the government. Practicing engineering means offering engineering services to projects that are to be used by the public. A bridge is used by the public and their lives and welfare depend on it, therefore, it must be designed and built by licensed professional engineers.

PE is short handed for Professional Engineer. A PE title is earned not given or bought.  A PE license demonstrates the highest level of competency in an engineering field. Works of  a PE are held at the highest professional standards. Professional engineers are made to take responsibility for their works and this brings public confidence to a project.

The license is earned through engineering education, work experience and two nine-hour exams on a specified engineering discipline. In total, it takes 8-9 years at a minimum to earn a PE license. A typical path to a PE license takes the following course:

1. A 4-year engineering degree from an ABET accredited school;
2. Successfully passing the fundamental of engineering exam and a E.I.T. certificate;
3. Minimum 4 years of engineering work experience satisfactory to a state board; and finally
4. Successfully passing the principles of engineering exam.

Upon completing these four steps, one can apply to a state regulatory board for a PE license. I’m currently sitting on step 4.

Preparation for the PE exam includes hours of study everyday for several months. I’ve taken and passed many exam in my life but what I anticipate now is uniquely different. The PE exam is a 9-hour test taken on a single day. Keeping calm and energy level steady throughout the exam are as important as knowing the exam materials. There’s no second attempt on the same exam, all of it has to be done at once. Sounds difficult but people have done it before and I too can.

I started preparing for this exam in February this year after the Pennsylvania Board approved my work experience, and I plan to take the test when I think I’m ready. Given that I have other family matters that require my attention and time too, I may be ready for the exam by the end of this year or next year.

Now, why do I want to be a professional engineer?

A professional engineering license is the holy grail for engineers. It’s the Iron Throne for an engineer for which it’s worth going through all four steps above. It affords an engineer many benefits. Chief among them is, of course, personal pride and satisfaction. A PE license officially gives someone the authority to use “Engineer” after or before their name. The title “Engineer” is regulated in the US, meaning you can’t officially call yourself an engineer without having a PE license.

It appears that this article has already become too long to tire its readers. I’ll put together many great benefits of becoming a licensed professional engineer in a separate article in the coming days.

Update: Posted- Great benefits of a PE License