How to Become a Professional Engineer in the US

I recently passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering (PE) exam, and with that I have met all the requirements to be licensed as a professional engineer, and my license has also been issued by Pennsylvania state. I wanted to write this article and lay out the process that I went through while my memory is still fresh with a hope that this will help future engineers to plan and eventually earn a PE.

Step one- An Engineering degree

The first thing that everyone needs is a bachelor’s degree in engineering. The engineering degree has to be from a program accredited by ABET. While enrolled in an engineering program, it’ll help if one decides whether to pursue engineering licensure after graduation.

Time required- Approximately 4 years.

Step two- Take Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam and Obtain EIT certificate

If you have decided to pursue PE license, prepare and take the FE exam immediately after graduation. The more you wait the more things you forget and harder the test becomes. A big advantage of taking the exam right after graduation is that no extra preparation is needed. It’s important that upon passing the FE test an Engineer-In-Training certificate is obtained. Even if you do not plan to be a PE one day, I recommend still take the FE. Doing so will still provide many benefits.

Time required- No additional time.

Step three- Get Work Experience

It seems obvious that people will try to get a job after graduation, but just any job won’t work. You have to get a job that will make you do engineering works like designing or performing calculations to set up a chemical process, environmental emissions calculations, or other similar job duties engineering in nature. You must perform the job under the direct supervision of a Professional Engineer. Job duties should progressively get complicated near the year four. Keep written records of the work performed because you’ll need it to show the experience to the board.

Time required – Minimum 4 years.

Step four- Prepare and Submit Amplified Records

Put together all your engineering work experiences in the last four years on a form, i.e. amplified record form, which should be available from the engineering licensing board from the state. Often submitting the Amplified Records will be a part of the engineering licensing application package. You’ll also need at least five references and at least four of them must be professional engineers themselves. Contact your board for state specific application requirements. If the board approves your application, you can sit for the PE exam.

Time required- a few months including application approval.

Step Five & Final Step- Take and Pass the PE Exam

If you’re approved by the board in your state, you can schedule the PE exam with NCEES. With enough preparation, you’ll pass the exam and with that you’ll have completed all the requirements to become a professional engineer.

Time required- Depending on the preparation and availability of the exam. Typically, 6 months.

Total time required to become a PE in the US is more than 8 years. Mine took 10 years.

Once you pass the PE exam and the board issues the license certificate, you’re officially a licensed professional engineer. Congratulations!