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Professional Licensure
One of the most important decisions a young engineer can make
to his/her career is to become licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE). PE
Licensure is also important to the public. Because of the significant role
engineering plays in society, the profession regulates itself by setting high
standards for Professional Engineers.
Benefits of Becoming a PE
- Job Opportunities - Employers want engineers who show a commitment
to the future by becoming licensed.
- Promotions - Many employers in industry and government require
licensure for advancement to senior engineering positions.
- Consulting - Only PE's can consult in private practice and serve as
expert witnesses in court.
- Respect - PE's gain the respect of peers within the engineering
community, where the desire to excel runs high.
- Ensuring the future - As laws change and international agreements
concerning the requirements to be licensed are adopted, a PE license may be
more of a necessity.
Steps to Licensure
1. Graduation from a four-year engineering program accredited by ABET.
2. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination. The FE exam is
administered each year in April and October. Eligible college students generally take the
test prior to graduation. Applications may be obtained from the
Florida
Board of Professional Engineers.
3. Completion of four years of acceptable engineering experience. After
passing the FE, the candidate is qualified for certification as an Engineering
Intern (EI). As an El, four years of progressive engineering experience, which
is acceptable and verifiable, must be completed. Some boards require that Els
work under the supervision of licensed Professional Engineers.
4. Passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination.
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination
A student who wants to become a Professional Engineer (PE) should, for a
first step, take the FE examination in the senior year. This examination is
given each April and October with exact dates announced each year. An
application for this examination must be filed at least 90 days prior to the
examination date. Applications can be obtained from the
Florida
Board of Professional Engineers.
Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Examination
Engineering licensure is regulated by jurisdictional
licensure boards in each state and US territory. These independent licensing
boards comprise the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
(NCEES).
Further Information
The Fundamentals of Engineering examination covers questions
and problems on subjects normally included within an engineering education
program. Several sources of further information are:
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The Florida Board of Professional Engineers provides a
"Candidate
Information Booklet" on the Principles and Practice Examination and the
Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. Obtain a copy of this publication
from the web or call (850) 521-0500.
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The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and
Surveying (NCEES) offers study guides and sample examinations for the
Fundamentals of Engineering and the Principles and Practice of Engineering
examinations. These study guides relate to the examinations prepared by
the NCEES and administered by state and territorial boards of licensure.
For more information, contact National Council of Examiners for Engineering and
Surveying, P.O. Box 1686, Clemson, South Carolina 29633-1686; (864) 654-6824;
(864) 654-6033 (fax); (800) 250-3196;
http://www.ncees.org/.
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National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) offers
interactive, satellite-delivered refresher courses for the Fundamentals of
Engineering exam through the National Technological University (NTU), as well as
self-study review courses in for engineering licensure examinations. For
more information, contact National Society of Professional Engineers, Member
Services, 1420 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2794; (703) 684-4811;
customer.service@nspe.org
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Professional Publications, Inc., also offers preparation
materials for the P.E. exam. For more information, call (650) 593-9119 or (800)
426-1178, or visit their website.
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Test Prep Depot provides professional license preparation
review materials, call (800) 452-4388 or email at
info@testprepdepot.com or visit
their website.
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