How to Get a PE License

Posted on 27 January 2020

​A strong background of either prior work experience or education from an accredited university is always a plus in the commercial construction industry. However, a mixture of both makes you out to be the perfect employee.

Even after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another related field, there are ways to further your education and stand out on your resume. An excellent method to do this is to obtain your PE license.

How to Get a PE License:

-Graduate from an accredited university with a degree related to engineering. (Some states require you to obtain a degree before receiving a PE license; however, other states allow you to take the test without a degree, but you must have prior work experience in engineering to compensate for the lack of a degree).

-Prepare for and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, followed by completing four years of experience working under a Project Engineer.

-Prepare for and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

Although it appears to be a lengthy process, obtaining your PE license opens the door for a plethora of opportunities. As a licensed PE, according to the National Society of Professional Engineers, you can further your career because you are certified to approve and sign off drawings to be submitted to public authorities and so forth. If you plan to work for the government, it is becoming a requirement to be a licensed PE for particular positions.

In some states, it is already a requirement to be a licensed PE in order to lead a group of Project Engineers. As a lead PE, you would be directing a group of entry-level project engineers looking to grow in their careers. It is your duty to mentor and to teach them; therefore, it is essential to reach the highest education obtainable.

It may be required for all Project Engineers to be licensed shortly, so why not start now?

Here are a few links to get you started:

https://ncees.org/engineering/pe/

https://ncees.org/engineering/pe/mechanical/

https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/exam_schedule.shtml

https://ncees.org/exams/exam-preparation-materials/

Source(s):

https://www.nspe.org/resources/licensure/what-pe

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