Navigating the Professional Engineer Exam Approval

As you embark on your engineering career, understanding the path to becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE) is crucial. In the past, SWE’s Early Career Professionals Affinity Group organized different events to help early career professionals understand how to get started with three major phases: education, examination(s), and experience. Now that you have successfully scaled through the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE), whether through the exam or waiver, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) currently offers the PE exam in 27 disciplines. One key aspect of this journey is knowing whether you need approval before taking the PE exam in your state. Let us break this down and explore why it matters for your career.

Understanding the PE Approval Map

Data Source: NCEES (https://ncees.org/exams/pe-exam/)¹

• Blue states: No pre-approval is required.
• Orange states: Approval is required before taking the PE exam.

Our maps provide a quick visual guide to PE exam approval requirements across the United States and globally. The maps generated in Excel provide a clear visual representation of which states require PE approval for specific engineering tasks. States are color-coded to indicate their PE requirements. While the maps offer a helpful overview, remember that requirements can change, and nuances may exist within each state’s regulations.

¹Idaho has restrictions with residency requirements, while Illinois has other requirements attached.

Why PE Licensure Matters

Before diving into the approval process, let’s understand why pursuing PE licensure is valuable:

1. Career Advancement: Many senior engineering positions require PE licensure.
2. Higher Earning Potential: Licensed PEs often command higher salaries.
3. Legal Recognition: PEs can sign and seal engineering documents, taking on higher levels of responsibility.
4. Competitive Edge: In a crowded job market, PE licensure sets you apart.
5. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Want to start your firm? PE licensure is often necessary.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking PE Approval Requirements

1. Locate Your State:
   • Find your state on the map above
2. Visit Official Sources:
   • Go to your state’s engineering licensing board website.
   • Search for “[Your State] Board of Professional Engineers” or visit https://ncees.org/ for links.
3. Navigate to Exam Information:
   • Look for sections like “Licensing Requirements,” “PE/Professional Engineer Examination,” or “How to Apply.”
4. Review Eligibility Criteria:
   • Check education requirements (typically a bachelor’s degree in engineering).
   • Verify experience requirements (usually four years of progressive engineering experience).
   • Have passed the FE exam in the state of interest (unless waived).
   • Note any state-specific prerequisites.
5. Understand the Approval Process (for orange states):
   • Find application forms and deadlines.
   • Gather necessary documents (transcripts, experience verifications, references, etc.).
   • Budget for application fees.
6. Plan Your Timeline: 
   • If approval is required, factor in processing time (can be several months).
   • Note exam dates and registration deadlines.
7. Seek Clarification:
   • If anything is unclear, contact your state board directly.
   • Consider reaching out to licensed PEs in your network for advice.

Tips for Success

• Start Early: Begin planning for your PE exam as soon as you start your engineering career.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your work experience.
• Network: Connect with PEs who can serve as mentors.
• References: A PE must corroborate your years of experience. If you are leaving a job, make sure you have the PE’s permission to still be used as a reference and have them corroborate sooner rather than later.
• Stay Informed: Requirements can change; check for updates regularly.
• Prepare Thoroughly: Whether you need pre-approval or not, exam preparation is crucial.

How This Knowledge Impacts Your Career

Understanding PE approval requirements helps you:

1. Set Clear Goals: Map out your career progression with licensure in mind.
2. Make Informed Job Decisions: Consider how different states’ requirements might affect your career mobility.
3. Demonstrate Initiative: Employers value engineers who are proactive about professional development.
4. Avoid Setbacks: Prevent delays in your licensure journey by planning ahead.
5. Maximize Opportunities: Position yourself to take on higher-level responsibilities and projects.

Key Takeaways

1. State-by-State Variation: Requirements vary significantly across the country. For example, Missouri (blue) does not require pre-approval, while its neighbor Kansas (orange) does.
2. Always Verify: This map provides a quick reference as of July 2024 for civil/construction engineers, but requirements can change. Always check with your state’s licensing board for the most up-to-date information.
3. Plan Ahead: If you are in an orange state, factor in additional time for the approval process when planning your PE exam journey.

Action Steps

1. Locate your state on the map.
2. Regardless of color, visit your state’s engineering licensing board website.
3. Look for sections titled “PE Exam Requirements” or “Licensing Process.”
4. If approval is required, start the process early to avoid delays.

Conclusion

For those of us who require the PE license, navigating PE licensure is a significant step in your engineering career. By understanding the approval requirements in your state and planning accordingly, you are setting yourself up for long-term success. Remember, becoming a PE is not just about passing an exam — it is about committing to the highest standards of the engineering profession. Stay curious and committed, and here’s wishing you great success on your path to becoming a licensed professional engineer!