Skip to main content
6 answers
6
Asked 527 views

how to become registered engineer?

i love engineering

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

6

5 answers


0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Priscilla!

How to Become a Registered Engineer

Becoming a registered engineer, often referred to as a Professional Engineer (PE), involves several steps that require education, experience, and examination. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Obtain a Relevant Degree

The first step towards becoming a registered engineer is to earn a degree in engineering from an accredited program. In the United States, this typically means obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Common engineering disciplines include mechanical, civil, electrical, and chemical engineering.

2. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

After completing your degree, the next step is to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This exam tests your knowledge of basic engineering principles and practices. It is typically taken shortly after graduation while the material is still fresh in your mind. The FE exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and can be taken at various locations across the country.

3. Gain Relevant Work Experience

Once you pass the FE exam, you must gain practical work experience under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer. Most states require at least four years of work experience before you can apply for licensure. This experience should be relevant to your field of engineering and provide opportunities to develop your skills further.

4. Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam

After accumulating sufficient work experience, you can apply to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in your specific discipline. This exam assesses your ability to practice competently in your chosen field of engineering. Like the FE exam, it is also administered by NCEES and consists of multiple-choice questions that cover advanced engineering topics.

5. Apply for Licensure

Upon passing the PE exam, you can apply for licensure through your state’s licensing board. Each state has its own requirements regarding documentation and fees associated with licensure applications. You will need to provide proof of your education, work experience, and examination results.

6. Maintain Your License

Once you become a licensed Professional Engineer, it’s important to maintain your license through continuing education requirements set by your state board. This may involve taking additional courses or attending workshops periodically to stay updated on industry standards and practices.

Conclusion

In summary, becoming a registered engineer requires dedication to education and professional development through exams and practical experience. Following these steps will guide you toward achieving licensure as a Professional Engineer.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

1. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
This organization oversees the administration of engineering licensing examinations such as the FE and PE exams across various states in the U.S., providing essential information about requirements for becoming licensed engineers.

2. Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
ABET accredits college programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology; ensuring that educational programs meet quality standards necessary for students’ success in their careers.

3. State Licensing Boards
Each U.S. state has its own licensing board that regulates professional engineers within that state; they provide specific guidelines on educational requirements, work experience needed for licensure, application processes, and continuing education mandates.

Probability that this answer is correct: 95%

✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Elizabeth’s Answer

Hi Priscilla!
Depending on what type of engineering you are looking at going into, you may not need to pursue a PE license after college. It can be helpful for some types of engineering but is not a requirement to work as an engineer for many professions.

You would first want to complete a Bachelors degree in a field of engineering. Look into what specific type of engineering interests you and follow up on the curriculum for that field. If you have a very specific interest, you may need to follow up a Bachelors with a Masters or even a PhD to perform the type of work you are interested in! But for many engineers, that isn't a requirement or at least isn't right away in their career.

If you do find in your research that a PE license or additional accreditation is required to continue to progress in your field, you can go back to school or take training/classes to obtain that. I believe the PE test cannot be taken until 5 years after your Bachelors, but since I personally haven't taken the test, I'm not 100% certain on that! I've been able to take training to add to my skills without going back to college, and then recertify that training as required.

There are a lot of options for you, but again, I encourage you to determine what field of engineering you want to pursue and look up specifics for that type of engineering!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Dennis’s Answer

Hello Priscilla. Kudos to you for knowing what you like and what you want to do in your career. Getting an engineering degree is the first step forward. Getting a Professional Engineer's (P.E.) license is a great follow-on. Each state has it's own licensing agency and requirements to qualify as a P.E. As a new engineer, you can take a test and qualify as "Engineer-in-Training." In my state, the requirement was to have three years' experience before you could take the P.E. test. Along with the test that demonstrates your knowledge of engineering practice, you have to answer questions about your business ethics and public safety with respect to the work you do.
As stated in another reply, you do not absolutely need a P.E. license to be employed in most engineering endeavors. But, for most state or civil positions, such as highway engineering or public construction works, it is very desirable and/or necessary. There is an irony here: the engineer that designs the highway must be a P.E., but the engineer who designs the automobile that travels on it is not required to be registered.
Good luck in your pursit of an engineering career, Priscilla.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Reza’s Answer

Hi Priscilla,
Great question! All the engineering fields don't need to be a PE like computer engineering (software, hardware, IT, cybersecurity). However, it's required for others like civil. The first step after college is to take the FE exam and then apply for PE. To be certified as a PE, you must pass the PE exam and have 3 years of experience working with a PE.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Cory’s Answer

It’s a really good question to ask but not an easy one to answer.

With all the information above on process I am gonna add to the other stuff.

Being a PE requires time being trained by a licensed PE. In no way shape or form will a firm or company just give a young engineer full autonomy. Be prepared to have your decisions questioned and second guessed. This will happen whether your going for a PE or not. However the PE carries a bit extra cause of the public safety component as mentioned above designing vehicles versus highways. So when you go for your PE be sure you are ready for the responsibility to then train a young engineer later for your firm. As a PE this loop will be very likely but without a PE you may be able to avoid it. It goes along with the responsibility to uphold public safety not just in your designs but as a part of the system of design and construction around your designs.

Good luck.
0