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How to Get a Professional Engineering (P.E.) License

Home >> Articles >> Engineering Careers >> How to Get a Professional Engineering (P.E.) License

Professional Engineering LicenseIf you are an engineer who wishes to offer engineering services directly to the public then all US states require you to obtain a professional engineering license.  This ensures that the work you do as an engineering consultant is highly competent, complies with regulations, and is safe.  Your P.E. license increases the range of work which you can undertake, and also enhances your professional status in the eyes of the world.

Obtaining a professional engineering license

To earn a professional engineering license you need to have an approved degree, four years of practical engineering experience, and pass a range of engineering tests set by your state.

If you have earned your degree in the recent past, then you can take the engineering tests in two parts.

1. Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

The FE exam differs depending on whether you are a civil, environmental, chemical, electrical, industrial, mechanical, or general engineering consultant. 

The exam consists of 180 questions, and runs over two four hour sessions on the same day. In the morning session all candidates answer questions on the following topics

  • Mathematics
  • Engineering probability and statistics
  • Chemistry
  • Computers
  • Ethics and business practice
  • Engineering economics
  • Engineering mechanics
  • Strength of Materials
  • Material Properties
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Electricity and magnetism
  • Thermodynamics.

In the afternoon you will answer questions based on your chosen field of engineering.

2. Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam

In addition to those of the FE exam the PE exam is also offered in agricultural, architectural, structural, naval, and other engineering disciplines.

The exam format varies by discipline, but all candidates face a demanding set of engineering tests taken on one day.

 

Professional engineering license exam schedules

Both the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of exams are held in April and October each year.

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