Rachael is a 1st year PhD Student in Water Resources Engineering at the University of South Florida. She is the FY21 Communication Mentoring Coordinator (CMC). Rachael holds an active engineering license in the state of North Carolina.
As in many other professions, engineers may be required to have a license to practice. Regulation and requirements to become licensed in the engineering practice is different depending on your location. A licensed engineer in the US is given the Professional Engineer (PE) accreditation. This accreditation is required to submit designs or services that will be used by the public. Therefore, obtaining professional accreditation will be helpful if not required for individuals within the civil engineering discipline or any of civil engineering’s subdisciplines. Other disciplines such as electrical, chemical, and nuclear engineers may also have requirements depending upon location and career path.
Licensed engineers seal plans and reports, taking responsibility for information within the sealed document. An engineer is trusted to only seal information within their field and knowledge. For example, a structural engineer cannot sign a geotechnical report because it is outside of their field and knowledge. Professionals are also expected to abide by a code of ethics. In the US, the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) have a published code of ethics with a list of fundamental canons, rules of practice, and professional obligations.
Becoming licensed in the US is a typically a 4-step process. Once all steps are completed an individual can submit references and documentation to the state board for a license.
Again, the process is different depending on your location, and is constantly evolving with the profession. So, always look up your individual state or country requirements to confirm what is required. If you wish to pursue a license, I recommend getting any tests you can out of the way as early as you can, before studying and test taking skills get rusty after graduation. Senior year of undergrad is a great time to take the FE, and most states allow the PE test to be taken before four years of experience are obtained. If you are working in a profession where obtaining a PE license is required, ask your employer what assistance is offered. Will they cover all or part of the cost for the test and renewals? Will they allow a day off to take it, and/or time off to study? Taking the PE early can be nice but keep in mind the test you take will be within your field of work. So, make sure you have found your happy place before taking the day off, paying for, and sitting through an 8-hour PE exam.
As in many other professions, engineers may be required to have a license to practice. Regulation and requirements to become licensed in the engineering practice is different depending on your location. A licensed engineer in the US is given the Professional Engineer (PE) accreditation. This accreditation is required to submit designs or services that will be used by the public. Therefore, obtaining professional accreditation will be helpful if not required for individuals within the civil engineering discipline or any of civil engineering’s subdisciplines. Other disciplines such as electrical, chemical, and nuclear engineers may also have requirements depending upon location and career path.
Licensed engineers seal plans and reports, taking responsibility for information within the sealed document. An engineer is trusted to only seal information within their field and knowledge. For example, a structural engineer cannot sign a geotechnical report because it is outside of their field and knowledge. Professionals are also expected to abide by a code of ethics. In the US, the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) have a published code of ethics with a list of fundamental canons, rules of practice, and professional obligations.
Becoming licensed in the US is a typically a 4-step process. Once all steps are completed an individual can submit references and documentation to the state board for a license.
- Graduate from an ABET-accredited four-year engineering program.
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) written test. This test is a breath of basic engineering principals. Passing the test gives Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) credentials.
- Accumulate four years of engineering experience under a licensed engineer within your field.
- Pass the Principles and Practice in Engineering (PE) written test. This tests more specific knowledge within your engineering discipline.
Again, the process is different depending on your location, and is constantly evolving with the profession. So, always look up your individual state or country requirements to confirm what is required. If you wish to pursue a license, I recommend getting any tests you can out of the way as early as you can, before studying and test taking skills get rusty after graduation. Senior year of undergrad is a great time to take the FE, and most states allow the PE test to be taken before four years of experience are obtained. If you are working in a profession where obtaining a PE license is required, ask your employer what assistance is offered. Will they cover all or part of the cost for the test and renewals? Will they allow a day off to take it, and/or time off to study? Taking the PE early can be nice but keep in mind the test you take will be within your field of work. So, make sure you have found your happy place before taking the day off, paying for, and sitting through an 8-hour PE exam.
