“[Engineering] licensure is crucial for career advancement and top pay.”
–U.S.News & World Report
Only a P.E. can practice engineering. This includes:
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Owning a firm
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Consulting
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Signing/sealing a design
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Bidding for public money
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Advertising your services
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Calling yourself a professional engineer
Benefits
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It opens career doors.
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In a stack of resumes, yours stands out.
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You belong to a licensed profession.
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You serve the public–not just your employer.
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You typically earn more than peers without a P.E.
A professional engineer
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Has the education, experience, and technical knowledge to lead
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Has an obligation to safeguard the public
License vs. Certifications
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Only a P.E. license is regulated by the state, ensuring competency and ethical behavior
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Certifications are granted with no regulatory oversite
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Anyone can apply, including non-engineers
Process to obtain a P.E. license
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Engineering degree from an EAC/ABET accredited program
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Pass the FE exam in your senior year of college (or shortly after graduation)
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Work under a P.E. for four years or have a P.E. attest to your work
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Keep track of all experience in a supplemental experience record
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Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam
Obtaining a P.E. is tough––for a reason. The FE exam is generally easier to pass than the PE exam.