Licensure
Obtaining a license from NCEES:
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Step
1:
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Graduation
The first step is
graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program at a college or
university. ABET stands for Accreditation
Board for Engineering and Technology, the nationally recognized
accrediting organization for engineering and technology curricula.
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Step
2:
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FE Exam
The first exam in the licensure process is the Fundamentals
of Engineering (FE). This exam is offered in April and October every
year. Most students take the exam right before graduation or soon after while
the technical information they've studied is still fresh in their minds. Once
you pass the exam, you are classified as an intern, also known as Engineering
Intern (EI) or Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
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Step
3:
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Work Experience
After passing the FE exam, you will continue your journey toward professional
licensure by gaining engineering experience. Many jurisdictions have specific
requirements about the type of experience you need to gain. Most require that
you gain experience under the supervision of someone who is already licensed,
and that your experience involve increasing levels of responsibility. Once
you begin work, contact your licensing board
to find out what experience is needed and talk with professional engineers in
your company to find out how you can gain this experience.
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Step
4:
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PE
Exam
Once you have gained the appropriate experience required,
you can take the second exam in the licensure process, the Principles and
Practice of Engineering (PE). This exam is given in a variety of
engineering disciplines. Most disciplines are offered in both April and
October, but some are offered only in October.
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Keep in mind there are different types of licenses. Some licenses are broad while others qualify
you for very specific skills. Nobody can
decide for you whether or not its worth it to become licensed or not. Here are some things that apply to almost any
type of license:
Pros:
-Some jobs require licensure, therefore it opens up opportunities.
-You may be solicited for a job because you are licensed.
-Licensure represents a level of competence to those outside
of your field.
-You may be invited to professional conferences, events and
training sessions.
-Multiple licenses may impress future employers.
-You are required by law in some areas to have a license in
order to practice engineering.
Cons:
-Different states or organizations may require to re-register your license.
-Fees.
-You may be solicited for a job, conference, training session
or other event u may have little or no interest
-You may be required to spend a good chuck of time filling
out paper work and taking tests for a license in some fields. If you dont ever use your license, it may be
a waste.
Other things to keep in mind:
-480L is a requirement for your universities ABET-accredited
engineering program. The first step of
become a professional is obtaining a degree from such a university.
-Faculty and staff push the FE, because it is easier to take
directly out of college. This is a time
sensitive opportunity.
Some situations in which it may be a good idea to become or
already be a licensed engineer from NCEES:
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You
change places of employment.
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Your
company is forced to make layoffs, and you receive a notice.
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Your
company reorganizes or merges with another company.
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Your
company decides to bring design and engineering services in-house.
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You
decide to "switch gears" after working in a particular area of
engineering for several years.
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You
decide to start your own company.
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You
decide to be a consultant.
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Although it is always possible to take you PE after you run
into this situation, some exams are only offered once a year while other are
offered twice a year. Fortunately for
you Electrical and Computer engineering is held both times.
The most important thing to remember is that licensure may
very likely open up time sensitive opportunities for you.
