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Licensure

Licensure

Obtaining a license from NCEES:

 

Step 1:

 

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.

Step 2:

 

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).

Step 3:

 

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.

Step 4:

 

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.

 

 

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 it’s 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 don’t 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:

•

You change places of employment.

•

Your company is forced to make layoffs, and you receive a notice.

•

Your company reorganizes or merges with another company.

•

Your company decides to bring design and engineering services in-house.

•

You decide to "switch gears" after working in a particular area of engineering for several years.

•

You decide to start your own company.

•

You decide to be a consultant.

 

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.