Frequently Asked Questions About US Professional Engineering Registration
SPE offers a review course and other training designed to assist engineers in preparing for or maintaining their registration. Because of the interest in registration, SPE has compiled the following information which responds to the questions asked most frequently about US Professional Engineering registration. The registration and examination process is handled by individual state board’s of registration and the National Council of Examiners of Engineers and Surveyors.
What are the Minimum Requirements for Registration?
- Meet the requirements of the state Board of registration for the state in which you are seeking registration
- Fill out application forms from state board which require information on applicant's professional experience and education.
- Have professional references who are familiar with the applicant’s work. Usually 2-3 of the references must be registered professional engineers.
- Have an ABET1 accredited B.S. degree in engineering or equivalent approved by the state board
- Generally required to have a minimum of 4 years of industry experience
- Have taken and passed the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam or have sufficient experience that permits the state board to exempt the applicant from taking the exam
- Have taken and passed the professional engineering exam
- Registration by comity (recognition by one State of registration granted by another State)
1 Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. SPE is a member society of ABET.
How Can I Prepare for Getting Registered?
- P.E./F.E. Exam Prep courses (SPE's
course
is one option) - PE Practice Test book (available from SPE bookstore
)
When is the Exam Offered?
The Professional Engineering exam is typically offered one time per year in October. The deadline for test registration is typically in June or July.
Why Should I Get Licensed/What are the Benefits?
- Sometimes a requirement by law
- Serves as a protection of public health, safety and welfare
- Demonstrate competence in your profession
- Demonstrates commitment to the profession
- Allows engineer to offer engineering services directly to the public
- Confirms engineers credentials to serve as an expert witness
- Sometimes a requirement for advancement
