Professional Engineering Exam

Become a Licensed Professional Engineer

As a licensed Professional Engineer, or PE, you can expect many more benefits when compared to other engineers; most employers offer higher salaries and greater opportunities for advancement to PE's. Only PE's can consult in private practice, and seal company documents to be sent to the government. PEs also have more credibility as expert witnesses in court than most engineers.

Steps in obtaining a PE license:

Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam.
Graduate with a bachelor's degree from an ABET accredited engineering curriculum.
Gain four years of engineering experience under the supervision of a registered professional engineer.
Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam.

During your senior year you should take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is required prior to sitting for the Professional Engineers (PE) Exam. Some requirements vary by state.

The National Council of Examiners Administers Both Exams for Engineering and Surveying

Engineering students at Michigan Tech are encouraged to take and pass the FE examination during their last semester in college, or the first year after graduation. There will never be a time when you are better prepared to pass it than near graduation.

The examination is offered in April and October each year. Students must visit http://ncees.org/exams/ to register for the exam and pay the fee. The registration deadline is approximately two months before the test.

FE Exam Waiver

The FE Exam may be waived for those who have earned a BS in engineering and a PhD in engineering. See the NCEES web site for details.