In Engineering a license is the key that truly launches an engineer’s professional career. While many competent engineers work their entire career, legally, without a license, either by working under the auspices of a licensed engineer who reviews their work, or in a field that doesn’t require them to be “in responsible charge” of engineering work. For those in consulting, construction, design, testing, or working for engineering firms, a license isn’t only preferred, it’s often required. It demonstrates the PE as one who has met all the standards required to practice engineering in a specific discipline and jurisdiction.
The PE designation is recognized as a symbol of achievement and an assurance of quality. The process is challenging, lengthy, and time-consuming. The requirements to earn a PE license include a four-year college degree, followed by documented, increasing levels of, experience under the direction of a Professional Engineer for a minimum of four years, two rigorous competency exams, and reference checks. The engineer must then maintain a license in each state they wish to work in as an engineer and most states have continuing education requirements to ensure the professional engineer stays current in their field throughout the engineering career.
In addition, many states have specific legal requirements unique to their state that the PE must understand and, in some cases, pass a supplementary exam to demonstrate their understanding of that state’s engineering laws. Some states require the term “Licensed in” on business cards to clearly identify which states the engineer is licensed to work. Most states have a website you, as a prospective customer, can visit to verify if the engineer is licensed in that jurisdiction. Sadly, there are individuals who continue to misrepresent themselves as engineers without the requisite license, so a quick web search is a prudent exercise for critical work or if there’s any doubt. A “professional engineer lookup” or a visit to the licensing board for your specific state will provide you with the verification that the engineer is licensed, in good standing, and has the necessary skills in a specific discipline for your project. Would you allow an unlicensed doctor to treat you or entrust your legal case to an unlicensed lawyer? If you are unfamiliar with an engineering, consulting, contracting or testing firm a good first step is to determine if they are licensed. While it’s not easy to become a PE, it’s easy enough for you to find one who is.
Congratulations and well done!!