Pennsylvania Engineer License

In the state of Pennsylvania, the State Board regulates the practice, licensure and registration of engineers and is responsible for issuing licenses. Therefore, you must obtain a Pennsylvania engineer license to practice legally in the state.

How do I become a professional engineer in Pennsylvania?

Receive engineering education

According to the Pennsylvania law, an applicant should attend a professional program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Hereby, he/she will be able to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree.

In general, professional programs provide students with knowledge of engineering concepts and principles. Moreover, they employ brand new teaching techniques to furnish information at the highest level.

Most of the programs, as a rule, include math, physics, computer sciences and other important subjects.

Fundamentals of Engineering Examination

If you have completed at least two years of an ABET-accredited program, you will be eligible to take the

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE). Also, if you have graduated from an ABET-accredited post-secondary educational coursework, you can take the exam, too.

Otherwise, you will need to apply to the State Registration Board for Professional Engineers , Land Surveyors and Geologists and ask for approval. The application will cost you $25.

If you comply with eligibility requirements, then you can register and schedule your examination via the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

After you successfully pass the exam, you will receive the Engineering-in-Training (EIT) Certificate.

Principles and Practice Examination

Preparing and taking the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam demonstrates that you are eager to become a professional engineer. In addition to this, many employers find applicants with PE more suitable for some positions.

To register for the PE exam, you should follow this link. Note that you can take the exam in October and April, as the testing facility offers the exam twice a year.

It may be useful to know that you can take the exam for various specialties, as it is discipline-specific. To see the list of disciplines, check the following list below.

• Agricultural and Biological Engineering
• Architectural Engineering
• Chemical
• Civil
• Control Systems
• Electrical and Computer
• Environmental
• Fire Protection
• Industrial and Systems
• Mechanical
• Metallurgical and Materials
• Mining and Mineral Processing
• Naval Architecture and MarineNuclear
• Petroleum
• Structural

Gain professional experience

In the state of Pennsylvania, a professional engineer should possess at least four years of progressive experience in a major engineering branch. Moreover, during this period, an engineer should have involved work and indicate proficiency.

Pay attention to the fact that you must gain experience being supervised by a licensed engineer. This ensures that you will complete your work fully and use machinery or equipment properly.

Equally important is employing the principles and knowledge of engineering.

Do engineers need licenses in Pennsylvania?

If you want to officially call yourself an engineer and identify yourself as one in official paperwork, then you must obtain a license.

In Pennsylvania, there are engineers, who practice without licenses. Accordingly, they do not complete the state requirements and do their work in unlicensed companies.

Nonetheless, some jobs require having a license for particular positions. Thus, it will be advantageous to hold an engineer license in terms of career growth and reputation.

Contact Information

State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists
Phone: 7177837049
Fax: 7177055540