PE Licensure Michaela Martin ORNL

Why Professional Licensure? PE Benefits –Job security –window office vs. cubicle –salary –management opportunities Not necessarily required by all fields Licensure creates professional liability

Professional Certifications and Registrations of Alumni IAC Alumni Survey, 140 Participants

Professional Licensure Licensure is granted by State Board of Engineers Qualifications for PE can vary by state Most states follow NCEES Model Law for Licensure of Engineers and Land Surveyors (National Council for Examiners for Engineering and Surveying)

Roadmap to PE Licensure Student to Engineering Intern Sr. Year or Graduate, ABET-accredited Engineering Curriculum Pass Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) “Engineering Intern” Application Process

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam 8 hours in length Morning session covers topics common to all disciplines Afternoon session is discipline-specific –Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, General

FE Exam Pass Rates Minimum passing score: 70

Roadmap to PE Licensure Engineering Intern to Professional Engineer “Engineering Intern” 4 Years Progressive Experience on Engineering Projects Pass Principles and Practices Exam “Professional Engineer” Application Process

Principles and Practice Exam 8 hours in length Discipline-specific, formats will vary –Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, Environmental, Nuclear, etc Questions: essay and multiple-choice May or may not have a choice on which problems to work

PE Exam Pass Rates Minimum passing score: 70

Progressive Experience Varies by jurisdiction Shows progression of work responsibilities Graduate degrees and co-op/interns may get 1 year credit in some states –NCEES Model Law may be changed to allow for credit –Very controversial subject

Progressive Experience NSPE Guidance 1) Experience in engineering field in which candidate claims proficiency 2) Work is supervised by a qualified engineer 3) Demonstrate development of technical skills, initiative and judgement in the application of engineering principals

Progressive Experience NSPE Guidance 4) Experience should be broad in scope and provide well-rounded exposure to many facets of engineering 5) Show progression of responsibility and complexity

Co-op/Intern/Grad/IAC Experience How to Try to Get Credit PE application will be reviewed by the State’s Board of Engineers Maximum credit of 1 year Follow NSPE Guidelines Get references from supervisors that detail the nature and extent of your work

Provide detailed descriptions of projects, positions, responsibilities Give yourself credit for all you’ve done Be specific about amount of time spent on projects Use clear, forceful language Co-op/Intern/Grad/IAC Experience How to Try to Get Credit

IAC Student Certification –Program will provide a document that recognizes your level of participation Stay tuned to the NCEES web-site Co-op/Intern/Grad/IAC Experience How to Try to Get Credit