Professional Licensure
One of the most inportant decisions a young engineer can make to his/her career is to become licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE). Licensure is also important to the public. Because of the significant role engineering plays in society, the professional regulate itself by setting high standards for Professional Engineers.
Engineering licensure is regulated by jurisdictional licensure boards in each state and US territory. These independent licensing boards comprise the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Benefits of Becoming a Professional Engineering (PE)
- Job Opportunities - Employers want engineers who show a commitment to the future by becoming licensed
- Promotions - Many employers in industry and government require licensure for advancement to senior engineering positions
- Consulting - Only PE's can consult in private practice and serve as expert witnesses in court
- Respect - PE's gain the respect of peers within the engineering community, where the desire to excel runs high
- Ensuring the Futur - As laws change and international agreements concerning the requiirements to be licensed are adopted, a PE license may be mmore of a necessity.
- Graduation from a four-year engineering program accredited by ABET
- Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination. The FE exam is administered each year in April and October. Eligible college students generally take the test prior to graduation. Applications may be obtained from the Florida Board of Professional Engineers
- Completion of four years of acceptable engineering experience. After passing the FE, the candidate is qualified for certification as an Engineering Intern (EI). As an EI, four years of progressive engineering experience, which is acceptable and verificble, must be completed. Some boards require that EIs work under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer.
- Passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination.
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination
The first step to becoming a Professional Engineer, is to take the FE exam in the senior year. An application for this examination must be filed at least 90 days prior to the examination date. Applications and the Candidate Information Booklet can be obtained from the Florida Board of Professional Engineers.
The examination is an eight-hour examination broken into two four-hour sessions - Morning and Afternoon. The following content areas are covered in the morning session, with the average corresponding percentage of questions for each area.
University of Florida 