Contact UsWhat is the difference between an Engineer and a Professional Engineer
For the United States and Canada, Professional Engineering (PE) is the exclusive designation (recognized by law) that allows capable individuals to present themselves to the public as “Engineers,” as per regulatory requirements.
Licensure for engineers in government, academia, and multinational corporations has become increasingly significant. As of 2022, all 50 US States (+Washington, D.C.), and all 13 political divisions in Canada require engineers to be individually licensed before practicing or soliciting business. Even for those not looking to pursue their own business ventures, many federal, state, and municipal agencies stipulate that these positions must be filled by registered professional engineers. Particularly those considered higher level and responsible positions (under the fiduciary liability standard).
In plain language, not having PE licensure will most likely become an employment barrier. Especially for high-level engineering positions, as it is often a prerequisite for entry (more on this below).
What is a PE Qualification?
In short, the status of “PE” is a regulatory means to ensure that engineers are up-to-date with current standards and industry trends/technology.
In addition, PEs must also consistently establish their competency, maintain compliance with various regulatory entities, and demonstrate growth. These parameters are satisfied by completion of a series of exams, and meeting continued education requirements. Although, the exact conditions are often specific to the state or region in which they are registered.
For a list of our official training certification courses, accreditable towards a Professional Engineering license, follow the courses link in the next content panel.
What are the practical benefits of “PE” licensure?
- In terms of utility and day-to-day operations, only a registered engineer (i.e. PE certified) can perform certain actions. This includes the authority to arrange, sign and seal, and submit engineering plans and drawings to a public authority. Be it for approval on behalf of a company, or to « seal » engineering work for public and private clients.
- As mentioned earlier in the article, licensure for a consulting engineer or a private practitioner is not something that is merely desirable; it is a legal requirement for those who are in responsible charge of work, be they principals or employees.
- Many states in the US (and CA provinces) require that parties teaching engineering must also be registered in that specific district. In addition, previously allowed exemptions to state laws have been under much scrutiny, and overturned in most North American districts.
- Likewise, for educators, networking and professional recommendations are paramount to ensuring a student or pupils career advancement. Licensure significantly deepens the ‘connection pool,’ and often helps educators arrange students for their future careers in engineering.
Foire aux Questions | Licence d’ingénierie Professionnelle (PE)
To get a PE license, engineers must complete four steps to become a registered Professional Engineer (PE):
- Graduate from an ABET-accredited engineering curriculum.
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
- Work as an engineer for a minimum of four years.
- Pass the Professional Engineering (PE) exam (NOTE: Engineers cannot take the PE exam without first passing the FE exam).
Accordion to the NCEES and PEO’s website, a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) license may be obtained by international students.
To be registered, engineers must:
- be at least 18 years old;
- be of good character (i.e. repeated or impermissible felony charges and/or violation of academic honesty codes) ;
- achieving the stipulated academic requirements for licensure (hold an undergraduate engineering degree from an Engineering Accreditation board (EAB)-accredited program, or possess equivalent qualifications);
- attain the engineering work experience requirements (demonstrate at least 48 months of certifiable, acceptable engineering experience, under a registered professional engineer); and
- successfully complete PEO’s National Professional Practice Examination for Canadian students or the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) in the US.
No, the PE exam is not an open book exam. While recent regulations have shifted the exam from traditional pen-and-pencil to computer-based (CBT), external resources are not available. Moreover, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) released the PE Civil Reference Handbook in April 2022 in preparation of moving the PE Civil exam from paper-pencil and open-book to a computer-based (CBT), closed book exam.
The 8-hour long, 80-question PE exam is considered to be amongst the most difficult of the professional certification courses. However, as with any exam, adequate preparation in terms of studying, training, and tutoring will improve your likelihood of passing on first attempt.
- On average, pass rates for most PE exams are ~65-70% for first-time test-takers. This, of course, differs from year to year.
This differs from industry to industry as well as by region. For example, candidates working in the manufacturing industry, experience is not required under the guidance or a professional engineer, but a PE must be employed by the firm. Check with your local jurisdiction to determine what is required for you.
This answer here is different/contingent upon the type of engineer, local regulation, and personal sentiment. However, because a PE license is not a requirement for many engineering jobs, such as electrical engineering, a PE license might be preferred but is generally not a necessary condition of employment.
To become registered, there are a number of qualifications engineers must meet, including completion of a four-year college degree, working under a Professional Engineer for at least four years, passing two intensive competency exams and lastly, earning a license from their state’s licensure board.
Over a century ago, anyone could work as an engineer without proof of competency. In order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the first engineering licensure law was enacted in 1907 in Wyoming. Now, every state regulates the practice of engineering to ensure public safety by granting only Professional Engineers (PEs) lawful authority. This includes the ability to sign and seal engineering plans and offer their services to the public.
- To a prospective client, possessing a PE means you’ve got the credentials to earn their trust.
- To an employer, it signals your ability to take on a higher level of obligation.
- Among your colleagues, it demands respect.
- To yourself, it’s a symbol of pride and measure of your own hard-won achievement.
PE’s shoulder the obligation for not only their work, but also for the lives affected by that work. Therefore, PE’s must hold themselves to the highest ethical standards of practice.
Yes, foreigners can take the PE exam outside the country. In recent years, in fact, it has become more typical for people outside of the US or CA to be interested in obtaining the PE, and the regulations have adapted or loosened accordingly.
In addition, the candidate(s) who take the US licensing exams overseas may work for international companies that require the credential.
Need course hours to meet your PE requirements?
We’ve got your covered. SimuTech Group offers a variety of Ansys Trainings for nearly all industries and skill sets to meet your continuing education requirements.
Top courses include, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Finite Element Method (FEM), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Electromagnetic Simulation (EMAG), Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM), Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR), RF Propagation Analysis (RFPA), and more!
