Starting the Process
Moving from state to state
Reviewing for Licensure Exams
What To Do If You Don't Pass
Starting the Process
New engineering graduates need not wait until they have four years of experience to start the licensure process. Most state laws provide for a prelicensure certificate for those who do not yet have four years of engineering experience. These are generally known as "Engineer Interns" or "Engineers in Training," although some states use other names. In New York, for example, it's "Intern Engineer." The requirements for an EI or EIT are usually graduation from an accredited engineering curriculum plus the successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)exam.
The EI or EIT program is designed for new engineering graduates so they may begin the licensure process while engineering subjects are still fresh in their minds. The certificate does not authorize the practice of engineering, but it does signify that the individual has successfully completed an exam in engineering fundamentals, which is the first part of the examination process for full licensure. After acquiring the necessary engineering experience, EIs and EITs then need to complete the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in their particular field of specialty.
Moving from state to state
But what about the engineering graduate who takes the FE exam in one state and moves to another before being ready to take the PE exam? Most state licensing boards recognize the EI or EIT certificates of another state, and credit for the EIT certificate is usually valid for ten years.
The engineering profession is a mobile one, with engineers often practicing in a number of states during their careers. Therefore, most states provide for reciprocal licensure – that is, they allow engineers licensed in one state to become licensed without further examination as long as the requirements of the state that originally granted licensure are at least equal their minimum standards.
Uniformity among state licensure laws is a goal that most engineering societies have been working toward for many years. A model law has been developed and has been used as a guide for almost 40 years. Currently, the majority of states require candidates to pass the eight-hour FE exam and the eight-hour PE exam in the applicant's discipline.
Reviewing for Licensure Exams
Many universities encourage engineering students to take the FE exam during their senior year, and some provide review courses. NSPE offers licensure review resources in all 50 states, including self-study materials, instructor support, and in some cases, even instructor-led, in-person courses. The following topics are currently included:
- Course No. 1-Engineer-In-Training
- Course No. 2-Civil Engineering
- Course No. 3-Electrical Engineering
- Course No. 4-Mechanical Engineering
- Course No. 5-Chemical Engineering
What To Do If You Don't Pass
Professional Engineering Practice Examination
Weakness Assessment: Rethink what subjects you had the most difficulty solving or feel you failed to review. NCEES provides a diagnostic to the state board for each examinee who fails an examination. If you do not receive one, contact your state board. Use the diagnostic report to determine how you need to concentrate your study for future examinations. The report lists the percentages of correctly answered questions in each knowledge area of the exam. A low percentage (0%-50%) in a content area contributed to you failing the exam. Substantial study of that content area is recommended prior to retaking the exam. A marginal percentage (50%-75%) in a content area indicates your understanding may be improved by further study, thus improving your chances of passing the examination. Further review of a content area with a high percentage (75%-100%) may also improve your chances of passing the examination. This is the best guide you will have for determining your strong and weak subject areas.
- Schedule and Organization: Prepare a schedule of what you want to accomplish and set some milestones. Do not wait to get organized; start as soon as possible. There is a lot of material to cover, and time will be your biggest obstacle. Use your previous performance as a guide.
- Application: Consider reapplying as soon as possible. Taking the next available test may improve your chances of passing, since you can continue with your study habits while the subjects are still fresh in your mind. Time, again, is the biggest obstacle.
- Practice Tests (Self-Study): Acquire practice tests, such as the NCEES sample examination and diagnostic tools set. However, do not limit yourself with the type of format, or even worse, to a single source. Your goal is to have as many samples of solved problems as possible. The more you practice, the better you will be at gauging your test taking skills, such as your problem-solving speed and knowledge. Some problems can be solved using various methodologies; your goal is not only to understand them, but to know the simplest way to arrive at a solution.
- Review Courses: Take a course that will prepare you for the examination: many are available through universities and extended learning centers. Although a high-cost option, this will allow you to have a structured study schedule and will help improve your test taking skills.
- Reference Materials: Prepare a list of the books and codes that you used the most when taking the examination and when practicing for it. Label or highlight frequently used items, so that you can find them with ease. Adhesive flag notes are a perfect way to label books without damaging them; however, check the examination regulations to see what is allowed. Also prepare a bound reference booklet of your most repeatedly used equations, preferably in typed format. This is especially helpful in cases when a book only contains a few useful equations.
- Seek Advice: Ask colleagues who recently passed the examination what steps they took and what they recommend. Your former faculty mentors and/or advisors may also be sources who can help direct you to resources that can assist in shoring up your weak areas. Do not get discouraged if you do not have these resources. Seek them out. Get involved in organizations w here PEs are active members, such as the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE).
- Calculator: If you had problems with the calculator you brought to the examination, purchase a new one. Acquire the type deemed adequate for the examination as soon as possible and use it throughout your preparation.
Caution: Only approved calculators may be used during the examination. NCEES publishes a listing of approved calculators. Consult www.ncees.org
