How to Get Licensed?

Becoming licensed as a professional engineer is a well-earned honor and an indication to employers and clients of the skills you bring to your work. That’s why NSPE helps candidates throughout the entire licensure process in every way we can.

Though the specific requirements for licensure can differ from state to state, licensure candidates follow the same basic steps throughout the U.S. and its territories:

Step 1: Become an Engineer Intern.

If you’re a graduate of an engineering program approved by your state’s licensure board, you can become classified as an “engineer intern” or “engineer-in-training” by completing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Achieving EI or EIT status signals that you have mastered the fundamental requirements – and taken the first step – toward earning your PE licensure.

Step 2: Gain professional experience.

All states require that candidates complete four years of qualifying engineering experience, typically under the supervision of a professional engineer.

Step 3: Learn your state’s licensure requirement.

Each state (the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories) has its licensure board, and administering its own exam and required qualifications. To learn more about Pennsylvania’s state’s licensure requirements, click here.

Step 4: Prepare for and take the PE exam.

In most cases, the final step in attaining licensure is completing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in Pennsylvania. Click here to visit the PA Department of State Professional Engineer Navigator for more information.

As a service to members, NSPE has evaluated a wide range of exam review and preparation courses – in all media – from in-person study to online and self-study courses. Click here to learn more about available review and prep courses.

For questions on your professional license, contact the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists directly at:

P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Phone: (717) 783-7049
Click here to be redirected to the State Registration Board website.