Becoming
a professional engineer (PE) involves completing academic, work experience and
licensing examinations. Engineering disciplines range from computer hardware to
mechanical engineering. As such, educational paths differ; however, most
engineers must complete science and math requirements before enrolling in more
specialized courses. Read on to learn about educational programs and licensing.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
an engineer begins with matriculating to an
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology engineering program (WWW.abet.org).
Programs commence with math science and requirements. While the science
requirements vary by major and may cover topics from biology to physics Becoming,
the math requirements generally include a sequence in calculus plus a
differential equations course. Sometimes few programs require students to
complete foundational engineering and general education courses in their first
two years.
During the final two years, engineering students
focus on their respective major. Engineering labs courses include lectures as
well as that allow students to work with lab equipment and practice the
principles they may use on the job. Some programs require students to complete
a senior design project in which they apply the concepts learned in their
discipline toward an original design project. During the summer, many
engineering students pursue cooperative research experience
and internships to gain work.
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
requires PEs to complete two licensing examinations (www.ncees.org).
Students who are close to graduating may take the first exam, the Fundamentals
of Engineering(FE) exam.
The FE is closed book and has two sessions. The morning session is taken by
all engineering majors and covers broad topics in science, math and
engineering. The afternoon session is specific to the engineering discipline
and covers the major concepts of that branch. Those who successfully complete
the examination are referred to as engineers in training (EITs) or engineer
interns (EIs).
Achieve Work Experience
The NCEES notes that EITs
generally require at least four years of work experience before becoming
license. Work experience varies based on professional and engineering
discipline. For example, civil engineering EITs may test soils and plan road
systems, while aerospace engineering EITs may create airplane models and
perform stress tests on airplane systems. Other requirements may include
mechanical parts and implementing quality control measures.
Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
After passing the FE exam and
gaining four years of work experience, individuals may provide the Principles
and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The PE exam is open book and also has a
morning and afternoon session. Exams are divided by engineering discipline and
focus on the specific concepts in each branch. Passing the PE typically
completes the process of becoming a license of professional engineer.
Complete Continuing Education
The U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) reports that some states require PEs to complete continuing
education (www.bls.gov). PEs may obtain continuing education credit for
completing college courses, attending seminars and participating in other
state-approved activities. PEs may contact their respective state boards for
more information.