Professional licensing for technology students

Prepared by Captain Tim Johnson, PEAssociate Professor Wentworth Institute of Technology

Reason for licensing

Increased complexity of systems has necessitated the need to separate competent engineers from inexperienced and untrained personnel for the safety of the public.

Recognized professional stature and adherence to ethical standards.

Membership in professional engineering societies promote continuing education, engineering ideals, fraternity, and community service.

Comparison of professions

A Doctor…

1. Has a Hippocratic Oath.

2. Is involved with health issues.

3. Spends years studying.

4. The State gives a medical license if they can pass their board exam.

5. Can belong to a medical society.

6. Can add MD to their name.

A Professional Engineer1. Upholds a code of

ethics.2. Is involved with design

issues.3. Spends years studying.4. The State gives them an

engineers license if they can pass the FE/PE exams.

5. Can belong to an engineering society.

6. Can add PE to their name.

1. A Lawyer…1. Upholds a code of

ethics.2. Is involved with legal

issues.3. Spends years

studying.4. The State gives them a

license to practice law if they pass the bar exam.

5. Can belong to a legal society.

6. Can add Esq. to their name.

What is the process for licensing?

It’s a two phase process involving education and experience. Each State has slightly different rules so check locally.

If you have graduated (or are about to) from an undergraduate engineering program (or related sciences) at an ABET accredited engineering college, your submission of a transcript enables you to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

The experience is a reprisal with documentation and supervisor verification of your engineering work record for a minimum four-year period after the FE exam and before taking the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.

Technology students need an additional four years of experience before they can take the PE exam.

Path to PE flow chart

4-yr engineering graduate

FE examEngineer in

Training(EIT)

4 yearswork PE exam PE

4-yr technology graduate

FE exam EIT

4 yearswork

PE exam PE

4 yearswork

4-yr college graduate

FE exam

Engineeringgraduate

degreePE exam PE

Short cut to getting a PE for both engineering and technology graduates

3 yearswork

In summary

Students wishing to obtain a PE license can accelerate the process by obtaining a graduate degree in an accredited engineering program. Taking courses part-time at night and working is difficult but the board requires one less year to sit for the PE exam. Obtaining a graduate degree makes passing the exams easier because you are that much more knowledgeable. Your resume will make you look like a triple threat: having a PE license, an advanced degree, and experience.

Sources

www.mass.gov Consumer Affairs and Business regulation website links to the Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors website. There you will find links to the statutes and regulations that address licensing of professional engineers.

M. G. L. references

ABET Undergraduate Engineering Degree Criteria Policy advisory summary of General Laws, CMR 250 and paragraph #22 of the application for Professional Engineer.

Chapter 112:Section 81J (1) (b) & (c) Chapter 112:Section 81J (3) (a) & (b)