Licensing

Licensing is to safeguard the life, health, property, and public welfare by regulating the practice of professional engineering.

PROCESS OF LICENSING:  Ever wonder what an Engineer goes through in order to get Licensed?  According to the mission statement of the California Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, "The mission of the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is to safeguard the life, health, property, and public welfare by regulating the practice of professional engineering and professional land surveying."

In the United States, in order to get Licensed there are a few major requirements:

[1] Educational; [2] Residency; [3] Qualifying Experience, [4] Examinations & [5} Professional Development and Education:   These policies vary from state to state.  In general the process is as follows:

• Obtain a Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Pass the 8 hour FE/EIT (Fundamentals of Engineering/Engineering in Training) Examination
• Obtain the required years of experience under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer called the "qualifying experience"
• Pass the 8 to 12 hour PE Examination and any other examinations required by the state.
• Pay the periodic licensing fee and the renewal fees on times. 
• Most states require continuing professional development and education in order to renew.
• FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING (SE):  After obtaining a PE, one needs to have the required experience under the supervision of another SE and then pass another sixteen hour examination.
• Only persons who are granted the authority by the state are legally permitted to use the title "Structural Engineer" or "SE" in California

For more information on licensing, a few good links are:

California Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

National Society of Professional Engineers - NSPE   - Good source of information for Engineers and for Licensing.

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES): It is a national non-profit organization composed of engineering and land surveying licensing boards representing all U.S. states and territories.

Professional Publications - Has a good message board where you can get your questions regarding licensing answered.  Also links to various state rules and regulations.

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