What is a PE?

The highest standard of competence an engineering professional can obtain is their PE license. Your PE license informs your client that they can expect the highest quality of work from you and know that you have the professional skillset to do the job correctly. For potential and current employers, it signals that you are ready for a higher level of responsibility. The specific requirements to become licensed can differ from state to state, however licensure candidates tend to follow the same basic steps throughout the U.S. and its territories. 

In most states within the U.S., engineers must complete a four-year college degree, work under a Professional Engineer for at least four years, pass two intensive competency exams, and earn a license from their state’s licensure board. Then, to retain their licenses, Professional Engineers (PEs) must continually maintain and improve their skills throughout their careers. Depending on the state in which a PE is licensed they will need to complete continuing education requirements.

Is Getting Your PE Worth It?

Do the benefits of having your PE outweigh the long list of requirements necessary to acquire it? The short answer is, absolutely. A century ago, anyone could work as an engineer without proof of competency. In order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the first engineering licensure law was enacted in 1907 in Wyoming. Now every state regulates the practice of engineering to ensure public safety by granting only Professional Engineers (PEs) the authority to sign and seal engineering plans and offer their services to the public.

In addition to the responsibility of signing and sealing engineering plans, having a license is  becoming increasingly more significant in regards to government and academics. Many federal, state, and municipal agencies, certain governmental engineering positions, particularly those considered higher level and responsible positions, must be filled by licensed professional engineers. Multiple states also require that any individuals teaching engineering must themselves be licensed.Have more questions about what a PE is or how to obtain yours? Visit NJSPE.org

 

 

 Nspe.org. 2021. What is a PE?. [online] Available at: <https://www.nspe.org/resources/licensure/what-pe> [Accessed 31 March 2021].

The Importance of Continuing Education in Engineering

Why is it that continuing your education is so important in the Engineering industry? As an Engineer you have the added responsibility of obtaining continuing education credits in order to maintain your license. The purpose of continuing education for license renewal is that it should expand and improve your current engineering skills, as well as cultivate new and relevant engineering skills. An aspect that NJSPE is here to help you with. Visit https://bit.ly/3bU3lg5 to view all of the courses currently being offered. 

Engineering is an ever changing field. New technologies are populating the industry every day. This is why continuing education credits are so crucial to the engineering profession. Learning how to adapt to new technologies, developments, skills, and regulations within your field. The courses offered by NJSPE will allow you to stay current within the industry. Chances are you  would not trust a doctor who is unfamiliar with the newest advances in medicine. As an engineer, it is crucial to be aware of the ever changing landscape of your job.  Therefore continuing education credits are mandated across the board.

NEW JERSEY REQUIREMENTS

Every engineer is required to complete 24 personal development hours (PDH) every 2 years to renew their license. 

NEW JERSEY  ENGINEERING PDH CREDITS

Engineering licensing in New Jersey is managed by the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (PELS), and they require that you earn 24 PDH credits every 2 years. A minimum of 2 PDH credits must come from ethics courses, but you cannot earn more than 8 hours in total. You can obtain your continuing education courses by taking online classes, and there is no limit to how many credits can be earned in this manner.

HOW CAN NJSPE HELP ME OBTAIN CE CREDITS?

Luckily for New Jersey engineers, we can provide most of your CE credits in just a few sessions. NJSPE offers its members discounts on webinars and courses.  As a member, you are also given access to the continuing education credits available through our national chapter.

Interested in becoming a member? Click here to get started.

 

“New Jersey Professional Engineer Continuing Education Requirements – Continuing Education for Professional Engineers PDH.” PRO, 27 Aug. 2020, www.pdh-pro.com/new-jersey-requirements/#:~:text=Every%20engineer%20is%20required%20to,into%20the%20next%20renewal%20cycle.

Connect With Us