As a professional engineer, there are certain situations where you may need to obtain a license in another state. Unfortunately, earning a professional engineering license in one state does not automatically make you eligible to obtain a license in another state.
In order to do work in another state as a professional engineer, you must be licensed. If you’re relocating to a new state or your firm services many states, you might be required to obtain multiple state licenses.
Some states vary in their requirements for professional engineering licensure, but these requirements are typically the same across the board:
Since you’re already licensed in one state, you’re one huge step closer to obtaining your PE license in a different state. Keep in mind, if your previous professional engineering license expired prior to filling out a license application for another state, you may be considered an unlicensed applicant and might have to take the PE licensure exam again – this varies state by state.
The common thought many engineers have is they can achieve multi-state licensure by reciprocity, meaning that another state will automatically recognize a license held in another state. This is not the case. Those trying to obtain their license in another state must meet the same requirements as those that initially apply in the state.
If your current PE license is in good standing, typically obtaining a new license in another state is as simple as filling out some paperwork and an application. This is considered licensure by comity. This just means that most states allow a licensed professional engineer in one state to become licensed in another by meeting all of their application requirements. If you received your license on different standards, it may be more difficult for you to become licensed by comity in another state.
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying has made getting a PE license in a different state a little bit easier with their Council Records Program. This program compiles all of your license credentials in one place. Your record will include most – if not all – of the records and paperwork you’ll need to apply for licensure in another state. The process of getting started with this program is as simple as applying for an NCEES Record. Once your record is established, they’ll even electronically submit it to the licensing board on your behalf.
For more topics on professional engineering licensure, check out our blog.
It’s almost that time of year again – time to begin the process of renewing your PE license. By preparing early, you can check off all your minimum requirements and complete the renewal process without having the stress of waiting until the last minute. To help you get started, we put together links to helpful resources you need to renew your license.
Renewal years are all even numbered years. The deadline to renew is always the end of April. That means professional engineers must renew their licenses prior to April 30, 2020. If you’re not sure whether you need to renew your license, you can check your license status via the NSPE website.
To be eligible to renew your PE license, you must complete a minimum of 24 professional development hours. Of those hours, you must have a minimum of two hours or a maximum of eight hours completed in ethics. You can complete as many credits as you want online and some excess professional development hours may carry over to the following renewal period. For complete details on meeting the minimum requirements, click here.
Once you’ve met all your minimum requirements, you can renew your license via the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website. Paper renewals are not accepted. For complete information on renewing your PE license, here are step-by-step instructions.
By preparing early, you’ll take the stress out of the renewal process! If you still need to complete your continuing education credits, make sure you complete them before you try renewing your PE license! NJSPE will be offering several continuing education opportunities prior to the deadline. Sign up to receive information on upcoming continuing education opportunities here.
Becoming an engineer is a long and difficult process. Getting your New Jersey professional engineering license was just one more step in your career as an engineer. Once you have your license though, the work is not over. You must maintain your license with continuing education courses to provide you with the Professional Development Hours (PDHs) you need to maintain and renew your license.
Here is exactly what you need to know about maintaining your New Jersey professional engineering license in order to renew it as maintain PE status.
How many PDHs do I need?
New Jersey professional engineers need 24 hours of continuing education over a two-year period in order to maintain and renew their license.
Can I do more PDHs than required?
Professional engineers can do as many hours of PDHs as they desire.
If I do more than the required PDHs, can those hours carry over into the next renewal period?
Yes, but 12 hours of continuing education is the maximum amount you can carry over.
How long is the renewal period?
Biennial – every two years.
How much does it cost to renew?
There is a renewal fee of $80.
When can I renew my license?
On April 30 in even numbered years.
Are certain PDHs required each period?
Two ethics PDH credits are required each period. No more than eight hours of ethics PDHs can count toward the 24 hours needed to maintain your license.
Can I complete my PDHs online?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of PDHs you complete online.
Where can I find upcoming PDHs?
All information about continuing education courses and professional engineering education can be found here on our wesbite.
If you are a NJSPE member and have any other questions about maintaining your New jersey professional engineer license you can contact us here: https://njspe.org/contact-us/
If you received a bachelor’s degree in a non-engineering field, it may still be possible for you receive your PE license! Follow the steps below to learn how to make it all the way to the PE exam without having an ABET-accredited engineering degree.
Steps to receiving a PE license without an engineering degree
Before we get further into the steps, make sure your degree isn’t already ABET-accredited! Search by your program or your school here. If your program is accredited, you may follow steps three through five.
If your program is not ABET-accredited, you may inquire about an evaluation to see if your educational background matches the standards for engineers. Obtaining your evaluation isn’t necessarily cheap, so it’s best to contact your state board to ensure you are eligible for evaluation. The New Jersey State Licensing Board information can be found here. If you are eligible for evaluation, you must complete an evaluation with The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. As mentioned before, during an evaluation your college-level education will be compared with the NCEES Engineering Education Standard.
To complete an evaluation, follow the steps on the NCEES website here.
Unfortunately, if you are deemed ineligible or your degree is not accepted, the next step for receiving a PE license would be to earn a four-year degree in an ABET-accredited engineering program.
Once step two is complete, you are on the same track as those who received engineering degrees! Passing the FE exam is the first step to becoming a professional engineer. It is a computer-based exam that is administered all year round. Each exam is different based on your discipline. Learn more about the FE exam details and specifications here.
In order to obtain your PE license, you must have at least four years of experience working under a professional engineer. States differ in how they qualify engineering experience, but in general:
If you’re not sure about your experience, it is best to contact your state licensing board.
If you’ve made it to this step, congratulations! The only thing standing between you and a professional engineering license is this exam. The PE exam is undoubtedly difficult, but with enough preparation and support, you can crush it! See the different types of PE exams and their specifications here. If you’re ready to take this next step, follow our PE exam checklist to ensure you are prepared.
It may not be a short and simple process, but it is possible to receive a PE license without an engineering degree! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us using the ‘Ask NJSPE!’ form in the sidebar of this page.
The deadline to renew your New Jersey Professional Engineer (PE) license is approaching! April 30, 2018 is the deadline, so renew your license by following the steps below. Maintaining your PE status means you have opportunities to advance professionally and personally. Through free web seminars, continuing education courses, and a large community of engineers, you can continually improve upon your skills and build your personal network. Don’t let these opportunities slip by!
To renew your license, carefully follow these steps:
Keep in mind that all renewals must be completed online. Paper renewals will not be available or accepted.
Additionally, if you’re not sure if your license needs to be renewed, you can check the renewal status by logging into the NSPE website. Click on the “My Account” link located at the top right of the webpage. If it’s time for you to renew, you’ll see a “Renew Now” button on your account page.
The deadline to renew NJ PE licenses is April 30, 2018. Once you have renewed your New Jersey engineering society license, it’s important to maintain it by meeting your requirements. In the State of New Jersey, professional engineers are required to complete 24 professional development hours (PDH). At least two must be in professional practice ethics. For continuing education, there are many options for meeting your requirements. Options include, but are not limited to: web seminars, independent studies, and conferences and events. For more information on PDH opportunities, check out our blog.
If you’re struggling to meet your PDH requirements, don’t worry! Coming up on April 23, NJSPE is offering 6.5 PDH credits for professional engineers in New Jersey, and 4.5 PDH for New York, Pennsylvania, and other states that accept New Jersey or NJSPE accredited programs. Space is limited so register early to ensure a seat! Register here: https://goo.gl/ydQFJT
In 1907, Wyoming passed a bill that required registration for those who would represent themselves to the public as an engineer and founded a board of examiners for the profession. For a century since then, professional engineering (PE) licenses have been protecting the public’s health and safety.
Today, it is the responsibility of the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers, their members, and other New Jersey engineers to help protect the PE license. Throughout its existence, PE licensure has symbolized prestige, authority, and flexibility. Much like membership to professional engineering associations such as NJSPE, PE licensure provides a variety of career advancement opportunities. Still not convinced you should care about protecting the PE license? NJSPE put together a list of the top benefits of PE licensure:
Protecting the PE license might not seem important for New Jersey engineers on the surface, but it will have a lasting effect on a young engineer’s career. Becoming a licensed professional in your field shows dedication to hard work, honor, and competency. Licensure has proven to offer career advancement opportunities, increased flexibility, education, and shows to clients and employers you are at the top of the industry. Of course, obtaining a PE license is not the only thing you can do to grow professionally. Check out our article “Advancing Your Career as an Engineer: How Professional Engineering Associations Can Help” for more.
There are innumerable benefits to pursuing a professional engineering (PE) license. It helps signify professional status, dedication, and competency in the field of engineering. Yet, many engineers do not find it a priority to protect the PE license’s power, though it has been protecting their careers for a century.
In addition to the flashy benefits of PE licensure, such as career advancement opportunities, enhanced career flexibility, and more, there are a host of practical considerations for New Jersey engineers to be aware of when considering not becoming licensed. NJSPE put together a list of the top five practical reasons to protect the PE license:
Despite the practicality and benefits of the PE license, many people do not fully understand how this licensure protects their freedom as an engineer. To help spread the word about PE licenses to other New Jersey engineers, join NJSPE today and see how you join the movement to protect the PE license.
Passing your Professional Engineering exam is a huge accomplishment. After the hours of studying and experience required to get your PE license, you may be wondering: what happens now? There are some important PE license next steps that will help you make the most of your new license:
Becoming a PE is a milestone in the career of any engineer. Knowing the immediate PE license next steps will help you hit the ground running. For more information for recent PEs, download our free one-page checklist here!
More than a century ago, there were no certifications or licenses for engineers, and anyone could draw up plans and create projects. To protect the public’s health and safety, the professional engineering license was created. But why should you care about the PE license or consider becoming a professional engineer?
We are glad you asked! Check out the top five reasons you should care about the PE license:
That’s just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many benefits to being a licensed professional engineer that it is definitely worth the time and effort. At NJSPE, we are constantly advocating on behalf of New Jersey’s professional engineers to ensure their rights and professional license are protected. If you’re interested in learning more about how NJSPE protects PEs and other benefits of membership, please click here.
