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.
To legally work as a professional engineer in another state, you must hold a PE license for that specific state. Engineers often need to pursue licensure in multiple states due to reasons like:
Some states vary in their requirements for professional engineering licensure, but these requirements are typically the same across the board:
If you’re already licensed in one state, you’re well on your way to obtaining your PE license elsewhere. However, here are some critical things to keep in mind:
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) offers a resource to streamline multi-state licensure: the Council Records Program.
This program compiles your essential licensure credentials—including transcripts, references, exam results, and other required documentation—into one comprehensive record. Once you establish your NCEES Record, the council can electronically submit it to the state licensing board on your behalf, significantly reducing the time and effort involved in the application process.
To get started, simply apply for an NCEES Record on their website. It’s an excellent tool to simplify licensure across multiple states.
Navigating multi-state licensure can feel daunting, but understanding the process is the first step to expanding your career opportunities as a professional engineer.
Want more guidance on professional engineering licensure? Check out our other blogs for expert tips and updates on everything you need to know about advancing your engineering career.
Need help transferring your PE license or navigating state requirements? Explore resources at NJSPE or join our community for access to tools, events, and more.
In the rapidly evolving engineering world, staying current is not just a matter of professional pride; it’s a necessity. As technology advances and new methodologies emerge, engineers must continuously update their skills and knowledge to remain effective and competitive in their field. Professional development, encompassing required licensing and continuing education, is crucial for engineers across all disciplines. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of professional development for engineers, emphasizing the need for ongoing education and the maintenance of professional licenses.
The Ever-Evolving Engineering Landscape
Engineering is a dynamic and diverse field, encompassing numerous specialties such as civil, mechanical, electrical, software, and biomedical engineering. Each of these areas experiences rapid advancements driven by technological innovation, regulatory changes, and evolving industry standards. As a result, engineers must stay abreast of the latest developments to ensure they can design, build, and maintain safe, efficient, and cutting-edge systems and structures.
The Role of Professional Development
Professional development encompasses various activities to enhance an engineer’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. These activities include formal education, attending workshops and conferences, participating in professional organizations, and obtaining certifications. The primary components of professional development for engineers are continuing education and the maintenance of professional licensure.
Continuing Education: Lifelong Learning
Continuing education is essential for engineers who wish to remain relevant in their field. It involves taking courses, attending seminars, and engaging in other learning opportunities that help engineers stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Here are a few reasons why continuing education is crucial for engineers:
Staying Current with Technological Advancements:
Enhancing Skills and Competencies:
Maintaining Professional Competence:
Licensing: Ensuring Quality and Accountability
Professional licensure is a critical aspect of the engineering profession. Licensed Professional Engineers (PEs) are recognized as having met rigorous education, experience, and ethics standards. Obtaining and maintaining a PE license demonstrates an engineer’s commitment to their profession and protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Here are key reasons why licensing is important:
Demonstrating Professional Competence:
Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
Ethical Responsibility:
The Synergy Between Continuing Education and Licensing
Continuing education and professional licensure are intertwined components of an engineer’s professional development. Many licensing boards require engineers to earn continuing education credits to renew their licenses. This requirement ensures licensed engineers remain current with industry developments and maintain technical proficiency.
For example, in New Jersey, the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors mandates that licensed engineers earn a specified number of Professional Development Hours (PDHs) biennially, with a portion dedicated to ethics training. This requirement underscores the importance of lifelong learning and ethical practice in engineering.
Embracing Professional Development
Professional development is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment for engineers. By engaging in continuing education and maintaining professional licensure, engineers can stay at the forefront of their field, enhance their skills, and uphold the highest standards of quality and accountability. As the engineering landscape continues to evolve, the importance of professional development will only grow, ensuring that engineers are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the future and contribute to the betterment of society.
Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting your career, embracing professional development is key to achieving success and making a lasting impact in your field. Stay curious, stay committed, and keep learning—your future as an engineer depends on it. Check out the continued learning courses we have available here!
Hard-working professional engineers know achieving a PE license is only the beginning. Many state licensing boards require that professional engineers maintain and improve their skills. New Jersey requires you to obtain Professional Development Hours (PDHs) by completing continuing education courses.
Here is exactly what you need to know about maintaining your New Jersey professional engineering license in order to renew and 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?
NJSPE provides multiple online continuing education courses for your benefit. Visit our continuing education page to register today! Continuing Education Page.
Do you have more questions? We would be happy to help. Reach out at info@njspe.org.
Interested in learning more about the types of memberships available through NJSPE? We’ve got you covered. Read on to discover which NJSPE membership is the best fit for you!
A Professional Engineer membership is open to anyone holding a valid license or certificate of registration as a professional engineer, engineer-in-training or engineering intern certification, issued under the laws of any state, territory, possession, or district of the US, or the equivalent as defined under the laws of any other country. For $299 a year, you’ll be making an investment in your professional future.
Become a Member Today: https://bit.ly/3riLftC
Enterprise membership allows a company to sponsor NSPE membership for multiple employee engineers and to design specialized benefits around their needs. Through the Enterprise program, NSPE will develop a package option perfectly suited to your organization.
Learn More Here: https://bit.ly/309fAPo
You qualify for a free membership if you are a student enrolled full-time in an ABET-accredited engineering program; a student enrolled in an engineering or pre-engineering program that has a transfer agreement with one or more ABET accredited engineering programs; or, a student enrolled full-time in a graduate-level engineering program.
Join as a Student Today: https://bit.ly/3riLftC
Recent graduates of an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (or international equivalent).
Rates include state and national dues in the years following graduation:
Become a Member Today: https://bit.ly/3riLftC
Choose a practice division and gain even more membership benefits. During the first year, joining a practice division is free. Choose one or any number of the divisions!
Professional Engineers in Construction (PEC) represents engineers in the construction industry; has active projects to develop better contract documents; and helps members in such areas as design/build and construction management contracting, legislation and government affairs, building safety, arbitration, privatization, and engineering licensure.
Professional Engineers in Education (PEE) serves engineers whose goal is to satisfy the educational needs of the engineering profession.
Professional Engineers in Government (PEG) is dedicated to meeting the needs of all engineers employed in local, state, or federal government.
Professional Engineers in Industry (PEI) works to help engineers in industry faced with the needs created by more uncertain career patterns, frequent job changes, and the pressures of ever increasing worldwide competition.
Professional Engineers in Private Practice (PEPP) focuses on the professional concerns of engineers providing construction design services to the public and private sectors.
Now that you know which NJSPE Membership is the right one for you make sure to check out this blog post https://bit.ly/30aSZlC which breaks down all the great benefits of an NJSPE membership!
Are you considering acquiring a Professional Engineering (PE) license? This can be an incredibly important step in your career. Having a professional license can open up many new opportunities and can help you to become a more viable candidate for positions within the engineering field. In this blog, we will explore the many innumerable benefits of obtaining a PE license.
First, having a PE license demonstrates that you have a solid understanding of the principles and practices of engineering and have the necessary knowledge and experience to practice in the field. It is also a sign of professionalism and commitment to the engineering profession. This will help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs, as employers are more likely to trust and hire someone who has taken the time and effort to acquire a professional license.
Additionally, having a PE ensures adaptability in an ever-changing employment landscape. The engineering industry is constantly evolving in ways that help and hurt employment opportunities. Many corporations have begun to outsource for engineering projects, and engineers should be prepared to pivot to consulting relationships with these organizations. By pursuing a PE license, engineers will have the competency to perform a broader scope of engineering services. It allows you to provide services in more settings and for more complex projects. This can also help boost your earning potential, as employers are more likely to reward experienced engineers with higher salaries and other incentives.
Depending on the field you decide to pursue, a license may be a necessity. Licensure for engineers in the governmental, environmental, and public sectors has become increasingly important. There are a host of regulations dictating that many governmental engineering positions are filled by licensed professional engineers for the safety of the public. For engineers considering a career in education, many states require teachers to be PE licensed. In more and more states, it is becoming a requirement for teachers and professors to gain a PE license to practice. It is also beneficial for students to be taught by a PE licensed engineer to help them prepare for their future. For those interested in consulting or opening their own business, licensure is required. It is a legal requirement for private practitioners to have proof of a PE license. Only licensed engineers can submit plans and drawings to public authorities for approval, or approve engineering work for public and private clients.
Finally, having a professional engineering license can provide you with a sense of pride in your accomplishments and can also open up a variety of networking opportunities. Whenever you meet someone in the engineering field, they will recognize your professional credentials and be more willing to share their knowledge and resources with you. It will also provide peace of mind as many State engineering boards are gaining the power to fine practicing unlicensed engineers. Becoming a PE licensed engineer is a way to avoid the possibility of receiving civil penalties from state engineering boards.
Overall, obtaining a professional engineering license is a great way to enhance your career and open up a world of opportunities. We hope this blog has provided you with some useful information about the many benefits of having a professional engineering license. Good luck and we hope to see you join NJSPE soon!
Updated for 2021 Exams.
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!
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.
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
At his press briefing this afternoon, Governor Murphy announced that he will sign an Executive Order allowing some outdoor businesses to restart, including batting cages and golf ranges, shooting and archery ranges, horseback riding, private tennis clubs, and community gardens, and golfers may now play in foursomes.
The Governor also discussed his three-phase plan for reopening New Jersey’s economy. Phase One, the phase we are currently in, relaxed restriction on low-risk activities if properly safeguarded. This phase loosened restrictions on many outdoor activities and permitted the resumption of elective surgeries. Phase Two will loosen safeguards on a number of additional activities that can be easily safeguarded including expanded retail, outdoor dining, indoor dining at significantly reduced capacity, limited personal care, and the potential opening of libraries and museums. Phase Three allows for most activities to resume with significant safeguarding including expanded dining, critical in-office work, limited entertainment, expanded personal care, and bars with limited capacity.
The Governor made clear that social distancing, use of masks, and work from home orders continue to remain in place. The Governor did not provide a timetable for entering into Stages Two and Three but in answer to a question indicated that Phase Two is likely “a few weeks away assuming we continue to make meaningful progress.”
Attached is an outline of the Governor’s reopening plan.
Click here to download the press release.
As Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout the country, updates have been made to this year’s professional engineering license renewal process. Due to the COVID-19 emergency, renewal applications and CEU’s have been extended until June 30, 2020.
The following is updated information for renewal:
Application Deadlines
In order to curb the spread of COVID-19, we encourage you to communicate with the Department of Law and Public Safety via telephone, email, and other forms of remote communication should you have any questions about these renewal updates.
All of NJSPE’s upcoming continuing education events have been postponed until further notice. We know that many of you were planning on attending these events to fulfill your remaining credits. While this COVID-19 process is changing day-to-day, you can still be proactive and earn CE credits from home!
Professional Engineering Ethics 101
$35 for members / $50 for nonmembers
Learn more and purchase course >>
Free CE Courses from NSPE
See a list of free courses courtesy of NSPE
Learn more >>
Available Online Courses from NSPE
See all that NSPE has to offer from their selection of on-demand courses
Learn more >>
Regulations on digital signatures as well as practice “social distancing”
N.J. Admin. Code § 13:27-6.5
Section 13:27-6.5 – Digital signatures and seals
(a) A digital signature and seal shall possess the same weight, authority, and effect as a handwritten signature and pressure seal when the following criteria are met:
The digital signing and sealing process satisfies the requirements of the Digital Signature Standard (DSS) established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, FIPS PUB 186-4 (2013), which is incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented.
. The digital signature and seal must be:
i. Unique to the licensee;
ii. Verifiable by a trusted third party or some other approved process as belonging to the licensee;
iii. Under the licensee’s direct and exclusive control;
iv. Linked to a document in such a manner that the digital signature and seal is invalidated if any data in the document is changed. Once the digital signature and seal are applied to the document, the document shall be available in read-only format if the document is to be digitally transmitted.
(b) A licensee who digitally signs and seals a document shall maintain a digital copy of the electronically transmitted document that has also been digitally signed and sealed for future verification purposes.
(c) The pictorial representation of the digital signature and seal shall be readily available to the Board upon request and shall be produced in a manner acceptable to the Board. It shall contain the same words and shall have substantially the same graphic appearance and size as when the image of the digitally transmitted document is viewed at the same size as the document in its original form.
(d) Licensees are responsible for the use of their private digital keys. A lost or compromised key shall not be used and the licensee shall cause a new key pair to be generated in accordance with the criteria set forth in (a) above. A licensee shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a compromised key is invalidated, and shall inform all affected clients that the digital key has been compromised.
Keep an eye on our website and social media for more information regarding any changes due to COVID-19.
