What Benefits are There to Obtaining a Professional Engineering License?

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!

5 Reasons you Should Care about the PE License

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:

Take on responsibility within the profession. Only professional engineers can legally create, sign, and submit engineering drawings and plans. This ensures that only the most-qualified and skilled engineers are providing their services to the public.
Move up the ranks. Receiving a PE license opens the doors for many different career opportunities. In certain areas of engineering, a license is required, especially if you are responsible for a team of employees or interested in being contracted with the government. For those interested in teaching, a professional license is often necessary to teach future engineers.
Clients understand that you take your job seriously. Having the initials “PE” after your name tells your clients you are a cut above the rest. It says that you can handle more responsibility because you are a high-level engineer who operates ethically and with integrity and always keeps the public’s best interest at the forefront.
Be among the best in your field. Being a professional engineer is like joining an elite club of engineers. It signifies you are a leader among your peers and tells prospective employers that you are an eligible candidate for almost any position.
Enhance your skills. Like most other industries, engineering is rapidly changing. Earning and maintaining your license helps you stay up-to-date with the most efficient processes and techniques. It also gives you information on public concerns, including safety and environmental protection.

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.