PE License Requirements By State

Learning how to become a licensed engineer is an important milestone in an engineering career. A Professional Engineer (PE) license demonstrates a high level of expertise, a commitment to ethical standards, and the ability to take legal responsibility for engineering projects. For many engineers, licensure can open doors to leadership roles, independent practice, and career advancement.

Because engineering licensure is regulated at the state level, PE license requirements by state can vary significantly. While most states follow a similar framework, each has its own application process, fees, continuing education rules, and renewal timelines.

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Alabama	Alaska	Arizona	Arkansas	California
Colorado	Connecticut	Delaware	District of Columbia	Florida
Georgia	Hawaii	Idaho	Illinois	Indiana
Iowa	Kansas	Kentucky	Louisiana	Maine
Maryland	Massachusetts	Michigan	Minnesota	Mississippi
Missouri	Montana	Nebraska	Nevada	New Hampshire
New Jersey	New Mexico	New York	North Carolina	North Dakota
Ohio	Oklahoma	Oregon	Pennsylvania	Rhode Island
South Carolina	South Dakota	Tennessee	Texas	Utah
Vermont	Virginia	Washington	West Virginia	Wisconsin
Wyoming

General Requirements for PE Licensure

Most jurisdictions follow a similar path to licensure, with important differences in documentation, timing, and terminology. If you’re mapping out how to get a PE license by state, the steps below outline the typical journey and where requirements may vary.

1) Earn an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering

Most boards require a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited engineering degree program.
Candidates with non-ABET engineering or related science degrees may qualify with additional experience or coursework, depending on the state.
International degrees often require a credentials evaluation (commonly through NCEES) before an application is considered complete.

2) Pass the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam

The FE is the first licensing exam and is often taken during the final year of college or shortly after graduation.
Passing the FE typically earns “EIT” (Engineer-in-Training) or “EI” status, which signals you’re on the licensure track.
Some states allow FE waivers in narrow circumstances (e.g., significant prior licensure or advanced credentials), but these are exceptions.

3) Gain qualifying professional engineering experience (usually 4 years)

Most states require four years of progressive engineering experience, generally under the supervision of a PE.
Experience must show increasing responsibility and application of engineering principles.
Some boards grant limited credit for graduate degrees (for example, up to one year), but the amount and rules differ by jurisdiction.
You’ll typically document work in an experience record and submit references—often including one or more licensed PEs.

4) Pass the PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) exam

The PE exam is discipline-specific and tests competency in the practice area where you intend to be licensed.
Some states use “decoupling,” allowing you to take the PE exam before completing all experience; however, licensure isn’t granted until all requirements are met.
Several boards also require a separate state law and ethics exam, and some require a background check or fingerprinting.

What varies by jurisdiction

Application timing (exam-first vs. application-first), required references, and the format of experience verification.
Whether decoupling is allowed and any limits on acceptable supervision.
Extra requirements such as state-specific ethics/law exams or background checks.
Terms used for in-training status (EIT/EI) and definitions of “responsible charge.”

Quick planning checklist

Confirm education eligibility (ABET status or evaluation) with your state board.
Create a timeline for FE, experience milestones, and the PE exam.
Keep detailed experience logs aligned to board criteria and secure PE supervisors/mentors early.
Review current exam specifications and application procedures on your board’s site.
Budget for application, exam, and potential evaluation fees; requirements and costs differ by state.

Application and Exam Fees

When exploring PE license requirements by state, one of the most important practical considerations is cost. While the licensing pathway is similar across the country, the fees you’ll encounter can vary widely depending on where you apply. Below is an overview of the common types of fees and what to expect.

Application Fees

Initial application fees are charged by each state licensing board. These can range from about $50 to more than $300 depending on the jurisdiction.
Some states use NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) for application processing, while others manage applications directly. This impacts both cost and process.
Reapplication or re-examination fees may apply if your application expires or if you need to retake an exam.

Examination Fees

FE Exam: Typically costs around $175, set nationally by NCEES.
PE Exam: The NCEES fee is generally $400, but states may add administrative surcharges, pushing the total higher.
State-specific exams: Several boards (for example, California and Texas) require additional state law or ethics exams, which carry separate fees.

Renewal and Maintenance Costs

Renewal fees vary but usually fall between $50 and $300, often charged biennially.
Late renewals or reinstatements may add significant penalty costs.
Many states also charge fees for continuing education audits, background checks, or record transfers (e.g., through NCEES Record).

Budgeting Considerations

Applicants should account for the full cycle of licensure costs: application, exams, renewals, and continuing education.
Out-of-state licensure applications (via comity or reciprocity) often carry the same or higher fees as first-time applications.
For those planning to hold multiple licenses, costs can accumulate quickly; setting aside funds annually helps manage these expenses.

Reciprocity and Comity Between States

One of the most common questions about PE state licensure is whether an engineer licensed in one state can easily practice in another. The answer depends on how each board defines reciprocity and comity, and what process they require for out-of-state applicants.

What Is Comity?

Comity refers to the recognition of an existing PE license from another state as part of the application process.
Instead of starting from scratch, an engineer applies for licensure in a new state by showing they already meet comparable standards.
Boards still review education, exam history, and experience to ensure they align with their state’s rules.

Reciprocity vs. Re-Application

True reciprocity means a state will fully accept another state’s PE license without additional exams or requirements. This is rare in engineering.
Most states instead use a comity-based process, requiring applicants to submit proof of education, FE and PE exam passage, and verified experience.
Some boards may also require a state-specific law or ethics exam before granting the license.

National Records and Support

The NCEES Records program helps streamline comity applications by compiling verified education, exam, and work history into a single transferable record. Many boards accept this in lieu of resubmitting all original documents.
Even with NCEES Records, applicants still pay state-specific fees and may have to complete supplemental forms.

Key Considerations for Multi-State Licensure

Expect to pay full application and renewal fees in each state.
Review whether the new state accepts your education and experience without conditions. Some states have stricter definitions of acceptable supervision or ABET accreditation.
Factor in potential delays, as processing times can be longer for comity applications.
If your work often crosses state lines, consider maintaining licenses in all jurisdictions where your projects may be legally sealed.

Renewal Requirements

Once licensed, engineers must maintain their credentials by renewing their PE license at intervals set by the state. While timelines and processes differ, renewal is a universal part of PE license requirements by state.

Typical Renewal Periods

Most states require renewal every two years (biennially), though a few have annual or triennial schedules.
Renewal deadlines may be tied to the licensee’s birthday, a fixed calendar date, or the anniversary of initial licensure.

Renewal Process

Engineers typically complete an online or mailed renewal form.
Renewal includes paying a fee, which can range from $50 to $300 depending on the state.
Many states also require proof of completed continuing education (professional development hours, or PDHs) before renewal is approved.
In some cases, background checks or affirmation of good moral character are part of the process.

State-Specific Differences

Grace periods: Some states allow late renewals with penalties, while others require full reinstatement if deadlines are missed.
Ethics requirements: A handful of states mandate completion of ethics-related continuing education as part of renewal.
Audits: States may randomly audit licensees to verify compliance with continuing education requirements.

Best Practices for Engineers

Keep track of renewal deadlines for every state in which you hold a license.
Maintain organized records of continuing education activities in case of an audit.
Set calendar reminders and budget ahead to avoid lapses or penalties.

Continuing Education Requirements

In addition to renewing on schedule, licensed engineers must complete ongoing professional development to keep their skills current. These requirements—commonly called continuing education or professional development hours (PDHs)—are an essential part of PE license requirements by state.

Typical PDH Requirements

Most states require 15–30 PDHs per renewal cycle, with 30 hours every two years being a common standard.
Some jurisdictions set annual requirements, while others align PDHs with their specific renewal schedule.
At least a portion of the hours must typically relate directly to technical engineering practice, though management, ethics, or business courses are often permitted.

Acceptable Types of Continuing Education

College or university courses
Online seminars and webinars (if approved by the state board)
Professional engineering society workshops or conferences
Publishing papers or delivering presentations on engineering topics
Self-directed study may be accepted in limited states, but usually with restrictions

State-Specific Variations

Ethics hours: Many states require 1–2 PDHs in engineering ethics or state law.
Pre-approval: Some boards require courses to be pre-approved or provided by registered sponsors.
Carryover credit: Certain states allow extra hours to carry over to the next renewal cycle; others do not.
Exemptions: Engineers newly licensed within a cycle, those on military duty, or retirees in emeritus status may qualify for reduced or waived requirements.

Auditing, Reporting, and Documentation

Engineers must certify completion of continuing education when renewing, but they are responsible for maintaining detailed records.
Records typically include course descriptions, certificates of completion, and proof of hours earned.
States may conduct random audits, and failure to provide documentation can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of a license.

Tips for Navigating State Licensure

Meeting PE license requirements by state can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling different rules, fees, and deadlines across multiple jurisdictions. The following tips can help engineers stay organized and avoid common setbacks.

Double-Check Requirements with Each State Board

Even if most states follow the same general path, small differences matter. Always confirm education, exam, and experience requirements with the official state board before applying.
Check whether your state requires extra steps, such as a law/ethics exam, background check, or notarized references.

Stay Up to Date with Rule Changes

Licensing boards regularly update statutes and administrative rules. These changes can affect renewal periods, continuing education requirements, or application procedures.
Subscribe to email updates or newsletters from your state board to ensure you don’t miss important changes.

Consider Joining Professional Associations

Organizations like the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and state-specific engineering societies provide resources, reminders, and guidance.
Membership can also offer access to discounted continuing education courses and networking opportunities with other licensed engineers.

Organize Your Records Early

Keep a detailed log of professional experience, continuing education, and exam results in a secure, easily accessible format.
Consider using the NCEES Records program if you plan to pursue licensure in multiple states.

Build a Long-Term Licensing Strategy

If your career path involves working across state lines, plan ahead to secure additional licenses as needed.
Weigh the costs and benefits of maintaining multiple licenses versus relying on partnerships with PEs in other states.
Set calendar reminders for renewal deadlines well in advance to avoid lapses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work across state lines with one PE license?

Not usually. A PE license only grants practice rights in the state where it was issued. If you want to sign or seal projects in another state, you must apply for licensure there as well, typically through a comity process. Some states make this straightforward, but it still requires an application and fees.

How long does PE licensure typically take?

From start to finish, the process can take eight years or more. Most engineers spend four years earning a bachelor’s degree, then four years gaining qualifying professional experience before being eligible to sit for the PE exam. The timeline can be shorter if graduate degrees are credited as partial experience, but this depends on the state.

What is the difference between the FE and PE exams?

The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam is the first step, usually taken around graduation, and covers broad engineering principles. Passing it typically grants Engineer-in-Training (EIT) status.
The PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) exam is discipline-specific and demonstrates readiness for independent professional practice. Passing it is the final exam step before licensure.

Do all engineering jobs require PE licensure?

No. Many engineering roles—especially those in private industry or research—do not require a PE license. However, if you plan to offer services directly to the public, sign and seal engineering documents, or advance into certain leadership roles, licensure is often required or strongly preferred.

Explore State-Specific Requirements

While this guide highlights the common steps and differences, the details of PE license requirements by state are always set by each jurisdiction’s licensing board. To ensure accuracy, engineers should:

Refer directly to the official state board website for current rules and forms.
Use the state list above to quickly find jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Confirm deadlines, fees, and continuing education rules before applying or renewing.

Each board is the final authority, so always verify requirements at the source before making career or licensure decisions.