Do I need to be licensed as an engineer?

All states require licensure for engineers who offer their services directly to the public. Engineers who are licensed are called Professional Engineers (PE). Civil, mechanical structural, industrial and environmental engineers are most likely to seek licensure because they often work for government agencies. Computer engineers are least likely to seek licensure.

Although licensure laws vary, most boards require four steps:

1. Earn a bachelor's degree in engineering from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
2. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination
3. Complete at least four years of engineering experience
4. Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination