How Important is the PE License for a Civil Engineer?


A career in civil engineering in the United States can be very fulfilling, especially if you work towards getting your PE license. The FE Civil Exam and PE Civil exams are two competitive exams that lead an engineer to the PE licensure and hence provide the candidate a major career growth opportunity. 


The problem, however, is the decision a civil engineer has to make about whether or not they want the license. Many engineers can’t figure out if the PE license is worth it. We are expert industry professionals who can assure you that the Professional Engineers license is very beneficial in the long run. 


Yes, you will have to put in twice the work you had to before and gain extensive industry knowledge to pass these two exams. But once you get your PE exam prep straightened up and do your best, you could have the career of your dreams. The effort you put in for your PE exam will eventually pay off when you have the license.


Allow us to explain to you in detail what makes the PE license important for a civil engineer. 


  • Helps Your Reputation


With the number of civil engineers out there, having a good reputation can make you stand out. Your professional engineer’s license not only improves your credibility in the market but shows that you are a motivated and skilled engineer. Whenever you apply for a job or seek work at a new place, your PE license automatically makes your potential client respect you and gives you an edge over the others.


With the PE license, you don’t have to start from scratch, you can gain the trust and respect of others just by letting them know that you have a  PE license. Even in an interview, one of the first questions you would be asked is whether or not you have the license or are planning for it in the future.


  • Broadens Your Opportunities


As your reputation in the market is established and improved, people will want to hire you as they will trust you. You will notice that most clients will be coming to you with major civil engineering projects that you weren’t getting before. This happens because having a PE license means you have the knowledge and abilities to handle all types of projects. 


A person without a PE license will remain a common engineer and might have to work under a professional engineer throughout their career. Whereas, a PE license holder will be offered more and more opportunities as well as government projects as they go along their career. The more experienced professional engineer you become, the better your career opportunities will get. 


  • Find Work Easily Across the United States


The PE license that you earn after passing the NCEES PE and FE Civil exams is valid throughout the United States. It means if you have your license, you don’t have to worry about finding jobs in any corner of the country. If you are moving to a different state for any reason, you can shift and quite easily find good jobs with the help of your license.


For an unlicensed engineer, it can be relatively hard to find a job in a new place since there will be many civil engineers. But once you add to your resume that you have a PE license, no matter where you are, jobs will come to you. The flexibility of work that this license offers is also something that makes it crucial.


  • More Authority


For someone who loves to have responsibilities at work, the PE license is perfect. A professional engineer is assigned more authoritative jobs in any project than a non-licensed engineer. Passing the PE exam is the biggest proof that you are capable enough to lead any engineering project from the front. You could be responsible for taking some of the toughest decisions, handling the team, creating and submitting project plans, etc.


Depending on your skills, you could have bigger construction projects under your belt. Many government agencies would want to hire you to look over their project, etc. Whether you get work in the private or government sector, one thing for sure is that you will be working in a position of authority. 


  • Better Income


Last but surely not the least, with better job opportunities and more authoritative work your salary increases too. A licensed engineer is statistically likely to earn more than an average engineer. Owning the PE license is the biggest honor as an engineer and comes with its rewards. Better earning potential is perhaps the best reward of all. 


As mentioned above, you will get to work in a senior position or even as the project head for top construction companies where the pay scale will be high. You will be surprised to know that the salary difference between a PE license holder and a non-licensed engineer is quite high. This is why the professional engineer license is your best chance to make good money while doing what you love.


Steps to Earn the PE License


To become a professional engineer in the United States, you will have to meet the standard criteria for the same. In case, you aren’t aware of it, check out the steps below:


  • You must have a graduation degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.

  • Once you graduate, you will have to pass The Fundamental of Engineering Exam (FE exam).

  • You will need to work for 4-years as an engineer in the field. The 4-year working experience is a must.

  • Lastly, after meeting all these given criteria, you can register for The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). Pass this exam and you will get your license. 


Conclusion


To be a professional engineer in the United States is a proud feeling for any engineer. But for you to turn this dream into a reality, you need to prepare well. Allow Civil Engineering Academy to help you with your FE or PE exam preparation. We will provide you with effective review courses and NCEES-based practice papers to make sure your preparation is going strong and you have a great chance of passing the PE exam.

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