The Professional Engineer (PE) license is the core credential in this profession. It grants the legal authority to practice engineering, take responsible charge of engineering work, and sign and seal engineering documents in the United States. Licensure is regulated by individual state and territorial boards, but the exams are developed and administered nationally by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Some structural engineers also pursue the Structural Engineer (SE) license, a higher-tier credential that is required in some states, recognized in others, and optional everywhere else. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but the overall path looks similar nationwide.
ON THIS PAGE:
- The path to licensure
- The SE license
- Does my state require an SE?
- Exam and study resources
- Other certifications
- Quick guide for new grads
The Three Requirements
Nearly every licensing board builds its requirements on the same three legs. You need all three — and they largely have to happen in order.
Education
A degree from a program accredited by ABET, or equivalent education as defined by your state or territory’s licensing board.
Experience
Roughly four years of progressive engineering work supervised by a licensed PE. Some boards let a graduate degree count toward part of it.
Examination
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam first, then the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in your discipline.
The Path to Licensure
Most jurisdictions follow this sequence. Yours may vary in the details — confirm with your state board.
Earn your degree
Complete an engineering degree from a program accredited by ABET, or meet the equivalent education requirements set by your state or territory’s licensing board.
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
The FE is the first step toward licensure and the one most worth doing early.
- Usually taken in your final year of college or soon after graduation
- Computer-based and offered year-round
- Covers broad undergraduate-level civil engineering topics
Passing earns you the title Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI), depending on your jurisdiction.
Build qualifying work experience
Once you pass the FE, you start accumulating experience that counts. Most boards require:
- Work supervised by a licensed PE
- Progressive experience — meaning your responsibilities grow over time
- Typically around four years, though some boards allow a graduate degree to cover part of it
Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam
The PE exam is discipline-specific — civil, structural, and so on. Structural engineers typically take PE Civil: Structural.
- Taken after completing the required work experience
- Focuses on real-world engineering practice
- Tests whether you’re ready to practice independently and safely
Some jurisdictions let candidates sit for the exam earlier; others require all experience first.
Meet your state or territory requirements
Each board adds its own requirements on top of the national exams. These can include:
- State-specific ethics or law exams
- State-specific technical exams, such as seismic or surveying
- References from licensed engineers
- Application fees and documentation
Once everything is met, you receive your Professional Engineer (PE) license.
After you’re licensed: most boards require continuing education (CE) to maintain active status. Staying current with your board’s requirements is a permanent part of practice, not a one-time hurdle.
The Structural Engineer (SE) License
The SE is a separate, higher-tier credential focused specifically on advanced structural engineering. In most states, an SE can be used in place of a PE.
The typical SE path
- Earn the PE license first by passing the PE Civil: Structural exam
- Gain additional structural experience — Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington require more experience after PE licensure
- Take the four-part NCEES Structural Engineering exam, covering vertical and lateral components
- It is possible to take the Structural exam before the Civil: Structural exam
Who it makes sense for
The SE is worth pursuing if you:
- Work in high-seismic or high-wind regions
- Design schools, hospitals, high-rises, or other complex structures
- Want a deeper professional credential in structural engineering
It’s frequently associated with significant structures — essential facilities, tall buildings, and long-span structures.
Does My State Require an SE?
State licensing boards handle the SE in five different ways. Find yours below.
Full Practice Act
An SE license is required to practice structural engineering at all.
Hawaii · Illinois
Partial Practice Act
An SE license is required for certain projects, usually called significant structures.
Alaska · California · Georgia · Nevada · Oregon · Utah · Washington
The definition of a significant structure varies. In California it means public schools and hospitals. Other states define it around essential facilities and buildings over a certain height.
Title Act
The state defines who may use the title Structural Engineer or the SE designation.
Arizona · Idaho · Louisiana · Nebraska
Roster Designation
The state recognizes the SE designation when you apply for licensure there.
Alabama · Arizona · Delaware · Maine · Massachusetts · Minnesota · New Hampshire · New Mexico · South Dakota · Texas · Vermont · Wyoming
No Restrictions
The state does not distinguish between the PE and the SE.
All other states
Licensure rules change. Always confirm current requirements directly with your state board before making decisions about exams or applications.
Exam and Study Resources
The resources below are listed roughly in the order a new engineer would reach for them.
Other Certifications
Beyond the PE, these credentials broaden what you can do — and none of them need to happen in your first five years.
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
An internationally recognized green building certification program. Engineers typically pursue:
• LEED Green Associate — foundational sustainability knowledge
• LEED Accredited Professional (AP) — advanced, focused on a specific rating syste
PMP
Project Management Professional
Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Recognizes demonstrated skill in scheduling, budgeting, scope management, risk management, and team coordination.
Especially useful if you’re moving toward project management or firm leadership.
SAP Evaluator
Safety Assessment Program
Trains engineers, architects, and building officials to perform rapid safety assessments after earthquakes and other disasters, helping jurisdictions determine whether buildings are safe to occupy.
Managed by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) with support from NCSEA and member associations. Completing the training earns an official SAP Evaluator identification card.
CDT
Construction Document Technologist
Offered by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Demonstrates proficiency in construction documents, contractual relationships, project delivery methods, and specifications.
Valuable if you want to understand how drawings, specs, and contracts actually fit together.
Quick Guide for New Grads
You don’t need to figure all of this out on day one. These are the parts that actually matter early.