International Students: Pe Exam Eligibility And Application Process

International students can apply for the PE exam, but the process varies depending on the state and country. In the US, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) offers the FE and PE exams, which are required for professional engineering licensure. While international agreements aim to facilitate the process, the US system does not provide automatic equivalency due to its decentralized nature. Each state has its own requirements, and candidates must often take additional steps beyond the exams. Texas, for example, accepts applications from all countries, but applicants must meet the same standards as US applicants, including education and experience requirements. Other states, like Oregon and Washington, have also worked to facilitate international licensure, but specific procedures vary. Outside of the US, countries like Canada and Mexico have their own engineering licensure processes and agreements, which may or may not be recognized in certain US states. Overall, while international students can pursue the PE exam, they must navigate the unique requirements of each jurisdiction.

Can international students apply for the PE exam?

International students can apply for the PE exam in Texas

International applicants must follow the standard PE application process, which includes submitting fingerprints for a criminal history record check and paying the application fee. They must also demonstrate that they meet the education requirements set by the Board and have their non-US degrees evaluated for equivalence with a US degree by a Board-approved company. Foreign engineers must also meet the same requirements for reference statements and examinations as US engineers. This includes taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which can be done without a degree evaluation or transcript.

All applicants must apply and receive approval before registering for or taking the PE exam. The PE exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), and results are typically available within 7-10 business days. Applicants should note that the application process is time-consuming and can take up to two months for approval. Therefore, it is essential to allow for plenty of lead time when planning to take the PE exam in Texas.

In addition to the standard requirements, international applicants must also provide proof of English language proficiency and complete the Texas Engineering Professional Conduct and Ethics Examination. Overall, while international students can apply for the PE exam in Texas, it is a rigorous process that requires careful consideration and planning to ensure all requirements are met.

The PE exam is also offered in other states like Ohio and Florida

The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam is offered in several states across the US, including Ohio and Florida. The exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and is a requirement for licensure as a Professional Engineer. While the exam is standardised across the US, each state has its own board that sets the requirements for licensure within that state.

In Ohio, the PE exam is administered by the Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors (OSBOR). To be eligible to take the PE exam in Ohio, candidates must have completed a degree and gained at least four years of progressive engineering work experience under the supervision of a licensed PE. Ohio allows co-op and internship experiences to count towards this requirement, as long as they are from the junior year onward and are related to the candidate's major.

In Florida, the PE exam is administered by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. To be eligible to take the PE exam in Florida, candidates must have earned an ABET-accredited degree and passed the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam. While no engineering experience is required to sit for the PE exam, candidates with at least four years of engineering experience are more likely to pass the exam.

In addition to Ohio and Florida, the PE exam is also offered in other states such as Texas, Washington, Oregon, and Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Canada. International candidates can take the PE exam in these states, but they must meet the same requirements as US candidates. This includes providing proof of education, experience, and English language proficiency. While the process can vary by state, some states have agreements in place to facilitate international licensure, such as the Mutual Recognition Agreement between Texas and Canada, Mexico, and South Korea.

International students need to meet the same requirements as US students

International students can apply for the PE exam, but they need to meet the same requirements as US students. The process for obtaining a PE license in the US is quite different from that of other countries, even those with nationalized systems. Passing the exams is only one step in the process, and applicants must still apply through a state board due to the sovereign rights of individual states.

Texas, for example, accepts applications from individuals from any country, but all applicants must meet the same standards as US applicants. Non-US degrees that do not meet the requirements must be evaluated to determine their equivalence with a US degree, and foreign engineers must meet the same requirements for examinations and references as US engineers. Texas is the only state that offers a reciprocal PE license to Mexican engineers without an examination, due to the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Similarly, the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors grants the PE to international candidates who have fulfilled the same processes as US candidates. However, the board has encountered issues with recognizing foreign credentials, as in the case of candidates from Egypt, where the board had to individually examine credentials to determine whether they met the qualifications for licensure.

In addition to meeting the same requirements as US students, international students may need to take extra steps in the application process. For example, international applicants must submit documentation of their education, licenses held, examinations or assessments taken, experience record, and reference documentation. They may also need to demonstrate English language proficiency and submit fingerprints for a criminal history record check.

Overall, while international students can apply for the PE exam, they must meet the same requirements as US students and may need to take additional steps to ensure their qualifications are recognized and equivalent to those of US students.

International students may need to verify their degree

International students can apply for the FE and PE exams, but they may need to verify their degree and meet other requirements. The process for international students to take the FE and PE exams varies by state, and each state has its own laws and requirements for professional licensure.

In Texas, for example, international students must meet the same requirements as US engineers for reference statements and examinations. International students with a degree that meets the education requirements may take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. However, all applicants must apply and receive approval before registering for or taking the PE exam in Texas. Texas also requires proof of English language proficiency and documentation of a criminal history record check.

To verify their degree, international students may need to have their academic credentials evaluated through NCEES Credentials Evaluations or another acceptable entity. The NCEES degree evaluation process currently costs $350 and is paid at the end of the application process. This evaluation is necessary because international licensure candidates typically have degrees from programs not accredited by the EAC/ABET.

In addition to degree verification, international students may need to meet other requirements, such as submitting professional references and demonstrating qualifying experience. For example, the NCEES International Registry for Professional Engineers (IRPE) requires candidates to submit five references, preferably from CEng or P.E. respondents. Candidates must also have at least seven years of qualifying experience, including two years in responsible charge of significant engineering work.

It is important for international students to research the specific requirements of the state in which they plan to apply for licensure, as the process can vary. Some states, like Oregon and Washington, have worked to facilitate international licensure and mobility, while others may have different procedures in place.

International students can apply for a temporary engineering license

Texas

Texas accepts temporary engineering license applications from individuals in any country. However, there are specific requirements that must be met. Firstly, applicants must fall into one of the following categories:

• Hold a current engineering license in a country with a mobility agreement with Texas, such as the UK, and be on the international registry of their home jurisdiction with a current International NCEES Record.
• Apply for a temporary engineering license under a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) through Canada, Mexico, or South Korea.
• Meet the same requirements as Texas engineers but complete a few extra steps in the process.

For the second category, applicants from Canada, Mexico, or South Korea must submit the following:

• A completed international licensure application form (Form EB-04C).
• Proof of education credentials, including official transcripts and evaluations of non-accredited degrees.
• Supplementary experience records (SERs) describing engineering experience. The required years of experience vary by country.
• A minimum of three references from licensed professional engineers to document engineering experience.

Other States

Some other US states, such as Oregon and Washington, also offer the possibility of obtaining a temporary engineering license for international students. While each state has its own specific requirements and processes, here are some general guidelines:

• Passing scores on the NCEES FE and PE examinations are often required.
• International agreements, such as those through the International Engineering Alliance, can help facilitate the process and establish global standards.
• Obtaining a license in the US often requires application through a state board due to the sovereign rights of individual states.
• Some states may have specific requirements, such as Washington's requirement for qualifying education and experience, and a credential from the applicant's home country.

Frequently asked questions