Licensing & PE Exam

Licensure

The engineering profession is regulated by licensing boards in each US state & territory. These licensing boards set high standards for professional engineers to protect the public.

If an engineer intends to practice fire protection engineering as a consultant or work for a firm that requires a registered PE, it is wise to follow a path leading to the attainment of a professional engineering registration.

Also, employers value engineers who are licensed. Many employers require licensure for promotions, and PEs earn higher salaries.

Because FPE is related to public safety, state laws require that many engineering projects be overseen by a registered (licensed) professional engineer (PEs). The state registration boards award professional engineer registration based on a written examination, college education, and professional experience.

You must pass two exams after graduating from engineering school and before becoming a licensed engineer. The first is the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The second is the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.

For more information about engineering licensure, visit the NCEES website.

PE Exam

The following is important information about the exam:

One of the most important steps a fire protection engineer can make early in his or her career is to place themselves on a course to become licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE).

Professional licensing as a fire protection engineer brings many advantages. As an individual, the licensed fire protection engineer gets an important credential bringing recognition from the engineering community, better chances for professional advancement, and the potential for a higher salary. In most states, professional licensure is required by law to offer engineering services to the public. Employers of fire protection engineers benefit from having their employees licensed. It is not only a competitive advantage but tangible evidence that an engineer is competent in fire protection engineering. SFPE has a Position Statement on professional licensure. For more information about the benefits of engineering licensure and how to become a PE, visit www.NCEES.org

Licensure Dashboard