Getting PE as a US immigrant
Getting PE as a US immigrant
(OP)
Hi there,
Does anyone know if you can credit experience under a foreign PE to the US EIT/PE process?
Reading the similar links, it sounds pretty hopeless but just wanted to ask the question.
I'm a recent immigrant to the US, who's had sufficient time in a couple of countries to get PE accredited in each, but is getting buried under the process in the USA.
It looks like if I really want this to happen, I'll have to quit my job just to accrue the time under a PE. I'm in the catch-22 situation of being at the stage of my career where I seem to need a PE to get a consulting job, but not being able to get one without working for a consulting firm.
Regards.
Does anyone know if you can credit experience under a foreign PE to the US EIT/PE process?
Reading the similar links, it sounds pretty hopeless but just wanted to ask the question.
I'm a recent immigrant to the US, who's had sufficient time in a couple of countries to get PE accredited in each, but is getting buried under the process in the USA.
It looks like if I really want this to happen, I'll have to quit my job just to accrue the time under a PE. I'm in the catch-22 situation of being at the stage of my career where I seem to need a PE to get a consulting job, but not being able to get one without working for a consulting firm.
Regards.





RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
I don’t know what the US state requirements are but would not be surprised if they had something similar. I know that most of them accept Canadian experience.
Best to call your local board and ask them.
Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng
Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
The first step is to contact the people at your state board and discuss the situation with them.
Foreign diplomas may have to be evaluated- but that can be done.
It will help if any references in the foreign country can read and write English. I'm assuming also that you still have contacts there and are on good terms with them.
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
Be aware though even though some of that State bodies have signed up to the agreement they will not necesarily HONOUR that commitment without a fight. (Long story)
Depends on how bad you want or need the PE. You might just want to shop state by state if that works for you. Some are pretty easy.
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
Some state requirements are not as stringent as others. Therefore, it would not hurt to shop around as recommended by planedr. However, one thing you must remember, is that if you obtain a PE from a state with relatively lax work experience requirements and later on want to obtain a PE in a state with more stringent rules through the reciprocity process, you may not be considered qualified by the latter state until you satisfy their work experience requirements.
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
Don;t ask us, ask your local board.
Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng
Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
But like everyone else says, ask your state board.
Hg
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
Here is a link to a number of FAQs:
http://
These include, "How Does a Non-US Engineer Obtain US Licensure?"
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And a listing of and links to all the state boards, as well as pertinent information:
http://ppi2pass.com/ppi/PPIInfo_pg_allboards.html
Rob
Rob Campbell, PE
Finite Monkeys - www.livejournal.com/users/robcampbell
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
h
Most states will allow you to practice within their borders for a brief period of time each year, on the basis of another state's license. The rules in each state are differnt, however. This is the place to start learning about them:
http://ppi2pass.com/ppi/PPIInfo_pg_allboards.html
Rob Campbell, PE
Finite Monkeys - www.livejournal.com/users/robcampbell
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
In looking through the Texas rules, I don't see that they specifically require a PE from the US or from TX to be the supervisor. They require a licensed person, and give provisions for if it is from another jurisdiction, but leave it open as to what the jurisdiction is.
I notice also in the TX rules, they have some specific language related to Mexico, Canada, and the NAFTA. IE, it makes some difference, apparently, as to which country you are from- easier to get licensed in Mexico and Canada, apparently.
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
"I notice also in the TX rules, they have some specific language related to Mexico, Canada, and the NAFTA. IE, it makes some difference, apparently, as to which country you are from- easier to get licensed in Mexico and Canada, apparently."
TX is a signatory of a reciprocity agreement with the various groups in Canada. However they reserve the right to refuse a Canadian PEng practice rights in Texas if he doesn't meet the Texas requirements. Even though they say they accept the Canadian PEng as equivalent.
I haven't fought the fight yet and I probably won't. I have joined enough "old boys clubs" already. My practice is unaffected regardless.
Apply to the State you need and slog through it. My experience has been it is not just the state but the person handling your file and THEIR interpretation.
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
My first step will be to call my Ohio Board and get some info to compare to say, KY and IN rules.
I also found some good reading about APEC registration which, if this is being kindly regarded at all, might be a good alternative.
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
They most likely will not consider any applicant who does not have the PE and FE exams plus US engineers signing off on their work if that is what their rules state and any free trade or other agreement would not be even looked at.
Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng
Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
I think that you will find that every state board will be independent and refuse to honour any agreement of international registration that does not comply with the state rules.
They most likely will not consider any applicant who does not have the PE and FE exams plus US engineers signing off on their work if that is what their rules state and any free trade or other agreement would not be even looked at.
Good grief (cf. http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=142748)
Here is the link to Ohio's qualifications:
http://ohiopeps.org/4733/4733.11.html
ABET (www.abet.org) grants accredidation to US engineering schools and is the US body involved in the Washington Accord (www.washingtonaccord.org). If the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand granted accredidation to the college you graduated from, ABET will recognize that accredidation. This means that you only need to have four years of qualifying experience.
The reference requirement says:
shall contain not less than five references, of whom three or more shall be professional engineers or professional surveyors having personal knowledge of the applicant’s engineering or surveying experience.
Finding three references who are PEs is a hurdle for many US-based engineers. Licensure is not required for most engineering work, and it provides little benefit for those involved in that work, so few pursue it. The conventional wisdom is to submit at least the minimum number of references - all technical - including as many PEs as you know. The board will consider the application and probably accept it. In your case, I would call the board and explain your situation. They are reasonable people.
You will probably need to take the FE exam, followed by the PE exam. In some states, more experience can be substituted for the FE exam. Both are administered by NCEES (www.ncees.org). This link includes general information on licensure, as well as a note about foreign engineers:
htt
The exams are offered in April and October, so I'd look into taking the FE exam imediately. They are not trivial. I spent months on serious preparation and am sure I would have failed without it. Check other threads in these forums for study suggestions.
Good luck with the process and the tests.
Rob Campbell, PE
Finite Monkeys - www.livejournal.com/users/robcampbell
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
If you haven't already, find out if you even need to be licensed for the type of work you intend to do. Typically, only work that affects the public safety, such as common types of civil and structural engineering work, require a license.
Rob Campbell, PE
Finite Monkeys - www.livejournal.com/users/robcampbell
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
With a tinge of critism I am finding it is not the first agreement that a US jurisdiction honours as it sees fit and not per the terms of the agreement. Although every agreement is open to some interpretation.
Just my perspective is all. My PEng is recognized by my peers and companies I work for sod the Texas Society.
I think the whole system is messed up in both Canada and more so in the US, and that it is not serving the best interests of public safety. But what do I know.
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
I'm interested in how the process goes for you. I'd appreciate if you posted updates here.
Thanks,
Rob
Rob Campbell, PE
Finite Monkeys - www.livejournal.com/users/robcampbell
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
Thanks everyone for your help. I'll post back at some future point with an update.
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant
The Washington Accord that has previously been referred to applies only to recognition of degrees from signatory countries with effect from the date that country signed up. In the case of New Zealand, that was 1989. If your degree is after that date, then the Accord covers you and ABET accepts the direct equivalency of your BS degree to that in the US. In that case, you would go through the FE and PE exams process just like anybody else from the US, without needing to have your undergraduate curriculum vetted or further evaluated. (You may print out and submit with your application relevant material from the Washington Accord site: www.washingtonaccord.org)
If your degree predates 1989, the Accord doesn't exactly apply to you because I am not aware of any grandfathering provision ...... except that if, in addition, you are licensed with the Institution of Professional Engineers (NZ), you may benefit from the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of the Engineers Mobility Forum (EMF). This is an agreement to recognize licensures from signatory countries. See
ht
for the full memorandum.
If you qualify to take advantage of the EMF provisions above, I suggest you first call the Ohio PE office and ask if you can claim the MOU. Unfortunately, they may not know what you are talking about, as indeed many such offices across the country. You may need to print out and send them the above memorandum. Otherwise, you may need to call the ABET office to clarify (www.abet.org or 410-347-7700).
You may be interested in reading the following two papers:
ASCE Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice. Vol. 122, no. 1, pp. 26-30. Jan. 1996
&
Proceedings Paper # 0545, ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition (Theme: "Staying in Tune with Engineering Education"); Nashville, TN; 22-25 June 2003.
RE: Getting PE as a US immigrant