Gaining PE status while living abroad
Gaining PE status while living abroad
(OP)
Hi All,
My partner and I are planning to move to the US in the next 2 years, probably California where she is from (I am a UK citizen). We met with an Immigration Lawyer a few months ago to see what our options were in terms of obtaining a visa/Green Card to work in the US. Following that meeting, it became apparent to me that my best chance of qualifying for a visa would be if I had a job offer. I've had a look through the job vacancies in various AE firms, and most require PE status or near PE status. So, my questions are:
1. Do you think it is possible to study for the PE exam abroad and sit the exam (either abroad or in the US)?
2. Is there a minimum period of engineering experience in the US required before sitting the exam? I have Chartered Engineer status through the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK) and Institution of Structural Engineers(UK) so will this taken be into account?
3. What can I do NOW to enhance my chances of gaining employment with an AE firm?
Many thanks for your help.
Nineninenine
My partner and I are planning to move to the US in the next 2 years, probably California where she is from (I am a UK citizen). We met with an Immigration Lawyer a few months ago to see what our options were in terms of obtaining a visa/Green Card to work in the US. Following that meeting, it became apparent to me that my best chance of qualifying for a visa would be if I had a job offer. I've had a look through the job vacancies in various AE firms, and most require PE status or near PE status. So, my questions are:
1. Do you think it is possible to study for the PE exam abroad and sit the exam (either abroad or in the US)?
2. Is there a minimum period of engineering experience in the US required before sitting the exam? I have Chartered Engineer status through the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK) and Institution of Structural Engineers(UK) so will this taken be into account?
3. What can I do NOW to enhance my chances of gaining employment with an AE firm?
Many thanks for your help.
Nineninenine






RE: Gaining PE status while living abroad
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Gaining PE status while living abroad
a) Enginerring degree from ABET acredited school
b) pass exam to become "engineer in training"
c) several years qualifying experience
d) pass second exam to become registered
e) in california there are additional tests related to seismic and surveying
f) some states also require additional tests to become a registered structural engineer
If you work in manufacturing / industry, you may not need to be licensed
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/flowchart_for_...
RE: Gaining PE status while living abroad
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Gaining PE status while living abroad
Which states allow PE without degree? That was an option many years ago, with additional work experience, as you mentioned. But, I think most states have removed this option.
nineninenine
I have several friends with UK engineering degree. Your education can be accedited. The first step is completing your FE (EIT) exam. The next hurdle will be obtaining the required experience working under a registered engineer in your home US state. Since your first PE license must be in your home state, that may be significant obstacle living abroad.
Another option may be continuing your education in the US. A masters degree can be counted toward your work experience. I know this is done frequently with immigrant students, but I am not familiar with the requirements.
www.FerrellEngineering.com
RE: Gaining PE status while living abroad
RE: Gaining PE status while living abroad
California 6
Georgia 15
North Carolina 12
North Dakota 12
New Hampshire 25
New York 12
Pennsylvania 12
Wisconsin 4 to 12
Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.
RE: Gaining PE status while living abroad
If ABET accreditation is not needed than that is news to me. Perhaps you only need to demonstrate the equivalency of your foreign education, but this will not be a guaranteed thing without the ABET.
I do know that only one of your degree programs has to be ABET accredited in order to get the benefits. In other words a 1 year ABET masters program is just as good as a 4 year ABET bachelors program.