PE vs. SE Licencing Question
PE vs. SE Licencing Question
(OP)
All,
I am a recent grad student with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering. I have passed my EIT exam and I am currently working under a structural engineer. My question is moving forward with my licenses and exams, is it even worth it to take my PE exam? I currently live in the state of Illinois and my goal is to pass the SE exam. It seems like the majority of projects we work on require a structural engineers stamp in the state of Illinois, so the PE license does not seem to be of much value in the structural field. Maybe the PE in Illinois is more for transportation/enviro engineers?
Some insight or knowledge would be great. Thanks in advance.
jReck
I am a recent grad student with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering. I have passed my EIT exam and I am currently working under a structural engineer. My question is moving forward with my licenses and exams, is it even worth it to take my PE exam? I currently live in the state of Illinois and my goal is to pass the SE exam. It seems like the majority of projects we work on require a structural engineers stamp in the state of Illinois, so the PE license does not seem to be of much value in the structural field. Maybe the PE in Illinois is more for transportation/enviro engineers?
Some insight or knowledge would be great. Thanks in advance.
jReck






RE: PE vs. SE Licencing Question
RE: PE vs. SE Licencing Question
I was in your situation a long time ago. I had an SE, but didn't know what the future would bring. I paid the money, took the PE, failed it, took it again, and passed it. It's worked out well. As bagman said, there are some states who think the SE is not equivalent and believe me, you don't want to do a lot of explaining to the State Board staff of any state.
RE: PE vs. SE Licencing Question
As others have noted, the PE is better for reciprocity in many locations. Who knows, you might move to another state. Even if you stay in Illinois, sooner or later you'll get a project in Indiana, Wisconsin or another adjacent state. I think it is good that your ultimate goal is the SE, I'd say use the PE as a stepping stone towards it.
Licensed Structural Engineer and Licensed Professional Engineer (Illinois)
RE: PE vs. SE Licencing Question
They get picky on things like that.
If you are in Illinois, pass the 16 hour SE exam, you should have no problems getting PE or SE licenses in other states.
RE: PE vs. SE Licencing Question
So what does this mean? It means there is no right answer to this. If you skip the PE and go straight for the SE you should be able to get licensed, even as just a PE in most states I would expect. Although there is no guarantee. There is a push in Structural circles to get SE licensure in every state, but that is a while off. The original thinking for the change in the exams is that it was a three step progression: EIT, PE, SE. (Hence why the PE should be "easier" than the SE.)
My suggestion is take the PE, then the SE the next testing session. It will cover all of you bases. If you think you are ready for the SE, the PE should be easy.
Licensed as PE in NC & SC, SE in IL & NV
RE: PE vs. SE Licencing Question
Strange since I do no Civil Engineering outside of Washington, but that's the law in California.
Personally, I would take the PE. It will not be a black mark against you ever, but not taking it could be.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: PE vs. SE Licencing Question