Signing SE or PE
Signing SE or PE
(OP)
Hello,
I have recently passed the new 16hr Structural Engineering Exam and then applied for a PE license in my current state which does not recognize an SE, and I also applied for an SE license in Illinois. Therefore, I have both a PE and an SE license. I see around the industry, professionals signing their name with both credentials and I am wondering why. Would I sign with both since I have both licenses or would I just sign SE since that is the exam that I passed?
I tried finding information on the correct way to list credentials online, but was unable to locate anything.
Thanks!
I have recently passed the new 16hr Structural Engineering Exam and then applied for a PE license in my current state which does not recognize an SE, and I also applied for an SE license in Illinois. Therefore, I have both a PE and an SE license. I see around the industry, professionals signing their name with both credentials and I am wondering why. Would I sign with both since I have both licenses or would I just sign SE since that is the exam that I passed?
I tried finding information on the correct way to list credentials online, but was unable to locate anything.
Thanks!






RE: Signing SE or PE
I even see engineers add MSCE, PMP, etc...
I don't think you should use SE though even if you pass 16-hr if you only have PE.
Just curious which states aside from California and Illinois recognize SE.
As in your stamp says SE not PE
RE: Signing SE or PE
RE: Signing SE or PE
RE: Signing SE or PE
if you are just signing your name without the stamp, than you can add any credentials you want. More than two is just bragging.
John Doe, BSCE, MBA, PhD, PhD, PH, PG, PE, SE, PMP, CPESC, esquire
RE: Signing SE or PE
RE: Signing SE or PE
Please remember: we're not all guys!
RE: Signing SE or PE
RE: Signing SE or PE
RE: Signing SE or PE
RE: Signing SE or PE
John Doe, PE (TX, IL), SE (IL)
This can really be important in states where being an SE does not require one to be a PE, or in states where you might be a PE but not an SE, where they also license SEs. And in states where you hand out a card but you are not licensed, like at conventions and classes.
I only have a Texas PE, and my business card address is Texas, so I do not feel a need to distinguish further than using:
John Doe, PE
RE: Signing SE or PE
Example... in Georgia, it is possible to get an SE without getting a PE. Moreover, some states only have a PE.
You should always use what you have. Life just seems to go better that way.
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Signing SE or PE
DaveAtkins
RE: Signing SE or PE
That may be too long for some things, so for unofficial stuff (like this forum) I'd say any of the above is fine. Just remember that the reason this can be a tricky subject is that you can't advertise that you have an engineering license in a state which you don't have a license in. Obviously saying you're a PE and SE, without clarifying that you're a PE from state X and a SE from state Y, while at a conference in state Z doesn't violate this in my mind. That said, handing out business cards might (or might not, it's a grey area) unless they make the licensed states clear.
I would play it safe and if something you make or do implies an offer of engineering services then I would make sure to either list the states you're licensed in or list only the licenses that are applicable to the state(s) you might be working in.
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Signing SE or PE
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