Licensing
Licensing
(OP)
First of all, I apologize for posting this here. I realize it's intended to be a technical forum, but I'm running out of resources and the state boards have been anything but helpful.
Some background:
I have a MS - Civil (Structural) Engineering and a BA - Physics degree.
I've passed the FE exam with Michigan (because they don't require anything for you to take it).
I'm currently employed in Florida.
My Question:
I'm having a difficult time transferring my EIT to Florida, and can't get solid answers because I don't have an ABET undergrad. The last time I talked with somebody from the board, they told me I could take it elsewhere and transfer it to FL no problem. However, now that I'm filling out the paperwork to do so, I'm still being asked to provide proof of my ABET undergrad. At this point, should I just stick with my EIT in Michigan and eventually take the PE in other states that don't require an ABET undergrad; Texas for example? I could do a degree evaluation here, but I'm certain that I will fall short of the necessary credit hours and I'm not going back to school to take some worthless remedial coursework.
Has anybody had experience with a similar situation? I've read some articles/blog posts about similar situations but they typically deal with foreign engineering degrees.
Thanks
Some background:
I have a MS - Civil (Structural) Engineering and a BA - Physics degree.
I've passed the FE exam with Michigan (because they don't require anything for you to take it).
I'm currently employed in Florida.
My Question:
I'm having a difficult time transferring my EIT to Florida, and can't get solid answers because I don't have an ABET undergrad. The last time I talked with somebody from the board, they told me I could take it elsewhere and transfer it to FL no problem. However, now that I'm filling out the paperwork to do so, I'm still being asked to provide proof of my ABET undergrad. At this point, should I just stick with my EIT in Michigan and eventually take the PE in other states that don't require an ABET undergrad; Texas for example? I could do a degree evaluation here, but I'm certain that I will fall short of the necessary credit hours and I'm not going back to school to take some worthless remedial coursework.
Has anybody had experience with a similar situation? I've read some articles/blog posts about similar situations but they typically deal with foreign engineering degrees.
Thanks






RE: Licensing
RE: Licensing
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Licensing
-Some, maybe all states, assume you're going to get your PE in your home state, so it may cause complications to get it elsewhere prior to getting it in your own state.
-If you get a PE elsewhere, it may not help any with the states that require the ABET undergrad. The states all have comity set-ups, but that's comity assuming you meet similar requirements in the other state.
What I would suggest, if you have the 4-years experience, feel like you can get the references, etc., is to go ahead and apply in Florida and see where it takes you. At least that way, you'll have some definitive answers.
RE: Licensing
RE: Licensing
RE: Licensing
RE: Licensing
RE: Licensing
RE: Licensing
You may be able to get a Master's degree from a program whose M. Eng. is ABET accredited. Masters ABET accreditation is separate from Bachelors accreditation.
I knew someone was able to obtain their PE with a ABET Masters degree and a non-ABET bachelors degree.
Your engineering experience before getting the degree will likely count half toward the time required to sit for the PE in Florida.
Call the Florida Board and ask them.
It is also my understanding that Florida will not extend comity to many states whose PE requirements are less stringent.
RE: Licensing
RE: Licensing
I appreciate your input. From what I've researched, I need 32 math & science credits, 48 engineering credits and 16 humanities credits for ABET equivalency, and it looks like I'll be 6 credits short if I do want to get licensed in FL. Since getting my PE here isn't a necessity (I work at a small consulting firm, and even though we have (3) PE/SE's, only the owner stamps drawings 99% of the time), I'll go ahead and get my PE in a state that I am able and see where life takes me. If we end up wanting to stay in FL permanently, I can bite the bullet and take a couple easy classes and pay to get my education evaluated.
I find the whole concept extremely frustrating; technically, most states recognize a C student from an undergraduate program who has taken as little as one structural design class as more qualified to become a PE than an A student who has taken multiple credits of structural design classes at the graduate level and meets the same work experience requirements. I realize that the C student is more than likely never going to get their PE, but I think you see my point.
Also, jgailla, I may be mistaken but from what I've researched on the ABET website, there is only one ABET accredited masters program in the country, typically only undergraduate programs get accreditation. At least for civil/structural.
RE: Licensing
https://www.davidclements.me/2013/03/06/my-long-ro...
RE: Licensing
Can you elaborate on your IL licensing experience? I am working towards taking the SE and due to logistics, would like to take in my home state and then apply through endorsement in IL. I will be in the same boat as you in terms of education requirements. I am 3 credits short of the required 18, but I have taken 6 masters level courses (never graduated) that I hope will help.
Sorry for the hijack OP. Feel free to flag post for removal and I will start a new thread.
RE: Licensing
RE: Licensing
RE: Licensing