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Licensing
2

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

RE: Licensing

I can't speak to the ABET portion, but you typically do not need to transfer your EIT. Michigan would send 'proof' of your EIT to Florida. You need to request Michigan do this and likely pay a small processing fee.

RE: Licensing

I had a similar problem with IL and my PE/SE. They came to the conclusion that I needed more hours in certain subjects and let me use my masters courses for that purpose even though there's technically no such thing as an ABET accredited masters.

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

Several potential complications:
-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

have you called NCEES credential evalutation.. they evaluate transcript for foreigners if equivalent to ABET.. you can ask them if you can combine both your physics undergrad and ms for evalutation to get ABET equivalent degree in civil..

RE: Licensing

I think calling ncees is the best option you have. have both your BA physics and MS Civil evaluated (they will combine all your education credits) if you meet the required equivalent ABET in Civil.

RE: Licensing

I took my FE in California, PE exam in Virginia. I had to transfer my EIT license from state to state. There was a form that I had to fill out and send to California to have send a love note to VA saying i was approved. I think the Virginina DPOR has it as it's own form with the PE application.

RE: Licensing

Yes, though as I recall the EIT wasn't really transferred. Like you said, just had to have my EIT state send a note to the PE exam state confirming EIT registration.

RE: Licensing

Lomarandil. Yes not transferred, just verified through official channels. Pardon my word choice.

RE: Licensing

It is my understanding that you cannot get a PE license in Florida without graduating from an ABET accredited school.
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

jgailla is correct. Florida is a bit picky about ABET requirements. They do not recognize a PE from states that do not require ABET accreditation. As others have noted, call the Florida Board of Professional Engineers and ask specific questions. If you don't get reasonable answers from the staff, ask to speak to John Rimes, General Counsel to the Board. He will at least give you the legal position of the Board.

RE: Licensing

(OP)
All,

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

Koot,

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

(OP)
No worries BadgerPE, I'm glad I'm not the only one who found this helpful.

RE: Licensing

I'm in the exact same situation as you SSStruct. I had NCEES do a credential evaluation and they determined I have all the necessary education to take the FE (I already took the FE in new hampshire since they also do not have any requirements). I called my state board (PA) and asked if they take the NCEES evaluation into consideration, and they said yes.

RE: Licensing

Oh and to clarify, they have a PE credential evaluation and FE credential evaluation. I asked and they said they are the same thing.

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