Benefits of obtaining a PE license

[bk2]

Hello all,
I am a Mechanical engineer with 4 years of experience in design / FEA field. I also have a Masters degree in Mech. Engg. I am thinking about obtaining my PE license in the state of TX but I wanted to look for any inputs from experienced people as to what is the real advantage of obtaining this license.

I dont see myself starting my own firm in the next 5-7 years. Are there any real benefits in investing time in preparing for the exam now? Does it have a value only if you are a consultant in any particular field or Is it just another certification?

 

[sms]

I find that HR types love to see PE on your resume. I have not used mine much, but I am glad I have it.

-The future's so bright I gotta wear shades!

 

[GBor]

Master's in Mechanical. PE in Alabama. NCEES record. I am a consultant, but I got the PE for me...not some planned benefit. It is important if you want to do anything in the construction area (HVAC, Commercial Piping, etc.), and as a consultant, it gives some credibility. States are moving in the direction of requiring a PE for professional witness testimony with some exceptions. If you are ever going to do it, do it now...I encourage everyone to pursue it. As far as a "global benefit", I think it opens up some career opportunities that otherwise might not exist, but it is critical for architects and civil engineers...doesn't seem as critical for general mechanical engineers, particularly those in large firms or industries.

Garland E. Borowski, PE
Borowski Engineering & Analytical Services, Inc.
Lower Alabama SolidWorks Users Group

 

[JStephen]

I'd say go ahead and do it if convenient. Especially if your employer will cover the cost.

One issue is that while you may never need it at your current employer, you might wish to have it if you change, and it takes a couple of months or more to go through all the paperwork.

 

[STYMIEDPIPER]

Search for job listings in your field or mechanical engineers at careerbuilders.com

Most likely, you will find that your employment opportunities are much greater with the PE as compared to without.

I was in your shoes 30 years ago. As you progress later in your career you will see that the time invested early in carreer will be rewarding as to more opportunities available.

In addition, engineering is evolving to the point of specialist where a BS is only the first step. Let me give you an example (It is practically mandatory that in this era, teachers require a master degree to obtain a position. A BS is no longer sufficient by itself).

 

[CoryPad]

Search this site. This topic has been covered before, with good information provided by many people.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[patdaly]

At your age, i would net even hesitate to get it. Like it or not, they are going to require it sooner or later.

 

[zekeman]

Other than window dressing for me, it is probably not a bad idea to get one. You would be surprised at how much it dazzles some employers who think that it is the crowning achievement in the profession and it even has a "professional ring" to it. Even a masters degree doesn't usually evoke such response.
Of course, if you do municipal work etc. it may be necessary to sign off on drawings and thus would be mandatory.
So, my 2 cents says get it!
I'm not sure if you must renew it every year if you don't need it, especially given the high fees for renewal, which is a joke. I personally have never needed it in 30 years and have never renewed it, but I am still a PE since I passed the test.

 

[tygerdawg]

Ditto what GBor said.

I have one, but have never used it since my work is in the area of manufacturing automation engineering. I maintain an inactive status so that I can put the "P.E." behind my name. The benefit for me over the years:
(1) legitimized my claim to be an "engineer". In my field, it seems like any joker holding a wrench can call himself an engineer, and get away with it.
(2) It opened a few doors for employment opportunities.
(3) In my moonlighting business, there is a definite "sales & marketing" advantage to having it.

TygerDawg

 

[rbulsara]

It surely adds credence to your qualificaitons.

For one, you will not lose anything. There is only gain to be had. How much is upto you.

In normal MEP/civil/structural consulting firm, a PE license makes the difference of about 10% in salary whethere or not you stamp the drwaings or not.

In consulting business a PE is far more valuable, err essential than a ME degree.

It will also makes a difference when a promotion time comes up and everything else being equal, one with a PE holds a clear edge, even in non-consulting business.

 

[JStephen]

If you haven't renewed, then your license is void by now, and you can't use a PE title. At least that's the way it works in TX. It doesn't just mean you passed a test.

See if your employer will pick up the renewal fees. I think $225 or $235 or so in Texas (IE, they use it to generate revenue). Most states are much cheaper.

Generally, if your license lapses, you can renew it within several months or a year just by paying an extra penalty. If you wait too long, you have to go through the application process again (of course, you wouldn't need to take the test again.)

 

[sms]

In Texas you can take an industrial exemption if you are not offering services to the general public, then you can claim exemption to the $200 fee.

-The future's so bright I gotta wear shades!

 

[zekeman]

quote
"If you haven't renewed, then your license is void by now, and you can't use a PE title. At least that's the way it works in TX. It doesn't just mean you passed a test.

SAYS WHO.
Why don't you tell my perpective employers that. I will use that title wherever and whenever I want since I passed the test. Moreover as long as I am not signing off on any drawings it is still a valid description of my background.
I suppose if some state wanted you to pay them a fee to keep a masters degree active and you refused, then would that mean you no longr could claim the degree?
I think you ought to join the PE police and investigate all those who are not complying by paying a silly fee for no need. I think we are a danger to society.

 

[TenPenny]

Although not explicitly stated, we'll assume you are somewhere in the US.

In Canada, the term is "P.Eng.", and you can ONLY call yourself an "engineer" if you are registered with your provincial association.

Microsoft keeps pushing the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) designation, but they've been taken to court in Canada because you can't call people engineers if they aren't PEngs.

 

[jpankask]

ksbarry, I would absolutely recommend that you earn your license, if you are so inclined. Even if you do not currently need it, it will help to open doors for you and may even lead to increased compensation at an unexpected time. If you not motivated to put in the time and resources to pass, don't waste your time.

Zekeman, Says EVERY state licensing board in the United States. If you are not a licensed (current and paid) engineer in a particular state, you can NOT put P.E. after your name or claim the title Professional Engineer, Licensed Engineer or a few other reserved titles. You may correctly state that you have passed the Professional Engineering licensing exam (Principles and Practice of Engineering), but it is illegal to use the designation P.E. after your name if you are not currently licensed. In fact, it is illegal to use the designation in a state you are not licensed in, even if you are licensed in another state. Your "perpective employers" should try to validate your claim if a P.E. is essential to your PERSPECTIVE position. When your claim doesn't check out, one of them may indeed turn you in to the state board and you will be fined and/or barred from becoming licensed in that state. Also, a master's degree is not regulated by the state.

 

[JStephen]

Here's what the state laws of Texas have to say about it:

SUBCHAPTER G. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
§ 1001.301. License Required
(a) A person may not engage in the practice of engineering unless the person holds a license issued under this chapter.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (f), a person may not, unless the person holds a license issued under this chapter, directly or indirectly
use or cause to be used as a professional, business, or commercial identification, title, name, representation, claim, asset, or means of
advantage or benefit any of, or a variation or abbreviation of, the following terms:
(1) “engineer”;
(2) “professional engineer”;
(3) “licensed engineer”;
(4) “registered engineer”;
(5) “registered professional engineer”;
(6) “licensed professional engineer”; or
(7) “engineered.”
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (f), a person may not directly or indirectly use or cause to be used an abbreviation, word, symbol,
slogan, or sign that tends or is likely to create an impression with the public that the person is qualified or authorized to engage in the
practice of engineering unless the person holds a license and is practicing under this chapter.

§ 1001.353. Procedure for Renewal
(c) A person whose license has been expired for more than 90 days but less than two years may renew the license by paying to the Board
the required annual renewal fee, a late renewal fee and any applicable increase in fees as required by Section 1001.206 for each delinquent
year or part of a year.
(d) A person whose license has been expired for two years or more may not renew the license. The person may obtain a new license by
complying with the requirements and procedures, including the examination requirements, for obtaining an original license.

In other words, when your license is expired and is not renewed, you're not a registered engineer, can't call yourself such.

You might also note that the various licensing boards do issue rosters (usually available online) of all currently licensed engineers. If anyone you're ever dealing with decides to look you up on the roster (which is a handy way to verify company and name spelling, by the way), they'll find out right quick your actual status.

You might also note that taking the test(s) is just part of the licensing process. You could, in Texas, get licensed without the tests, and you could conceivably take the test and never get licensed. They're not the same thing.

Most states have similar rules, and most states have their rules online. If in any doubt, call up your state licensing board and ask them.

I would be curious if you still drive with your 30-year-old driving license. I took a test for that, too.

 

[GregLocock]

"I would be curious if you still drive with your 30-year-old driving license. "

Sure. Mine covered me from date of issue until I am 70. Quite whether the nasty plastic folder will survive another 24 years is another matter.





Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[zekeman]

Sorry if I offended all you PEs.please don't have me arrested for using the designation. I will be careful not to show up in public. And if it suits you, I will not call myself a PE, because to get reinstated it may take most of my pension money and I figure I need every penny of it rather than enrich the state coiffers.

 

[electricpete]

On the original question, I agree with the crowd.

The effort will likely be minimal (especially if you just finished your MS). I'm pretty sure you get 3 chances at the test, so why even bother studying for the first one. Just take it cold the first time and only study if you have to retake. The only minor hassle is the paperwork for application.

The credential to put on your resume and business cards and Christmas cards (just kidding) is noteworthy. And signing your name as K S Barry PE is not quite as tacky as K S Barry MSME imo. With the industry exemption that Steve mentioned in TX, I think it's only $30 a year for renewal. As mentioned by others, a PE is perhaps comparable to a MS in terms of recognition, even though the time youl would invest into a PE would likely be a tiny fraction of the time you spent on your MS. Bottom line... it's a NO-BRAINER decision.



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[zekeman]

Quote "The credential to put on your resume and business cards and Christmas cards (just kidding) is noteworthy. And signing your name as K S Barry PE is not quite as tacky as K S Barry MSME imo. With the industry exemption that Steve mentioned in TX, I think it's only $30 a year for renewal. As mentioned by others, a PE is perhaps comparable to a MS in terms of recognition, even though the time youl would invest into a PE would likely be a tiny fraction of the time you spent on your MS. Bottom line... it's a NO-BRAINER decision."

Depends on the industry. In my case, I worked mostly in the aerospace field and never saw a manager get excited over any candidate having a PE license. it was never a requrement. Advanced degrees were held in higher esteem as they should. In fact very few people had the PE license.
My point was that while it is a good achievement and it certainly should be required for certain documentation, since it forces a minimum level of expertise, and I recommend it, all engineers don't NEED one.
Lastly,Greg, I believe you.