PE in USA

[civeng15]

Hi folks,
I am a Canadian citizen PE engineer with a master degree and having a seven years of experience as a structural engineer in Ontario and planning to move south. Also have done my NCEES evaluation and wondering what is the easiest way to get a PE in USA ( which state) All I know is that the state of Texas has an agreement with Canada (NAFTA agreement) where I can get a temporary license with certain requirements. Is there a way to be exempt from any of the FE or PE exams.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[KootK]

I'm a Canadian citizen who did my first decade of work experience in the US. I hold a bunch of US licenses but am now back in Canada.

I know of no way to avoid the FE/PE exams and gain permanent licensure. And really, when you practice in the US, being able to operate in your home state and a bunch of the ones near by is very important to your ability to succeed. So I'd recommend getting the tests squared away.

From personal experience, I know that Nevada, Hawaii, and New Jersey all have the limited license option that you mentioned.

An issue that I've been having lately is that some states won't allow me to renew my PE now that I no longer hold valid US work authorization. This seems to be a hangover from the economic downturn where anything and everything was being done to protect American jobs for Americans. As you can imagine, that can be pretty frustrating when you have no intention of working in the US but still have to give up hard earned licenses. As such, I'd recommend Washington state as a starting place. None of the west coast states enforce the work authorization business. And WA is much easier to gain your basic PE in than either Oregon or California.

There is a treaty out there that guarantees equivalency for Canadian CBET accredited engineering programs in relation to US ABET accredited programs. That may come in handy in your travels so it's good to know that it exists.

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.

 

[Teguci]

protect American jobs for Americans

Just to clarify, you mean real Americans

I suggest picking a state you want to work in and looking at that particular state's requirements. Once in, you can gain reciprocity for most of the other states with equal or lesser requirements.

 

[KootK]

Just to clarify, you mean real Americans

Essentially. More nuanced: protect American jobs for anyone legally authorized to work in America. Citizenship / permanent residency desirable but not required!

I actually had to give up the very first engineering license that I ever obtained. And the one required for the state that I'd be most likely to return to. Not. A happy. Camper.

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.

 

[Teguci]

@KootK - Just poking at your use of the term "American." The half of my family that lives up north have always been careful to not presume that term identifies people from the States exclusively. Of course they had no problem presuming that States referred to USA though.

Feel for you on your loss. What would be the process to get your licenses back once those states realize their lack of good engineers?

 

[JStephen]

Pick your state and start reading the rules.
Note that some states have more rigorous requirements for SE's and if you qualify, it's advantageous to get a license there first, makes it easier to get one later in other states.
California is one of those, but seems like they have some different experience requirements that may be an issue as well.
The system assumes that you start in your "home" state and if you're not, it may make it more awkward to get the first license.
The legal residency rules, I think are aimed primarily at illegal aliens, not so much people living elsewhere that are licensed here- read the rules, if they don't make sense, check with the state boards in question.
If there's no other preference and you have to take the tests, start with the state you're nearest to so you can drive in.

 

[KootK]

Ah. I'm not one if those folks who objects to the US succonding of the demonym "American". Nobody refers to themselves by their continental demonym and you guys have "America" built right into your proper name. I think other countries just like to point to this as faux evidence of America's supposed lack of cultural sensitivity.

To get my license back all I have to do is get a job in the US and move there. That's it! The WI licensing department couldn't understand why I felt it was such a big deal. Meanwhile, whenever I apply for a new license, I have to check the "ever been revoked" box and explain that I'm not a pedophile and I'm up to date on my child support. It hurts my eng-heart, that's all.

I'll have the last laugh though. I imported my very own American and married her. Someday I'll figure out how to work that to my advantage from north of the border.

Another useful fact: only citizens and green card holders can hold permanent licenses in NY. No other immigrant status will fly. I'm planning to just have Bookowski stamp my NY stuff if need be. We agree on most things.

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.

 

[civeng15]

Thank you guys for your comments.
@KootK: is a valid working permit a must to register for PE or write FE or PE exam?
I am tryin to avoid the FE exam because I quit school 7 years ago and won't be easy to go back and study all the curriculum courses. Also I got few interviews from USA engineering firms but because they're not familiar with TN visa they quickly give up.

 

[KootK]

Oh, and only folks with US undergrad degrees can have the NCEES model law structural engineer designation. I did my MSC in the US at an ABET school and if didn't make a lick of difference. Why? No such thing as an abet accredited Master's. My only option was to redo my undergrad.

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.

 

[KootK]

is a valid working permit a must to register for PE or write FE or PE exam?

I'm not sure if that would be the case if you were living in the states without a work permit and hoping to write the exams in the US.

The FE and PE are available in many Canadian registrations and, depending on your timing, I'd recommend taking that route. Alberta actually offers the SE exams now. I took mine up in Edmonton.

I am tryin to avoid the FE exam because I quit school 7 years ago and won't be easy to go back and study all the curriculum courses.

I took the FE four years out of school myself. And yeah, pretty terrifying. I studied two hours a day for six months. My advice to you:

1) Try it once with no studying. Just read through the equation cheat sheet carefully and wing it. I way over studied and am pretty sure that this would have worked for me. It would have saved me a ton of effort and time. The exam is a mile wide but only an inch deep. There's diffEQ, electricity, highways etc but it's all super easy stuff within those disciplines. And you don't need much of a score to pass.

2) If you fail, register again and study the big yellow book by Lindberg (sp?).

Also I got few interviews from USA engineering firms but because they're not familiar with TN visa they quickly give up.

I've had success explaining it to employers this way:

1) $150 visa obtained at the boarder and renewable indefinitely online.
2) All employer has to do is write a carefully worded letter for you to take to the border (I have samples).
3) All of the risk is the employee's. Either you get across the border or you don't.
4) If you suck, they can fire you and you'll just get deported. Kinda like a non-compete contract clause at no cost to them.


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.

 

[MrHershey]

Would second KootK. Take the test once mostly blind. Maybe take an evening to review the FE reference handbook with old notes. You may very well pass, it's not a difficult test. You don't even need a degree to take it, on the path to licensure it usually comes even before getting a college degree for most US-educated engineers. And even though most of the applicants aren't even degreed yet, the pass rate is typically around 75%. Many universities boast a 90%+ pass rate.

Certainly would take the chance before you invest too much. And if you do happen to fail then at least you have a better feel for what you're up against.