"PE versus" "C. Eng" qualification

[azmaway]

I am from the UK, been living in the US for over 10 years. The UK equivalent to PE is the C. Eng (Chartered Engineer)qualification. Does anyone know if a C. Eng can automatically get you a PE in the USA??

Best Regards,

Wayne Azmat

 

[Carburize]

Yes - there is a reciprocity arrangement with most of the state PE organizations. You will need to get some supporting documents from PEs that you have worked with.

 

[JStephen]

It won't automatically do anything.

In the US, PE rules and laws are state-by-state. The rules will typically be online. So figure out what state you're interested in and look up the rules to see.

Generally, if you are registered in one state and want to register in another, you have to fill out an application, furnish references, transcripts, etc. But you don't have to take any additional tests, provided you took the applicable tests in the first state. Some states have special requirements as well (seismic for California civil/ structural engineers, for example). It might vary some when coming from out of the US, but expect that you would have to do at least that much. The whole process normally takes a couple of months. You should be able to do this all by mail/phone/email, unless you need to take tests that aren't available at home.

 

[Carburize]

Where are you resident in the US?

 

[GBor]

I agree that there is reciprocity between many states, but not between countries. Try the National Society of Professional Engineers (

http://www.nspe.org)

and see what they say. The rules are written on a state by state basis, but the NSPE may be able to help you get recognition the first time around.

Garland E. Borowski, PE

 

[Carburize]

GBor - I know that there are reciprocity agreements between TSPE and the UK.

 

[GBor]

Interesting...

Garland E. Borowski, PE

 

[GBor]

A little research on the Alabama code reveals the following:

"The board may, upon application, issue a certificate of licensure as a professional engineer to any person who holds a valid professional engineering certificate issued by another jurisdiction within the United States, OR OF ANY COUNTRY; provided that the education, experience and examination qualifications of the applicant meet the requirements of this chapter and the rules established by the board." Section 34-11-4 Paragraph 1(b) of the Law and Adminstrative Code of the state of Alabama.

Oh, well, certainly not the first time I was ever wrong. My apologies, Carburize.

The big problem may be the 10 years. azmaway, is your license still active in the UK?


Garland E. Borowski, PE

 

[azmaway]

I am a resident in Massachusetts. I am not actually a Chartered Engineer yet. I shoul get it early next year.

Many thanks for the information to everyone.

Wayne Azmat

 

[JStephen]

If you're not actually a Chartered Engineer yet, it would probably be just as easy to just work your PE application simultaneously with your Chartered Engineer paperwork. The only real advantage of doing either one first would be if it got you out of the testing for the other one.

Also, I seem to recall that MA is not that big, geographically. Check the PE rules of bordering states, and compare with MA. You may be able to save some hassle there- worked for me once upon a time.

 

[Cockroach]

Azmaway, I would be surprised if you could simply apply. Since Britan and Canada have almost equal engineering law legislation, you may have to write a State exam for the region in which you wish to practice. After successful completion, you could possibly apply to other states.

Check you professional association, they will provide guidance. There are Free Trade Agreement clauses which are govern through NAFTA, but you would need to slide over to Canada and then take residency prior to applying.

If you're in a hurry, just write the State exam.

Kenneth J Hueston, PEng
Principal
Sturni-Hueston Engineering Inc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada