Licensure for Mechanical Engineers
Licensure is a method of enforcing high standards of quality in the engineering profession. It also restricts incompetence in practice by ensuring that only qualified engineers who meet specific qualifications in academics, work experience, and exams can practice. Licensure for engineering professionals is regulated by the state. As such, requirements may vary by state. Individuals can check with their home states for specific information regarding licensing. However, the general process to become a Professional Engineer (PE) is outlined below:
1. Graduate from an ABET-Accredited Mechanical Engineering Degree Program
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) plays a vital role in educational quality assurance through the accrediting role it plays. Programs that fall within the focus of ABET are applied science, computing, engineering and technology. Since accreditation ensures quality standards, many certification and licensure boards require applicants for credentials to be graduates from an ABET-accredited program.
2. Take and Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
Individuals must take the FE exam as a prerequisite to the PE exam. This is an 8-hour exam, administered twice a year, in April and October. Students take 120 questions in the morning session and 60 questions in the afternoon session. The topics covered by the FE exam are listed below:
Morning Session: 120 Multiple-Choice Questions
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Electricity and magnetism
- Engineering economics
- Engineering mechanics
- Engineering probability and statistics
- Ethics and business practices
- Fluid mechanics
- Material properties
- Mathematics
- Strength of materials
- Thermodynamics
Afternoon Session: 60 Multiple-Choice Questions
- Fluid mechanics and fluid machinery
- Heat transfer
- Kinematics, dynamics and vibrations
- Materials and processing
- Measurements, instruments and controls
- Mechanical design and analysis
- Refrigeration and HVAC
- Thermodynamics and energy conversion processes
3. Develop Work Experience, Under the Supervision of a PE
In most cases, a minimum of four years is required to develop significant work experience. The working experience should have occurred in a mechanical engineering field.
4. Take and Pass the PE Exam for Mechanical Engineering
The exam determines whether candidates have the required competencies to practice mechanical engineering. Individuals are expected to apply to take an 8-hour exam that best matches their specialty. The 3 areas offered for mechanical engineers in the exam are:
- HVAC and Refrigeration
- Mechanical Systems and Materials
- Thermal and Fluids Systems
Individuals who successfully take the PE exam and meet the other requirements are awarded the PE credential. Professional engineers are expected to commit to lifelong learning in order to enhance their skills.
- Services Performed by Professional Engineers
- A PE can become a principal in a firm
- Bidding for government contracts
- Engage in consultancy
- Give services to the public
- Sealing and stamping designs
Sources:
Accreditation Assures Quality. (2011) ABET.
FE Exam. Retrieved July 7, 2011. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
Licensure. Retrieved July 7, 2011. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. Retrieved July 7, 2011. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
PE Exam. Retrieved July 7, 2011. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
What is a PE? (2011) National Society of Professional Engineers.