Minnesota PE License Requirements for Becoming a Professional Engineer

Are you aiming for a Minnesota PE license but feeling overwhelmed? Earning a professional engineering license in Minnesota is challenging, especially if you come from another state. For example, you must first meet California PE requirements before pursuing licensure in Minnesota. This article will guide you through the steps to obtain your Minnesota PE license and achieve your goal of becoming a licensed engineer.

If you need assistance with PE exam preparation, StudyForFE’s PE power exam prep offers the resources to help you pass the exam and secure your license in Minnesota.

Why Get Licensed as a Professional Engineer?

A professional engineer (PE) license can help you advance your engineering career in Minnesota. While you can work as an engineer without a license, obtaining a PE license opens new doors. For example, a PE license allows you to prepare, sign, seal, and submit engineering plans to public authorities. 

This is crucial for projects that require official approval, such as construction and infrastructure work. With a PE license, you’re also eligible for roles requiring higher expertise and authority. Whether you’re looking to land a multi-million dollar contract with the federal government or serve as an expert witness in court, the PE license provides the credibility and confidence to excel.

The Role of a Professional Engineer in Minnesota 

A licensed professional engineer in Minnesota has met the state’s qualifications to practice engineering. Specifically, a PE license allows you to offer your engineering services to the public, which includes signing and sealing official documents. Within this definition, engineering can be broken down into a variety of specialties, such as:

• Civil
• Mechanical
• Electrical 
• Chemical engineering

Each discipline has unique qualifications and requirements. A licensed engineer can oversee the work of less qualified engineers and be held legally responsible for their professional activities.

General Requirements for Becoming a Professional Engineer

A professional engineer license is a credential that shows the public that an engineer is qualified to practice independently in a given engineering discipline. Earning a PE license opens up new career opportunities and increases job security and salary potential. 

The requirements for obtaining a professional engineer license vary by state, but here are the general guidelines across the United States: 

Education

To qualify for a professional engineer license, candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited program. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits these programs and ensures they meet the necessary standards.

FE Exam

Candidates must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This test measures the candidate’s knowledge of basic engineering principles and is offered in several engineering disciplines. Most candidates take this exam shortly before or after graduation. 

Work Experience

After passing the FE exam, candidates must work for a minimum of four years in the engineering field under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer. 

PE Exam

Candidates must pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in their chosen engineering discipline. This test measures the candidate’s knowledge and skills to practice engineering independently.

Related Reading

• NJ PE Requirements
• Maryland PE Requirements
• Illinois PE Requirements
• Colorado PE Requirements

Regulatory Board of Minnesota PE Licence Certificate

In Minnesota, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the licensure and regulation of professional engineers is the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design (AELSLAGID). 

The Board’s primary role is to ensure that professionals in architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, geoscience, and interior design meet the necessary standards of competency and ethics. It establishes and enforces regulations to safeguard public welfare and ensure high standards of practice in these fields.

A Closer Look at the Board’s Functions and Responsibilities

Licensure and Certification

Issuing Licenses

The Board is responsible for issuing licenses to qualified engineers and other professionals in the regulated fields. This includes:

• Reviewing applications
• Verifying credentials
• Ensuring that applicants meet all educational, examination, and experience requirements.

Renewal and Compliance

The Board oversees the renewal process for professional licenses and ensures that licensees comply with continuing education requirements and other regulations. 

Regulation and Standards

Setting Standards

The Board sets the standards for education, experience, and examination required for licensure. It ensures that these standards align with national best practices and regulatory trends.

Enforcement

The Board enforces compliance with professional standards and ethical practices. This includes:

• Investigating complaints
• Handling disciplinary actions
• Taking corrective measures against licensees who violate regulations

Education and Resources

Guidance

The Board provides resources and guidance to help professionals understand licensing requirements, application procedures, and continuing education needs. 

Updates and Information

Through its website and publications, it regularly updates professionals on changes to regulations, examination procedures, and other relevant information. 

Public Protection

Complaint Resolution

The Board addresses public complaints and concerns about licensed professionals and has the authority to take disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of licenses, when necessary.

Consumer Advocacy

By regulating the professions, the Board aims to protect the public from substandard practices and ensure that professionals adhere to ethical standards.  

Specific Minnesota PE License Requirements for Becoming a Professional Engineer

To become a licensed Professional Engineer in Minnesota, you must first obtain Engineer-in-Training certification. This is awarded after passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. Here’s how to approach this crucial first step:

Education Requirements

EAC-ABET Accredited Degree

If you have an EAC-ABET accredited bachelor’s degree or are within 32 semester credits of completing such a degree, or if you have an EAC-ABET accredited graduate degree or have earned 24 semester credits towards it, you can directly register with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying to take the FE Exam. There’s no need for prior Board approval.

Non-EAC-ABET Accredited Degrees

If your degree is not EAC-ABET accredited, you must first apply to the Minnesota Board of Professional Engineers for approval to register with NCEES. You must provide a Subject Analysis Evaluation from a Board-approved evaluation service. This report should be sent directly to the Board. 

Application and Examination

Registration

Those with an EAC-ABET degree can register directly with NCEES. For others, you must secure Board approval before registering. 

Exam Administration

The FE Exam is offered year-round. Once you pass, you must send proof of passing and final official transcripts to the Minnesota Board within one year to receive your EIT certificate.

Costs

FE Application: $25, which includes issuance of the EIT certificate. NCEES Exam Fees: These vary and are set by NCEES. 

The Path to the PE Exam: Education and Beyond

To sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements:

Degree Requirement: Education

Typically, you need an EAC-ABET accredited engineering degree. If you’re still completing your degree, you can sit for the FE Exam early if you meet specific criteria outlined in Minnesota rules. 

Non-EAC-ABET Accredited Degrees

If you have a non-EAC-ABET degree or foreign transcripts, you must have your education evaluated and approved by the Minnesota Board.

Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam: What to Expect

Before registering for the PE Exam with NCEES, you must obtain approval from the Minnesota Board. This involves meeting educational and experience requirements. The PE exam can be taken in various disciplines, and applications for these exams should be submitted through the Board.

Exam Types

The PE Exam is transitioning from paper-based to computer-based testing. Some exams are offered year-round, while others are available on specific dates. You must check with NCEES to see the dates available for your particular discipline.

Application and Examination Deadlines

• Single-Day Exams: Applications are tied to specific exam administrations and expire with those administrations.
• CBT Exams: Approved applications are valid for three years, but you must register with NCEES within a year of approval.
• Costs: The Board Application Fee is $75, which covers the evaluation for the exam and, eventually, licensure. 
• NCEES Examination Fee: Paid directly to NCEES. 

Experience Requirements: Practical Knowledge is Key

For the PE Exam, you need to demonstrate practical experience in engineering. This experience should be varied, progressive, and involve applying theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems. Supervisors do not need to be licensed engineers to verify your experience.

Submission

You can provide evidence of experience at the time of your PE application or defer it. But you must submit it within three years of your application to avoid having to reapply.

Experience Documentation

Use the NCEES or Board-provided forms to document and submit your experience. Ensure that your supervisor completes and sends these forms directly to the Board.

After Passing the Exams: What Happens Next?

For the FE Exam

You will receive your EIT certificate once the Board has verified your exam results and transcripts. This is a step towards gaining the required work experience for the PE Exam. 

For the PE Exam

After passing, you need to submit evidence of experience within three years. The Board will then provide instructions on applying for your license. The license fee is $120. You can only practice as a licensed engineer once you receive your license.

Related Reading

• Virginia PE Requirements
• Florida PE Requirements
• Texas PE PDH Requirements
• Ohio PE Requirements
• Michigan PE Requirements

Requirements for Licensure by Comity in Minnesota

Many engineers looking to move to Minnesota want to know about licensure by comity or reciprocity. This option allows professionals to obtain their Minnesota PE license based on their existing credentials without retaking the exam or meeting additional requirements.

Before engineers can apply for licensure by comity in Minnesota, they must first meet the following requirements: 

Education, Examination, and Experience

The Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID will evaluate an applicant’s education, experience and exam results based on the Minnesota standards in place at the time of their original licensure. For example, if an engineer was first licensed in 1998, their application will be assessed according to the rules and requirements from that year.

Experience Verification

Engineers must also verify their experience gained before passing the PE exam. Supervisors from the engineer’s previous employer must confirm this experience to ensure that it aligns with the standards required by Minnesota at the time of initial licensure.

Application Process for Licensure by Comity in Minnesota

The application process for licensure by comity in Minnesota includes the following steps:

Online Services

The Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID requires applicants to apply through the Online Services portal. Within the portal, engineers must choose the appropriate option for licensure by comity.

Document Submission

Engineers can submit their application using one of two methods:

• Submit an NCEES Record: An NCEES Record includes an engineer’s relevant credentials and can streamline the application process.
• Submit Separate Documentation: Engineers who do not use an NCEES Record must provide the following documentation.
• Exam Scores: Proof of passing scores from the PE exam.
• Proof of Licensure: Evidence of current licensure in another state.
• Education Verification: Transcripts or an evaluation of the engineer’s educational background.

Engineers must also complete Experience Reference forms. These must be signed by supervisors and sent directly to the Minnesota Board.

EEE Pathway: What It Is and Who It’s For

The EEE pathway is for engineers who do not qualify for licensure by comity. This pathway is designed for those who:

• Did not complete all their experience before passing the PE exam.
• I cannot verify the experience obtained before taking the PE exam.
• I wish to request a waiver for the FE exam.

Requirements for the EEE Pathway

Unlike licensure by comity, the application for the EEE pathway is assessed based on current Minnesota standards. The following requirements must be met:

Current Standards

As mentioned, applications submitted under the EEE pathway will be reviewed based on Minnesota’s current licensure requirements.

Experience Documentation

Engineers may submit experience obtained after passing the PE exam to meet the minimum experience requirements.

Application Process for the EEE Pathway

The application process for the EEE pathway mirrors that of the licensure by comity process. Here’s a closer look at the steps involved:

Online Services

Engineers must apply through the Online Services portal as with the licensure by comity process. Within the application process, they will select the EEE pathway option. 

Document Submission

Similar to the licensure by comity process, engineers can submit their applications using one of two methods:

• Submit an NCEES Record: An NCEES Record includes relevant details about an engineer’s education, examination, and experience.
• Complete Online Sections: Engineers can fill out the “Education” and “Experience” sections of the online application.

If not using an NCEES Record, applicants will need to provide the following documentation:

• Experience Reference Forms: These must be completed by supervisors and sent directly to the Board.
• Exam Scores and Proof of Licensure: Provide evidence of exam results and current licensure.
• Education Verification: Submit transcripts or an evaluation report.

Minnesota Continuing Education Requirements

Minnesota’s Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design (AELSLAGID) oversees the state’s continuing education requirements for Professional Engineers (PEs). PEs must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their licenses.

What Do I Need to Know for Renewal?

Two hours out of the 24 must specifically cover professional ethics. Ethics hours cannot be carried over from previous periods. Up to 12 24 hours can be carried over from the last cycle renewal, but the ethics hours must be earned in the current cycle.

What Types of Continuing Education Count?

PEs have several options for meeting their CE requirements:

• College courses that are relevant to engineering, whether for credit or audit
• Seminars and workshops, whether in-person or online
• In-house training offered by an employer
• Presentations and publications
• Professional service on boards or committees that relate to engineering

The key is that continuing education should be designed to maintain or improve professional skills for the benefit of public safety and welfare. 

How Do I Keep My License Active?

• In Minnesota, licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years. To keep your license active:
• Complete the renewal form and send it to the Board with the $180 fee before June 30.
• You will incur a $60 late fee if you miss the deadline.
• If your license lapses, you must request reinstatement by emailing leama.sather@state.mn.us. 

The Board will outline the steps to reinstate your license, including any additional fees or continuing education requirements.

Are There Exemptions to the CE Requirements?

Yes. New licensees are exempt from reporting CE hours for the first renewal. You can apply for an exemption from CE requirements if you have a:

• Serious illness
• Military service
• Another hardship

You will need to provide documentation to support your claim. Engineers with dual licenses or certificates must meet the CE requirements for both professions but can share PDH. 

Keeping Track of Your Continuing Education

You should keep records of your continuing education activities for four years after the end of the licensing period. This should include details like:

• Course subjects
• Dates
• Proof of attendance

You may need to show these records if the Board conducts an audit or receives a complaint.  

What Happens If I Don’t Comply?

If a licensee fails to meet the CE requirements, the Board will notify them and allow 180 days to either substantiate the reported PDH or complete additional qualifying hours. Please comply within this timeframe to avoid suspension of the license.  

Passing Your FE And PE Exams on the First Try

You must understand what to expect on test day to prep for the FE and PE exams. Begin by reviewing the specifications provided by NCEES, which detail the exam content and format. Then, get your hands on practice tests to familiarize yourself with the question styles and uncover any knowledge gaps. 

Create a Study Plan To Guide Your Prep

A detailed study plan will keep you organized and focused as you study for the FE and PE exams. Start by breaking your study sessions into manageable chunks and creating a schedule that allows you to cover all the necessary topics before your test date. It can also help to mix up your study methods to stay engaged.

Invest in Quality Study Materials

Not all study materials are created equally. To prepare effectively for the FE and PE exams, you must invest in high-quality review resources targeting your upcoming test. Look for:

• Study books
• Online resources
• Practice exams that are tailored to the FE and PE exams

Joining a study group can also be beneficial. It allows you to interact with other test takers and share helpful insights.

Take a PE Review Course

A prep course can help you tackle the PE exam with confidence. These structured classes offer:

• Detailed overview of the exam topics
• Provide practice problems to enhance your understanding

They also teach you valuable test-taking strategies to help you on exam day. Look for a course with plenty of resources, including mock exams, to help you prepare for the PE exam.

Practice Time Management Skills

Time management is crucial on exam day. You can avoid panic and improve your pacing by practicing timed mock exams as you study. Simulate real exam conditions to build your endurance and help you stay calm and focused on the big day.

Land Your Dream Electrical Engineering Job With Ease With the Help of Our PE Power Exam Prep Review Course

When preparing for the PE power exam, you want to work with a trusted resource with a proven track record of success. 

StudyForFE is an online exam preparation platform founded by Wasim Asghar, a licensed Professional Engineer with over 15 years of industry experience. 

As the name suggests, StudyForFE helps electrical engineering students study for the FE exam. Nevertheless, the platform also offers a comprehensive PE power exam preparation course to help you pass the PE Power Exam on your first try. 

The course features:

• Interactive lectures
• Practice problems
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With a wealth of experience and several published textbooks and study guides on the FE and PE exams, Wasim has helped countless students prepare for their exams and advance their engineering careers. Many of his students credit his courses and mentorship for their success. 

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Related Reading

• Indiana PE Requirements
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• Ohio PE PDH Requirements
• Florida PE PDH Requirements
• NYS PE Requirements
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• Georgia PE Requirements
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• Washington State PE License Requirements
• Arizona PE License Requirements
• Massachusetts PE Requirements
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