Washington State PE License Requirements for Becoming a PE (Simplified)

Becoming a professional engineer in Washington State can be a rewarding experience, but it requires meeting specific criteria set by the state’s licensing board. If you’re familiar with California PE requirements, you’ll find that Washington follows different rules and processes. This article outlines the Washington State PE license requirements and guides you through obtaining your professional engineer license in the Evergreen State.

Preparing for the PE exam can feel daunting, especially if you’re uncertain about what lies ahead. StudyForFE’s PE power exam prep offers the tools and resources you need to succeed and achieve your goal of becoming a licensed professional engineer in Washington State. 

Why Get Licensed as a Professional Engineer?

Professional Engineers hold licenses comparable to those of a certified public accountant in the business world or a medical license in the healthcare industry. They are respected by the public and seen in the same light as licensed professionals in other fields. Their peers within the engineering community also hold them in high esteem, seeing them as part of an elite group.

Career Development and the PE License

A PE license is a valuable asset for engineers. It signals a high level of expertise, dedication to the profession, and strong leadership potential, making PE holders highly sought after by employers. It is also necessary to increase levels of authority and responsibility. 

Authority: What You Can Do With a PE License

PEs hold exclusive rights to engineer and testify. Only Professional Engineers can legally sign and seal engineering documents. Additionally, they are the sole individuals qualified to lead engineering firms or serve as expert witnesses. Many government agencies and educational institutions also emphasize licensure among their engineers.

Flexibility: Career Options With a PE License

A PE license is your passport to career success. It empowers you to specialize, become an entrepreneur, or weather industry storms. Your professional journey is limited only by your ambition and skills.

Financial Benefits of Obtaining a PE License

PEs command higher earning potential and career flexibility. With a PE license, engineers can explore lucrative opportunities beyond traditional employment, such as independent consulting.

General Requirements for Becoming a Professional Engineer

To obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, you typically need to meet the following requirements:

Educational Requirement

• Earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.

Examinations

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

• A 110-question exam is to be completed within six hours.
• Tests knowledge of basic engineering principles in seven disciplines (e.g., Chemical, Civil, Mechanical).
• Usually taken during the senior year of the bachelor’s program or shortly after graduation.
• Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) for a fee.

Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam

• Designed for candidates with four years of professional engineering experience under a licensed PE.
• Tests knowledge and skills in a specific engineering discipline and engineering ethics.

Professional Experience

• Complete four years of professional engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed PE.

License Renewal and Continuing Education

• PE licenses require renewal on an annual or biennial basis, with continuing education requirements.

Related Reading

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

Regulatory Board of Washington State PE Licence Certificate

The regulatory board responsible for overseeing the licensure of Professional Engineers (PE) in Washington State is the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS). This board plays a crucial role in ensuring that qualified and competent professionals conduct the state’s engineering and land surveying practices.

Key Responsibilities

Issuing Licenses

The BRPELS evaluates applications for PE licenses and ensures that candidates meet the following requirements:

• Educational
• Experience
• Examination

Continuing Education

It mandates ongoing education for licensed professionals to maintain their knowledge and skills in the field. Washington State professional engineers are required to accumulate 15 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) annually to maintain their license.

Disciplinary Actions

The board has the authority to investigate complaints against licensed engineers and take disciplinary actions, including:

• Fines
• License suspension or revocation

Public Protection

The board is dedicated to safeguarding public safety and well-being through strict adherence to engineering ethics and standards.

Specific Washington State PE License Requirements for Becoming a Professional Engineer

To earn a Professional Engineer license in Washington State, you must pass two exams and fulfill experience requirements. With each step, you’ll validate your engineering knowledge and skills, ensuring you’re prepared to practice professionally.

Pass the Engineer-in-Training Exam (EIT)

The first step is to pass the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) exam. This exam, also known as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, tests your knowledge of fundamental engineering concepts. Most candidates take the EIT exam soon after completing their undergraduate engineering degree.

Gain Experience, Then Pass the PE Exam

After gaining relevant work experience, you must pass the Principles and Practices of Engineering (PE) exam. This exam tests your ability to practice engineering in a specific discipline professionally.

Experience Requirements for Getting Your PE License in Washington State

You need 8 years of professional-level engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer. An ABET-accredited engineering degree can count for up to 4 years of this experience. 

Experience gained while enrolled in an approved educational program (such as internships or summer work) can count toward this requirement, but no more than one year of experience will be granted for any single calendar year.

Additional Exam Requirement for Structural Engineers

Engineers who have successfully completed the NCEES 16-hour lateral and vertical structural examination must still pass an additional 8-hour NCEES PE exam in a different engineering discipline to qualify for a PE license in Washington State.

What If I Have a Foreign Engineering Degree?

If you hold an engineering degree from a foreign institution, you must have your degree evaluated by NCEES Credentials Evaluations unless your degree:

• Is accredited by ABET
• Is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB)
• Or if you have a Master’s degree from a school with an ABET-accredited undergraduate program in the same discipline.

If your degree qualifies for evaluation, you must submit an English translation of your undergraduate transcripts and your evaluation if you have a Master’s in Engineering.

How To Apply for a Professional Engineer License in Washington State

The application process for a PE license in Washington State involves several steps and requires specific documents:

• Engineer’s Law Review Exam: Complete this exam as part of your application process.
• Professional Engineering Experience Verification: You must verify your work experience through the Professional Engineering Experience and Verification form or by maintaining an NCEES Record.
• Official Transcripts: If you want your education to count toward your experience requirement, you must submit official transcripts.
• By Comity: You’ll need to verify licensing in any other jurisdiction(s), if any.

Experience Verification Options

• Sealed Envelope Submission: Send the completed Professional Engineering Experience and Verification form to your experience verifier. The verifier will return it in a sealed envelope, which you must submit unopened. Alternatively, the verifier can email the form directly to the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Application Process

Online Application

Prepare electronic copies of your documents, including the completed Engineer’s Law Review, and submit your application online. You’ll need to pay the application fee online.

By Mail

Complete the application forms, including the Professional Engineer Registration Application, Professional Engineering Experience and Verifications, and Engineer Law Review, and mail them with a check or money order for the application fee to the Board’s address.

Application Fees

• $65 for applying by exam.
  $110 for applying by comity (if you’re already licensed in another state).

Washington State Continuing Education Requirements

Professional Engineers in Washington State renew their licenses every two years. Like in any other state, the license expiration date is based on when the licensee first obtained it. In Washington State, PE licenses expire every two years on the licensee’s birthday.

PEs can renew their licenses up to 120 days before the expiration date. Starting the renewal process early is recommended to avoid any lapses in licensure. PEs can renew their licenses online by following these steps:

Browse Requirement

• Use Google Chrome with the pop-up blocker turned off.

Account Access

• Log in to a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account
• If you don’t have an account, create one

Service Addition

• Add the “Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors” service through the Department of Licensing to your SAW account.

Upon completing these steps, you may initiate the online renewal process.

What Are the Continuing Education Requirements for Washington State PE License Renewal?

In Washington State, Professional Engineers (PEs) are not required to complete continuing education or Professional Development Hours (PDHs) to renew their PE licenses. This sets Washington apart from many states where continuing education is mandatory for maintaining licensure. 

Washington PE License Renewal: Key Points

• No mandatory continuing education requirements for license renewal
• Engineers maintain professional status with greater flexibility
• Appeals to those who prefer self-directed professional development
• Many PEs voluntarily pursue education and training to stay current with industry trends and advancements

Related Reading

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

Passing Your FE and PE Exams on the First Try

Know the Exam Inside and Out

• Understand the exam format and content.
• Understand the topics covered and question formats
• Review NCEES exam specifications for a clear picture of what to expect
• Use practice exams to assess readiness and identify areas needing extra practice

Create a Study Roadmap

A well-thought-out study plan is your roadmap to success. Set aside dedicated study time and break your sessions into manageable chunks. Focus on different topics according to your strengths and weaknesses. Mix up your study methods to keep things interesting:

• Textbooks
• Online resources
• Practice questions

Get the Best Study Materials

High-quality study materials can make a big difference. Choose review books and resources specifically designed for the FE and PE exams. Connect with fellow exam candidates.

Consider a PE Prep Course

Enrolling in a PE prep course can provide structured guidance and expert insights. These courses often include:

• Detailed review sessions
• Practice problems
• Test-taking strategies

Look for classes that offer extra resources like mock exams or personalized tutoring, especially if you want additional support and flexibility. For instance, StudyForFE offers comprehensive review courses like:

• FE Electrical Exam Prep Review Course 
• PE Power Exam Preparation Course

These courses help students pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineering (PE) exams. 

Practice Under Timed Conditions

It is crucial to manage your time effectively during the exam. Practice with timed mock exams to get used to the pacing and pressure of the test. Simulate real exam conditions as closely as possible to build endurance and focus, helping you stay calm and efficient on the big day.

Related Reading

• Indiana PE Requirements
• Virginia PE License Requirements
• Ohio PE PDH Requirements
• Florida PE PDH Requirements
• NYS PE Requirements
• Pennsylvania PE License
• Georgia PE Requirements
• North Carolina PE License Requirements
• Arizona PE License Requirements
• Massachusetts PE Requirements
• Tennessee PE License
• Missouri PE Requirements
• Wisconsin PE License
• Minnesota PE License
• South Carolina PE License
• Alabama PE Requirements
• Louisiana PE Requirements
• Kentucky PE Requirements
• Oregon PE Requirements
• Professional Engineer License Requirements
• PE Exam Requirements
• PE License Requirements
• PE License Requirements by State
• PE Exam Requirements California

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Educational Requirement

• Complete an ABET-accredited engineering degree.
• If your degree is not ABET-accredited, you may still qualify if you meet specific criteria outlined by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.

Experience Requirement

• Complete at least two years of engineering experience.

Examination Requirement

• Pass the California-specific Professional Engineer exam to obtain your license.