How Beneficial is PE Electrical Exam for Electrical Engineers?

Are you having second thoughts about pursuing a PE license in Electrical Engineering?

Obtaining the PE licensure is a tremendous achievement regardless of your choice of discipline, and it helps you reach new heights in your career. Read on to know more about the benefits of becoming a licensed Professional Engineer.

Path to the PE license

The primary steps involved in earning a PE license are:

• Graduate from an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering program.
  
  
• Take up and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Once you pass the FE exam, you will officially become an 'Engineer-in-Training' (EIT) or 'Engineer Intern' (EI).
  
  
• Accumulate a minimum of four years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed PE. The experience requirements vary state-wise, so check your state board's set of regulations before applying for the PE.
  
  
• Sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
  
  
• Once you have passed the PE exam, you can apply for Professional licensure.

Is it worth the effort?

It is easy to come up with excuses for not pursuing the PE license. You may feel you are held up with work, and studying will leave you with no personal life or time to socialize.

But the real question is, "Are you happy with a sub-par career?"

The PE license comes with plenty of benefits and can propel your career to new heights. So, the few months you spend prepping for the PE exam will not go in vain.

Benefits of Becoming a PE

Credibility:

• The PE license indicates that you have an in-depth understanding of fundamental engineering concepts.
  
  
• Earning a PE license gives you a taste of accomplishment and boosts your reputation. Licensed Professional Engineers command respect from the public and fellow engineers. Professional Engineers are regarded in high esteem within the engineering community.

Career Opportunities:

• Having the letters 'PE' in your CV gives you a competitive edge over non-licensed counterparts.

• The PE license allures top organizations to employ you in their top-tier positions.

• The PE license is essential to involve in the design process or to supervise a research team.

• Many Federal Government engineering positions require a PE license.

• Becoming a PE helps you land high-paying jobs. Generally, licensed Electrical Engineers earn more than non-licensed engineers.

Authority:

• Licensed engineers have the authority to take legal responsibility for engineering projects.

• Only licensed engineers can sign, seal, and submit engineering projects.

• Professional Engineers can give expert witnesses and voice out opinions in court proceedings and government committees.

Versatility:

• Having a PE license gives you the flexibility to work anywhere in the United States.

• Professional Engineers can pursue jobs in other parts of the world. A PE from the US is held in high regard in other countries.

• A PE license is necessary to become an independent consultant or start your own business. It can be a lifesaver in times of economic crisis or downsizing.

Concluding Thoughts

Getting the PE license is a remarkable achievement, and going for it early in your career is a wise decision. So, stop making excuses and start prepping for the PE exam today. Sign up for review courses on popular platforms like School of PE to bolster your chances of passing the PE exam in one shot.