Since I started my first internship I’ve gotten a lot of advice on how to get ready to apply for my Professional Engineer (PE) License.  I’ve listed below a lot of the advice that I’ve gotten.  It’s all from Engineers that are licensed in Texas, but will probably apply to most states.

Check Your State’s Professional Engineer Licensure Requirements
Find out the specific list of what is required.  That way you know ahead of time what’s expected and you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.  Your states board of professional engineers or other PE governing organization will have the list.

Create a Log
Log what you do each day or at least each week.  Keep track of the projects that you worked on and what you were responsible for on that project.  Most states will have you document the engineering work you’ve done since you graduated.  That’s a lot easier to do if you have a log of all of your work.

Keep a Copy of Your Projects
You don’t have to keep every sheet.  I was told to keep the following sheets from a plan set: project title sheet, quantity sheet, cost estimate.

In addition to those sheets, also keep a list of specific things you were responsible for on the project, the client name and contact info, design fee, dates you worked on the project and anything else that you think is important.

Go After Challenging Work
You generally will need to show an increase in responsibility and quality of your work between the time that you graduate and the time that you apply for your PE license.  A great way to do that is to go after work that is increasingly more difficult.  Don’t over extend yourself, but look for opportunities to learn more and take on more responsibility when you’re ready.

Try Out Several Fields Then Pick One
This is one I also hear contradicted sometimes.  The afternoon PE exam is specific to one area of civil engineering.  When you get your PE License you are probably working your way to becoming an expert in one of those fields.  It’s good to specialize.  The civil engineering industry is way too broad to become an expert in everything.  However, when you become a project manager you will need to have at least a basic understanding of how the other fields of civil engineering work and interact.

This is some of the advice I’ve heard most often.   Since I don’t have my PE yet I can’t add much of my own to the list.  What sort of advice have you been given or what sort of advice to you have to offer?

LEED AP

What it is – LEED AP stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional.  Basically, having the LEED AP credential shows that you have specific knowledge and experience using environmentally friendly designs, processes, etcetera.

Who governs it – The LEEP AP is run by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

Requirements – Professional experience working on a LEED project
-          Pass the LEED AP exams

Who needs it – Anyone working in the construction industry from design all the way through maintenance.  Especially if you are working in an area with a very strong environmental focus or environmental needs.

Why you should get it – The environment is a hot topic right now.  Having the experience and knowledge to work on environmentally friendly projects is an asset.  The LEED AP credential shows that you have both the experience and knowledge to build environmentally friendly constructions.

Why you should not get it – Like most certifications there is no real negative to having LEED AP.  However, the credential is focused mainly on building design, construction and maintenance.  Outside of buildings there isn’t the same demand for LEED AP.  That is changing, though.

When you should get it – Once you start working on LEED projects you are eligible.  If you plan on staying in the industry it adds one more proof of qualification to put on the resume.

Other notes – GBCI is in the process of changing from a general LEED AP credential to LEED AP with a specialization.  Check out their website for more information on the new specializations.

There are a lot of different types of work you can do as a civil engineer. Each one has its own certifications that you can get to show your skill, education and experience in that particular field. Civil engineering can sometimes turn into a competition to see who can get the most letters after their name. You can go after a lot of certifications in your career, and many of them will be worth while. However, it is usually best to pick the certifications in the field of civil engineering that you enjoy most and work towards those. Then supplement your knowledge by taking professional development courses in other areas that you need to know, but don’t need to be an expert at.

First, the EIT and the PE.

EIT
What it is – The Engineer in Training certification (EIT) is the first place most people start in the Civil Engineering world. It says that you have graduated and that you understand the basics of engineering.

Who governs it – You get your EIT from your state licensing board.

Requirements – A degree in an engineering from an ABET accredited school
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam offer by NCEES.org
- Apply for it through your states licensing board

Who needs it – I believe that every engineer should get it. If you are going to make a career out of design or analysis then you need it.

Why you should get it – It is a requirement to get your PE license. It also gives you an edge when applying for a job, compared to some with a degree that doesn’t have their EIT.

Why you should not get it – The only reason not to get it is if you knew for a fact that you would never do or want to do design or analysis work in your career. Even if you don’t think you would do that sort of work you should get it just in case. IT will never hurt your career.

When you should get it – Get it as soon as you can. Take the FE Exam your senior year while all of your classes are still fresh in your mind.

Other notes – Rules for getting the EIT vary. Check with your states licensing board. The rules do change, but years of experience may be able to offset the ABET accreditation requirement. Other rules may apply. Even though you get your certificate from your state licensing board the EIT certification is national. You don’t need a separate one for each state you might work in.

PE
What it is – The Professional Engineer (PE) license is the license that certifies you as a professional engineer. It allows you to sign plans so that they can be completed. It also holds you responsible for the designs

Who governs it – Your state engineer licensing board

Requirements – A degree in an engineering from an ABET accredited school
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam offer by NCEES.org
- Pass the Principles and Practice Exam
- Pass state required exams
- Four years of approved experience
- Apply for it through your states licensing board

Who needs it – Anyone who plans on being in charge of engineering projects. Anyone who plans or needs to sign engineering documents and plans.

Why you should get it – It shows that you are a professional engineer. It allows you to be in charge of engineering projects. PEs also make a good bit more money than EITs.

Why you should not get it – It does increase your responsibility. If there is a design problem, the first place people look is to the person that signed the documents.

When you should get it – Get it as soon as you are ready. Not everyone is ready after four years of experience. But as soon as you are ready, apply to take the test.

Other notes – The PE is state specific. Each state has their own requirements. You must be licensed in the state that you are working in to sign the documents. Sometimes, experience as an intern can count towards your 4 years. The amount depends on the type of work you did the hours you work and your licensing board’s rules.

That’s the quick basics of the two most common. I’ll go into more details on other licenses and certifications in later posts. What are some other points you think should be mentioned? What are some questions that you have about the EIT and PE?