Washington Engineer License

This article describes the Washington engineer licensing process in details and answers to the most common questions.

Steps to become a professional engineer in Washington State

Step 1: Complete an engineering program

Obtaining professional engineering education is actually the first step for those, who wish to become a professional engineer in the state of Washington. To put it plainly, you must graduate from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) approved program/coursework.

There are lots of programs in Washington, which prepare students for taking and passing the required examinations. Therefore, it will be easy for you to select a coursework.

When choosing one, you should pay attention to the topics and subjects that the program covers. Furthermore, most courses implement new teaching methods, recent techniques and offer higher passing rates.

Step 2: Pass the Engineer-in-Training exam

The next major step is taking and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. After that, you will receive certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).

Click here to register for the exam and pay the $175 fee. You can take the exam twice a year, in April and October.

It is advisable to take the exam in the last semester of the engineering program or immediately after graduating. The reason for this is that you will remember the materials better and, thus, have higher chances of passing. Nonetheless, if you have graduated long ago, you may also be eligible to take the exam.

It is important to know that you may also take the exam during the last two semesters of school providing that you study in an ABET accredited school/college.

The exam comprises of 110 questions and includes the following seven disciplines:

• Chemical
• Civil
• Electrical and Computer
• Environmental
• Industrial and Systems
• Mechanical

Step 3: Gain professional experience

In the state of Washington, applicants must obtain eight years of professional experience, supervised by a licensed engineer. If you have graduated from an ABET-accredited program, then it would count for four years of experience.

In reality, gaining experience is quite important, as you will make your first steps in the industry and engage in your profession. To put it differently, you will get the opportunity to practice and demonstrate the skills you learn through all these years.

Step 4: Pass the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam

After gaining required experience, you are to take and pass the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam (PE). It is to test your competency and knowledge of a particular engineering discipline.

Register for the exam and pay $300-$375.

You can take the exam for the following disciplines:

• Agricultural and Biological Engineering
• Architectural Engineering
• Chemical
• Civil
• Control Systems
• Electrical and Computer
• Environmental
• Fire Protection
• Industrial and Systems
• Mechanical
• Metallurgical and Materials
• Mining and Mineral Processing
• Naval Architecture and Marine
• Nuclear
• Petroleum
• Structural

As you may see, this exam is broader than that of FE and you will need to study a lot in order to pass.

Do engineers need licenses in Washington?

There are some engineers, who do not hold professional engineer licenses. However, you cannot call yourself a “professional engineer” without proper licensure.

Having a license raises one’s stature in the field, as well as enlarges the circle of job positions and opportunities. Not only does it signal a person’s competency, but also shows that he/she has the needed skills to serve the public.

Do you need to have a Washington professional engineer license to be successful in civil engineering?

The sphere of civil engineering is quite a complicated and deep one. Thus, you must hold a license and complete the state requirements to be a successful specialist in the field.