Are you having reservations about taking the PE exam? Worried it will not be worth the struggle? Earning a PE license is a remarkable achievement in an engineer's career, irrespective of the field of engineering. The PE license comes with a plethora of advantages and can propel your career to new heights. In this article, we highlight the benefits of earning an Electrical PE license.
Before we delve deep into the advantages of becoming a PE, it is important to know how to become one. The primary steps involved in obtaining a PE license are as follows:
- Complete a bachelor's degree 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).
- Gain a minimum of four years of qualifying engineering 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.
- Appear for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam.
Once you have passed the PE exam, you can apply for the PE license. Your state board will review the application and grant you an official title as 'Professional Engineer.'
Is it Worth the Effort?
It is easy to come up with excuses for not pursuing the PE license. You may feel that studying for the PE exam is taxing and leaves you with no personal life or time to socialize.
But this begs the question, "Are you happy to settle for a dull career?"
The PE license comes with numerous benefits. So, do not give up midway, and the few months you spend prepping for the PE exam will bear fruit in the long run.
Benefits of Securing a Licensed PE
Credibility:
- The PE license shows that you have an in-depth understanding of fundamental engineering concepts.
- Licensed Professional Engineers command respect from the public and fellow engineers. Professional Engineers are held in high esteem within the engineering community.
Job Prospects:
- Employers prefer licensed Professional Engineers over non-licensed counterparts.
- The PE license attracts the best companies to employ you in their top-tier positions.
- Only licensed engineers can involve in the design process or supervise a research team.
- According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Electrical engineers involved in Research and Development and Manufacturing earn more than other engineers.
- A PE license is essential to work in many Federal Government engineering positions.
- Having the Professional Engineer title gives you an edge in landing high-paying jobs.
Authority:
- Licensed engineers have the right to take legal responsibility for engineering projects.
- Only licensed engineers are authorized to sign, seal, and submit engineering projects.
- Professional Engineers are entitled to give expert witnesses and opinions in court proceedings and government committees.
Versatility:
- Having a PE license gives you the flexibility to work anywhere in the United States.
- A PE from the US is held in high regard in other countries, and it can help you explore jobs in other parts of the world.
- A PE license is required to become an independent consultant, advertise your services, and start your own firm. It can help you in times of economic crisis or industrial downsizing.
Going for the PE license 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 ace the PE exam in your first attempt.
Good luck!
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