Business Cards |
Wall Certificates | Stamps/Seals
| Being a PE
| Consulting & Business Issues
| Getting Licensed in Other States
I've passed the FE exam.
On my business cards, should I put EIT, FE, EIT, IE, or EI after my name?
Although you take the Fundamentals
of Engineering (FE) exam, "FE" is not a title. The proper designation in most
states is "Engineer In Training" (EIT). Some states uses the designation "Intern
Engineer" (IE), while others use "Engineering Intern" (EI). The proper designation
depends on your state. The real question is whether you should add these designations
to your name. Some engineers do; most engineers do not.
My state doesn't even have
an "EIT" designation. What can I do?
A few states do not permit the
use of an EIT, FE, IE, EI, or other "junior engineering" designations on business
cards or resumes. In such cases, it is still legal to list your status as an achievement
or accomplishment (i.e., "Passed the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Exam")
on your resume.
I've passed the PE exam. On
my business cards, should I put PE, P.E., RE, or CE after my name?
The designations "PE" and "P.E." (Professional Engineer) are synonymous. Modern
style is to omit the periods, but this is not universal. The designation "RE"
(Registered Engineer) and "CE" (Consulting Engineer) may also be available for
use in your state, although their meanings are largely unknown by the public.
On my business cards, should
I list the state in which I am licensed?
If you represent your company
or perform work in more than one state, you should avoid giving the impression
that you are licensed in states where you are not. You have three options: (1)
Obtain reciprocal licenses for all states in which you do business. (2) List "Licensed
in the State of XXXX" (or similar) on your business cards. (3) Omit "PE" from
your business cards. Options (2) and (3) will not let you avoid being subject
to a state's engineering laws, but they will eliminate misrepresentation.
What about the designations
"P.Eng." and "Ing."?
The Canadian "P.Eng.," the Mexican
"Ing.," and other similar foreign designations are not recognized in the US. Technically,
their use is not restricted by state laws. However, giving the appearance of a
properly licensed "PE" would probably be subject to scrutiny. Foreign certification
(registration, licensure, etc.) status does not convey any legal rights in the
United States.
Do I have to list my engineering
discipline (e.g., "Civil Engineering") or area of specialty (e.g., "Geotechnical")
on my business card?
No. However, most engineers practice
in only one discipline, and it is common to include some type of clarifying phrase
(e.g., Consulting civil engineer") on the business card.
Do I have to put my license,
certificate, or registration number on my business cards? How about the name
of the state in which I am licensed?
Unless required by your state,
you do not have to list your license number or your state on your business cards.
However, these should be shown on your stamp or seal.
When/where/how do I get my
wall certificate?
Delivery time and procedure
for getting the wall certificate varies from state to state. Most states do not
include the wall certificate with your notice of having passed the PE exam--the
certificate comes automatically several weeks or months later. In some cases,
you have to request the certificate. In rare cases, you are asked to pay for it.
My state professional engineering
society (technical association, etc.) also provides a certificate (plaque, etc.).
Can I use this instead of a state-issued certificate?
Some professional and technical
organizations can provide membership and/or recognition certificates, usually
for a fee. These can be used to advertise your accomplishment, status, and membership.
However, they satisfy no legal requirements nor do they convey any legal rights.
I received an EIT (FE, IE,
EI, etc.) wall certificate. Should I display it?
You may, if you wish, display
your EIT wall certificate. Passing the FE exam is an accomplishment to be proud
of.
After I get my Professional
Engineer wall certificate, what do I do with it? Do I have to display it?
Passing the PE exam is an accomplishment
you can be proud of. Normally, you do not have to display your wall certificate.
However, some states (for example, California) require you to provide notice of
licensure to your clients. Displaying your wall certificate is one way of satisfying
this requirement.
I work in an industry (i.e.,
for a company) that is covered by the industrial exemption. Do I have to display
my wall certificate?
No.
What are some other ways to
satisfy the requirements to provide notice of licensure to my clients?
If your company has multiple locations,
it will not be possible to display wall certificates in all locations. Instead
of displaying your wall certificate, you may also be able to post of listing of
all of the licensees in your company, provide a statement of acknowledgement of
licensure for your clients to sign, or include the statement in the signed contracts
for services. Other options may exist in some states.
Where can I get my certificate
framed really nicely?
Most people display their certificates
in a nice frame. However, a very nice laminated-on-wood treatment is available
from Thermo Plaque Company, Inc. An attractive,
coordinated wall set can be achieved by similarly treating your college diplomas,
society membership certificates, and any other special awards or credentials you
have received. Another company that can help display your certificate can be found
at www.foxlam.com.
What's the difference between
a stamp and a seal?
A "stamp" is a "rubber stamp."
It may be self-inking, or it may need to be used with a stamp pad. A "seal" is
a design embossed onto the paper. The word "seal" is also used to describe the
hand press used to do the embossing.
Is there a stamp/seal for
the EIT/FE exam?
"EIT" (FE, IE, EI, etc.) is a
designation, not a license. There is no stamp/seal for this.
Is it mandatory that I buy
a stamp/seal after I pass the PE exam?
That depends on the state in which
you are licensed. Some states require you to obtain a stamp or seal upon registration
as a PE. In other states, it isn't necessary to buy one unless you intend to sign
off on finished designs. Check with your state
board for what applies in your state.
Where do I get my stamp/seal?
Most large office supply stores
produce custom stamps. Engineering stamps are one of the "stock" designs usually
available. Engineering stamps and seals can also be ordered from online. Several
popular suppliers are listed here.
What is the required format
or design of the stamp/seal?
The design is generally round,
includes the phrase "Professional Engineer," lists your state name, your name,
and your license number. It may also list your license's expiration date or provide
a place for you write in that date. The actual design is specified by your state.
You should contact your state board to obtain the exact design specifications,
as generic designs do not always satisfy state law.
About how much should my stamp/seal
cost?
Stamps are under $30. Mechanical
embossing seals are under $40.
What do I have to do/show
to prove to the store that I am entitled to a stamp/seal?
Generally, stores do not require
any proof of licensure to purchase a stamp/seal. Improper use stamps/seals is
regulated. However, possession is not.
What should I use my stamp/seal
for?
You should affix your stamp/seal
only when you are taking responsibility for the design (i.e., when you are in
"responsible charge"). Although you could use your stamp/seal to make a greater
impact when signed letters or contracts, this is generally not done.
How do I use my stamp/seal?
Although usage varies, normally
you will stamp/seal a document, write in the expiration date of your license (if
this information is required by your state and is not part of the stamp/seal),
and affix your signature and date.
What color ink should I use
with my stamp?
Unless you are directed otherwise,
always use black ink.
Are there provisions for using
an electronic seal, electronic signature, or electronic certificate of authenticity?
This is an area of ongoing development.
Currently, most documents certified by professional engineers must be inked and
signed.
Is it possible to pass an
FE or PE exam and NOT be given a license, title, wall certificate, or professional
status at all?
Yes. In some states, it is possible
to pass the FE exam but be denied EIT status because you "only" have a BS degree
in engineering technology, physics, or chemistry. In some states, it is possible
to pass the PE exam before you have met all of the experience requirements. In
such states, your legal rights will "kick in" only after you have met the experience
requirements.
Do I need professional liability
or errors and/or omissions insurance in order to practice as an engineer? To
practice as a consultant? To be a professional engineer? To use my stamp/seal?
Although some jobs require
bonds, it is not a legal requirement to have liability and/or errors and omissions
insurance in order to practice engineering as a consultant. Federal, state, county,
and local ordinances may require other types of insurance, however.
Should I tell my boss/employer
I am taking the exam before I pass it?
This is a personal matter, and
the answer depends on your relationship.
How much of a raise should
I expect from my boss/employer for passing the PE exam?
This answer varies "all over the
map"--anywhere from nothing to substantial raises, promotions, and increases in
responsibilities. Generally, zero or token raises are realized by engineers in
commercial/manufacturing industries where the industrial exemption makes the PE
license immaterial. The largest raises are realized by engineers in companies
with public exposure--where the credentials of the "team" are important to winning
contracts. In public service (state and federal), the PE license may qualify you
for higher salary ranges and additional responsibility (i.e., higher GS ratings).
How should I approach asking
my boss for a raise because I passed the PE exam?
This is a personal matter, and
the answer depends on your relationship. The reward for becoming a PE is usually
established by precedent, contract, union requirement, or regulation rather than
previous agreement. It is possible, but unlikely, that a raise will be awarded
just for announcing your accomplishment.
Do I have to take recertification
exams to renew my PE license?
No states require you to retest
in engineering principles in order to maintain your PE license. However, some
states have annual continuing education
requirements.
Do I have to take continuing
education courses to renew my PE license?
Approximately half of the 50 states
have continuing education requirements. See the Continuing
Education FAQ for more information.
As a PE, what am I allowed
to do?
Your rights as a PE are determined
by state law, and they include the right to use the title "Professional Engineering"
and/or the right to practice engineering as a consultant. You license may also
permit you to design in certain areas (e.g., hospitals and schools). This is a
matter best determined by a reading of your state's engineers? act.
As a PE, what am I NOT allowed
to do?
This subject touches upon both
state law and ethics. Generally, you gain--rather than lose--legal rights when
becoming a PE. However, your practice may be limited by state law to a certain
engineering discipline or certain categories of designs (i.e., buildings). Regardless,
you should voluntarily refrain from working outside of your area of expertise
in any case. You cannot use your stamp/seal to certify designs you haven't been
involved in. Generally, you are held to higher ethical standards.
What is "plan stamping"?
Plan stamping is the use, either
by you or by someone else, of your stamp or seal to certify designs that you did
not perform, check, or supervise. Plan stamping is illegal in every state.
How do I go about setting
up my own consulting engineering business? Should I incorporate? What is a "Professional
Corporation"?
This is much too complex
of an issue to be answered in this FAQ. There are many excellent books available
on business formation and structure. The American Consulting Engineers Council
(ACEC) and Small Business Administration (SBA) are sources of useful information.
For best results, see an attorney.
Where do I obtain "standard
contracts" ("standard agreements,, "standard forms")?
Standard contracts (between owners,
engineers, contractors, and architects) are developed and published jointly by
the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), National Society of Professional
Engineers (NSPE), the American Consulting Engineers Council (ACED), the American
Institute of Architects (AIA), and other related organizations. These standard
contracts are essentially the same, regardless of issuing organization. Standard
contracts have withstood the test of time (i.e., have been litigated) and should
be used whenever possible. For other types of agreements, consult an attorney.
When in business for myself,
what should be my hourly rate? How much should I charge?
There are many ways to bill out
your time. These are described in most books covering consultancy. Some methods
of billing out time are based on an hourly rate, others are not. A logical billing
rate is very difficult to determine without a prior history of job costs and a
good accounting system. A CPA can provide valuable assistance in this area, as
can consulting engineers in your local area.
I want to extend my license
to other states. What do I have to do?
In most cases, obtaining
an engineering license in another state is largely an administrative matter. A
special comity application and payment of fees are required. Unless the registration
laws of the new state are significantly different (California, for example, is
one state that requires testing in additional engineering subjects), you are not
required to take additional exams covering engineering principles. In some cases,
you may be asked to take a short exam covering the ethics and the laws of the
new state. You make your application directly to the new state. The application
process may be simplified if you are a model law engineer (MLE) or NCEES Records
Retention Program participant.
What is a Model Law Engineer
(MLE)?
In an effort to obtain better
uniformity among the state licensing laws, NCEES has developed (and is continually
refining) its Model Law, which is a complete set of generic sample engineering
licensing laws. Some states have adopted the Model Law in its entirety; others
have adopted it in part, with or without the addition of parts specific to those
states. Many states have adopted the Model Law verbatim, and a few have more stringent
requirements; but most still have licensing requirements that are less stringent
than the Model Law requirements. If licensees meet the requirements of the Model
Law, they are considered to be "Model Law Engineers" by NCEES and the states.
What is the NCEES Records
Retention Program (Records Program)?
The NCEES Records Retention Program
is a voluntary, centralized database program available to all licensees who wish
to maintain a record of their education, examination, and experience credentials,
including references, to assist them with comity applications. Licensees meeting
the requirements are designed as "Model Law Engineers" in the NCEES Records Program.
Most states will accept the NCEES record with little additional paperwork required
when a Model Law Engineer wants to obtain a reciprocal license.
How long does it take for
a Model Engineer to obtain a reciprocal license from another state?
Several states state that they
can process a comity application for a MLE in 1 or 2 weeks; Ohio, for example,
can process an application within days or hours by obtaining electronic verification
of MLE credentials from the NCEES. Contact your ">state
board for more information.
Which states accept the NCEES
records?
Virtually all states accept some
aspects (e.g., education, experience, license, and/or references) of the NCEES
records, and most accept all aspects. Contact NCEES
or your ">state
board for more information.
Should I participate in the
NCEES Records Retention Program?
If you or your firm are not going
to offer engineering services in other states, there will probably be no advantage
to you in participating. However, if the opposite is true, participation is a
logical method of extending your license to other states.
What does it cost to register
with the NCEES Records Retention Program?
NCEES charges a fee to register
with the Records Retention Program, as well as to distribute copies of your file
to various states. These fees are subject to change but are posted on the NCEES
website.
How do I go about participating
in the NCEES Records Retention Program?
Contact NCEES.
There is a charge to obtain the application.
What is the difference between
"reciprocity" and "comity"?
Although the two terms are frequently
used as synonyms, there actually is a difference. "Comity" is the act of recognizing
your status as a professional engineer and, as a courtesy, exempting you from
some of the administrative steps and/or exams that would be required of you if
you were not already a professional engineer. "Reciprocity" is the act of recognizing
you as a "professional engineer" in one state by virtue of your license in another.
Most states offer registration by comity. Under comity, you won't have to retake
the PE exam, but you might still have to complete an application, submit references,
list your experience, take any special state-specific exams, and/or pay a fee.
Under reciprocity, your status as a professional engineer in a new state would
be (essentially) automatic, given your status as a professional in another.
After You Pass the FE/PE Exams: FAQs from PPI