A recent ASME Mechanical Engineering magazine contained a lead article on the importance of professional licensure, something I have always firmly endorsed. In a Q&A format, Thomas Constable, Executive Director and CEO of ASME, interviews David Soukup, Managing Director of Governance for the ASME, a PE himself. I actually met Mr. Soukup at the 2013 ASME Congress and Exposition in San Diego and we talked about this very topic.
Mr. Soukup talks about the three E’s of licensure: Education, Examination, and Experience. In most states, a four year degree from an ABET accredited university is required, though some states allow those without such a degree, but with additional experience, to be licensed. All states require at least four years of continuous engineering experience, and while some states grant waivers of the FE Exam, all require prospective candidates to pass the PE Exam. Mr. Soukup noted that the FE Exam had already gone to a computer based format and that the Mechanical PE would soon, however as we know the conversion of the Mechanical PE Exam to computer based started on April 1, 2020.
Mr. Soukup was asked about the benefits of being licensed. He said that, while it would open up career opportunities and be a plus on someone’s resume and PE’s earn about 10% more over their career than those without a PE, the most important reason to become a PE was that it demonstrated a devotion to protecting the world’s health, safety, and welfare.
We at DTC are dedicated to helping mechanical and civil engineers become licensed. It is the most important thing someone can do to demonstrate their commitment to the engineering profession. – Dr. Tom
