How long does it take to get a Petroleum Engineer license in California?

The process typically takes 8-10 years (4-year degree + 6 years experience without EIT, or 4 years with ABET degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.

What exam do I need for a Petroleum Engineer license in California?

You need to pass the NCEES PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) plus California-specific supplemental exams for certain disciplines. N/A

Petroleum Engineer License in California

To become a licensed Professional Engineer in California, you must pass the NCEES PE exam plus a California laws exam, demonstrate qualifying experience, and apply through the BPELSG.

Exam: NCEES PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) plus California-specific supplemental exams for certain disciplines
Timeline: 8-10 years (4-year degree + 6 years experience without EIT, or 4 years with ABET degree)
Renewal: Every Biennial

Requirements

Petroleum Engineer license in California

gold

Veterans Benefits

N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee: $175
Exam Fee: $550

Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs~Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists

Website 916993635 Email

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Petroleum Engineer license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Application Fee

$175

Exam Fee

$550

Education / School Cost

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

Application FeeEst.$175

Exam FeeEst.$550

Total Estimated Cost$725

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.

Petroleum Engineer Salary in California

Entry Level

$77,620

Median

$118,450

Experienced

$171,760

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Petroleum Engineer in California.

1

Submit Your Application

File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$175.
2

Receive Your License

Processing typically takes 8-10 years (4-year degree + 6 years experience without EIT, or 4 years with ABET degree).

Petroleum Engineer Licensing in California: What to Know

California licenses Professional Engineers by discipline through the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG), with separate titles for civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, industrial, nuclear, petroleum, agricultural, metallurgical, control systems, structural, fire protection, traffic, and geotechnical engineering. With an Engineer In Training (EIT) certificate, six years of professional-level qualifying experience is required, less applicable education credit. California requires the NCEES PE exam plus a take-home California State Laws and Board Rules exam for most disciplines, with additional state-specific exams for structural, traffic, and geotechnical engineers. Waiver of the FE exam is possible with 15-17 years of work experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Petroleum Engineer license in California?: The process typically takes 8-10 years (4-year degree + 6 years experience without EIT, or 4 years with ABET degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Petroleum Engineer license in California?: You need to pass the NCEES PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) plus California-specific supplemental exams for certain disciplines. N/A