ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL License in Illinois
Quick Answer
To become a licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois, you must apply through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and pass the NCEES FE and PE exams.
- Exam
- NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
- Timeline
- 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Triennial
Requirements
ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL license in Illinois
Estimated Costs Est.
- Exam Fee
- $550
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL license in Illinois. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Illinois licensing board.
ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL Salary in Illinois
Entry Level
$66,340
Median
$97,640
Experienced
$154,790
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL in Illinois.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
No educational requirements
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
No exam required — NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience).
ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL Licensing in Illinois: What to Know
Illinois licenses Professional Engineers through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Engineers apply judgment to materials and forces of nature for planning and design of engineering works including transportation, sewage, waterway, electrical, mineral extraction, and chemical processing facilities. Illinois also offers a separate Structural Engineer license for those designing buildings and structures. Illinois does not require continuing education for PE license renewal and has no criminal record prohibitions for licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL license in Illinois?
- The process typically takes 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL license in Illinois?
- You need to pass the NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering). No exam required
Considering another state?
Compare ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.