LicenseCompass

Professional Engineer License in New York

Quick Answer

To become a licensed Professional Engineer in New York, you must hold an engineering degree, gain qualifying work experience, pass the NCEES FE and PE exams, and complete continuing education for triennial renewal.

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

Professional Engineer license in New York

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Exam Fee
$550

Licensing Agency

NYS Education Department~State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying & Geology

Website 5184743817ext140 Email

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Professional Engineer license in New York. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Exam FeeEst.$550
Total Estimated Cost$550

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

Professional Engineer Salary in New York

Entry Level

$75,520

Median

$102,440

Experienced

$171,110

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

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer in New York.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience).

Professional Engineer Licensing in New York: What to Know

New York licenses Professional Engineers through the NYS Education Department and State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying and Geology. A licensed PE evaluates, plans, designs, supervises, and consults on construction or operation of buildings, machines, roads, bridges, and other projects requiring engineering principles to safeguard people and property. A degree and qualifying work experience are required along with passing the NCEES third-party examinations. New York requires continuing education for license renewal and has no criminal record prohibitions for PE licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Professional Engineer license in New York?
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 Professional Engineer license in New York?
You need to pass the NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering). Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Professional Engineer requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.