Professional Engineer License in North Carolina
Quick Answer
To become a licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina, you must hold an engineering degree, gain qualifying work experience, pass the NCEES FE and PE exams, and maintain continuing education.
- 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 Annual
Requirements
Professional Engineer license in North Carolina
Estimated Costs Est.
- Exam Fee
- $550
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Professional Engineer license in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina licensing board.
Professional Engineer Salary in North Carolina
Entry Level
$65,160
Median
$93,590
Experienced
$145,010
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 North Carolina.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
State 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).
Professional Engineer Licensing in North Carolina: What to Know
North Carolina licenses Professional Engineers through the NC Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors, permitting individuals to provide services or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience. A degree and qualifying work experience are required along with passing state and NCEES examinations. North Carolina requires continuing education for license renewal and has no criminal record prohibitions. The state also offers a separate Engineer Privilege category through the NC Department of Revenue for tax-related engineering practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Professional Engineer license in North Carolina?
- 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 North Carolina?
- You need to pass the NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering). State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Professional Engineer requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.