Professional Engineer License in Pennsylvania
Quick Answer
To become a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, you must hold an engineering degree, gain qualifying work experience, pass the NCEES FE and PE exams, and complete continuing education for biennial 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 Biennial
Requirements
Professional Engineer license in Pennsylvania
Estimated Costs Est.
- Exam Fee
- $550
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Professional Engineer license in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania licensing board.
Professional Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania
Entry Level
$67,240
Median
$92,460
Experienced
$137,520
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 Pennsylvania.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party 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 Pennsylvania: What to Know
Pennsylvania licenses Professional Engineers through the Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, and the Professional Engineer, Land Surveyors, and Geologists Board. A PE may not practice land surveying unless separately licensed but may perform engineering land surveys. The practice of engineering encompasses design of buildings, structures, machines, equipment, processes, works, and engineering systems, including consultation, investigation, evaluation, and construction management. Pennsylvania requires continuing education for license renewal and has no criminal record prohibitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Professional Engineer license in Pennsylvania?
- 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 Pennsylvania?
- 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.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.