Engineer, Professional License in Rhode Island
Quick Answer
To become a licensed Professional Engineer in Rhode Island, you must hold a 4-year engineering degree, gain qualifying work experience, 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 Biennial
Requirements
Engineer, Professional license in Rhode Island
Estimated Costs Est.
- Exam Fee
- $550
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Engineer, Professional license in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island licensing board.
Engineer, Professional Salary in Rhode Island
Entry Level
$76,090
Median
$112,250
Experienced
$165,610
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 Rhode Island.
- 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).
Engineer, Professional Licensing in Rhode Island: What to Know
Rhode Island licenses Professional Engineers through the RI Department of Business Regulation and State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. Applicants must hold a degree from a 4-year engineering college program and gain qualifying work experience. The license covers engineers in research, development, production, technical services, and other positions requiring engineering knowledge, but excludes persons trained in engineering currently in non-engineering roles and sales engineers. Rhode Island does not require continuing education for license renewal and has no criminal record prohibitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Engineer, Professional license in Rhode Island?
- 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 Rhode Island?
- You need to pass the NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
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View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.