ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL License in Texas
Quick Answer
To become a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, you must hold an engineering degree, gain work experience, pass the NCEES FE and PE exams, and complete a background check through TBPELS.
- 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
ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL license in Texas
Estimated Costs Est.
- Exam Fee
- $550
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL license in Texas. 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 Texas licensing board.
ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL Salary in Texas
Entry Level
$60,590
Median
$95,050
Experienced
$161,620
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 Texas.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Both state and third-party exams 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 Texas: What to Know
Texas licenses Professional Engineers through the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS). Engineers apply scientific and mathematical principles across 27+ branches including aeronautic, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, nuclear, petroleum, and structural engineering. Texas requires both state and third-party NCEES examinations, a degree, qualifying work experience, continuing education for renewal, and a background check. Texas is notable for its broad industrial exemption that allows unlicensed engineers to work in manufacturing under certain conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL license in Texas?
- 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 Texas?
- You need to pass the NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering). Both state and third-party exams required
Considering another state?
Compare ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.