Engineer, Professional License License in Virginia
Quick Answer
To become a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia, you must hold an engineering degree, gain qualifying work experience, and pass the NCEES FE and PE exams through DPOR.
- Exam
- NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
- Timeline
- 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience)
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Engineer, Professional License license in Virginia
Estimated Costs Est.
- Exam Fee
- $550
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Engineer, Professional License license in Virginia. 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 Virginia licensing board.
Engineer, Professional License Salary in Virginia
Entry Level
$61,610
Median
$96,210
Experienced
$145,480
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 License in Virginia.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience).
Engineer, Professional License Licensing in Virginia: What to Know
Virginia licenses Professional Engineers through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board), which regulates approximately 35,000 individuals and related business entities. A degree and qualifying work experience are required along with passing the NCEES third-party examinations. Virginia does not require continuing education for license renewal. Virginia follows standard NCEES comity provisions for reciprocal licensure with other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Engineer, Professional License license in Virginia?
- 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 license in Virginia?
- 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 Engineer, Professional License requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.