Engineer License in Washington
Quick Answer
To become a licensed Professional Engineer in Washington, you must pass the NCEES FE and PE exams, gain 8 years of supervised experience, and pay a $65 application fee.
- Exam
- NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
- Total Cost
- $615 (est.)
- Timeline
- 10-12 years (8 years experience without degree, or 4-year degree + 4 years experience)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Engineer license in Washington
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $65
- Exam Fee
- $550
- Total Estimated Cost
- $615
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Engineer license in Washington. 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 Washington licensing board.
Engineer Salary in Washington
Entry Level
$80,650
Median
$105,090
Experienced
$155,010
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Engineer in Washington.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
No educational requirements
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 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. Application fee: ~$65.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 10-12 years (8 years experience without degree, or 4-year degree + 4 years experience).
Engineer Licensing in Washington: What to Know
Washington requires passing both the engineer-in-training (FE) and principles and practices of engineering (PE) examinations, plus 8 years of professional-level experience under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer, a completed application, and a $65 fee. The Department of Licensing oversees licensure. Washington does not require continuing education for license renewal and has no criminal record prohibitions. Washington's 8-year experience requirement without specifying a degree distinguishes it from most states, though an ABET-accredited degree typically reduces the experience requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Engineer license cost in Washington?
- The estimated total cost is $615, including application fees, exam fees ($550), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Engineer license in Washington?
- The process typically takes 10-12 years (8 years experience without degree, or 4-year degree + 4 years experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Engineer license in Washington?
- 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 requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.