Traffic Engineering License vs. PE License: Here’s the Difference!

In this article (and video above), I talk with Andrew Lee, PE, TE, about the unique Traffic Engineering (TE) license: why he pursued it, how to earn it, and how it differs from the PE license.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Andrew:

• Can you explain what a traffic engineering license is and why you decided to pursue it?
• How has having the TE license helped you as a traffic engineer in California?
• Just to clarify, this exam is separate from the PE exam’s traffic-focused section, right?
• Is the TE exam entirely focused on state-specific traffic engineering and results in a unique designation?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

• The Traffic Engineer (TE) license serves as a specialized certification unique to California and Oregon, catering to professionals focused on traffic-specific principles such as roadway design, accessibility, and signal timing. It requires passing a dedicated exam and meeting experience qualifications, offering an alternative pathway to licensure for traffic-oriented engineers.
• The TE license enables engineers with traffic-specific experience to obtain licensure earlier in their careers. It establishes expertise in traffic engineering, boosting professional credentials and broadening career opportunities.
• The TE exam stands completely separate from the PE exam and focuses solely on traffic engineering. Unlike the PE exam’s optional traffic section, the TE exam remains state-specific and emphasizes traffic-related principles and practices.
• The TE exam emphasizes state-specific traffic engineering principles and is available in states like California and Oregon. Passing the exam awards the distinct Traffic Engineer (TE) designation, independent of the Professional Engineer (PE) license.

About Andrew Lee, PE, TE

Andrew Lee, PE, TE, is a transportation engineer and planner based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His work centers on managing and designing projects that prioritize traffic safety and active transportation. Andrew is licensed as a civil engineer in California and Nevada and as a traffic engineer in California. He earned his master’s degree in urban planning from UCLA and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Andrew is passionate about topics like active transportation design, traffic signal systems, and roadway safety, and he welcomes opportunities to connect and discuss these areas. In his free time, he enjoys riding bikes with his son, exploring the sci-fi stacks at his local library, digging through music CDs, practicing martial arts, and planning his next bike touring adventure.

Sources:

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
Professional Transportation Operations Engineer (PTOE)
Connect with Andrew Lee, PE, TE, on LinkedIn

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.

I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or on this page, and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.

I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam

Anthony Fasano, P.E., AEC PM, F. ASCE
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success