In this article (and video above), I talk about what you can expect after you have taken your PE Exam and what you should do after you pass the PE exam. We talk about how long you will have to wait for your results to be available, how you can obtain your license if you passed, and when you will be able to start practicing as a licensed engineer. Information for this post was referenced from these articles (PPI, NSPE, and NJSPE).
After months and months of studying, you finally took your PE exam. Whether you felt confident or unsure after the exam, you’ll have to do a bit of waiting before you find out your score and next steps towards licensure. There are some important differences between the computer-based exams and pencil-and-paper exams when it comes to the waiting period, scoring procedures, and next steps after you pass or fail.
Pencil-And-Paper Exams
Some of the PE exams are still pencil-and-paper exams. The results of these exams typically take about eight to ten weeks to be sent out, depending on the licensing board you selected during the registration process. The process for scoring and releasing results for pencil-and-paper exams are similar to computer-based tests (CBT) in many ways. However, there are also some key differences. You should receive an email with instructions for viewing your results, which will be reported as pass or fail, and you are not penalized for incorrect answers.
Computer-Based Exams
Typically, results for computer-based exams are determined much faster than pencil-and-paper exams; they are usually available seven to 10 days after you take the exam. An email will be sent out with instructions to view your results. Your exam results are reported as pass or fail, with your score being based on the number of correct answers you selected.
Remember though that NCEES is switching all exams to computer-based, so the long wait for exam results will soon be something of the past, and the PE will be offered much more frequently.
So let’s say you received your notification, and you have passed your exam. What happens then?
Unfortunately, passing the exam doesn’t immediately make you a professional engineer. Next, you’ll need to apply for a professional engineering license.
The Major Steps After Passing the PE Exam Include:
- Applying for the PE license with your state board.
- Submitting your NCEES records to your state board if applicable.
- Displaying your new designation.
- Requesting your wall certificate.
- Purchasing your stamp or seal.
This process differs from state to state as does the submission fee amount which varies from $80 to over $300 depending on your state. Also remember that in some states you are allowed to take the exam, prior to having enough years of experience, in which case, if you pass the exam, you will still need to complete your work experience requirement before receiving your license. For a detailed video on that, check out this video called: Are You Eligible to Take The PE Exam?
Sources:
What Happens After You Pass the NCEES PE Exam?
Early Taking of the PE Exam
Post PE Exam: What to Expect
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 on what to do after you pass the PE exam 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.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
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