Can I Pass the PE Exam WITHOUT an EAC/ABET Degree?

In this article (and video above), I dive into a topic that many aspiring engineers often wonder about: Can you take the Professional Engineer (PE) Exam if your bachelor’s degree is not accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)? 

Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand why EAC/ABET accreditation matters. A degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program is highly respected in the engineering profession because it shows that the program meets rigorous academic standards and equips graduates for professional practice.

Can You Take the PE Exam Without an EAC/ABET-accredited Bachelor’s Degree?

The short answer is yes! The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), which administers the exam, does not strictly require candidates to hold a degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program.

However, there are alternative pathways for candidates with degrees from non-accredited programs. These pathways typically involve additional steps, such as:

1. NCEES Credential Evaluation: Candidates may need to submit their academic credentials for evaluation to NCEES to determine if their education meets the required standards.
2. Additional Experience: Candidates without an accredited degree may need more years (often around 8 years instead of the standard 4 years) of professional experience to compensate for the lack of accreditation.
3. Examination: All candidates, regardless of their educational background, must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam before they can take the PE Exam.
4. Master’s Degree: Pursue a master’s degree from an ABET-accredited institution. This can streamline the process.
5. State-Specific Requirements: Visit the NCEES website for a breakdown of each state’s licensing board requirements.

Here’s an example:

Washington State Specific Licensing Requirements: To get your license, you must meet all of the following requirements, which are:

• Pass the EIT (Engineer-in-Training exam).
• Pass the PE (Principles and Practices of Engineering exam).
  • If you took the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (EIT) or the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam (PE) in another state, go to NCEES to request a license or exam verification.
• Have 8 years of professional-level experience under the direct supervision of a licensed professional engineer.
  • Education in an ABET-accredited program may count for up to 4 years of this experience.
    • Work experience gained between semesters or quarters or during summers while enrolled in an approved curriculum will be considered part of the educational process. No more than 1 year of experience will be granted for 1 calendar year.

If you’ve only passed the NCEES 16-hour lateral & vertical structural examination, you need to take and pass an additional 8-hour NCEES PE exam in another branch of engineering to get your PE license in Washington. If you have an engineering degree from a foreign country, you should:

• Have your degree evaluated by NCEES Credentials Evaluations (ncees.org), unless:
  • Your degree was accredited by ABET,
  • Your degree was accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), or
  • You have a Masters degree from a school that has an ABET-accredited undergraduate program in the same discipline as the graduate degree.
    • If you have a Masters in Engineering, you must provide an English translation of your undergraduate transcripts with your evaluation.

Please be sure to go check out the NCEES website for information regarding specific engineering disciplines and exam dates.

Does Having a Non-accredited Degree Put Me at a Disadvantage?

The answer – not necessarily. While an accredited degree can streamline the process, candidates with non-accredited degrees have successfully obtained their PE licenses by fulfilling the alternative requirements.

In fact, many engineers with degrees from non-accredited programs have excelled in their careers and made significant contributions to the field. What matters most is your knowledge, skills, and dedication to your profession.

So, if you’re passionate about becoming a licensed Professional Engineer but don’t have an EAC/ABET-accredited degree, don’t let that deter you! Research the alternative pathways, seek guidance from experienced engineers or mentors, and stay focused on your goal.

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 monthly, 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