Yes and no. In some states a person with an engineering technology degree can become a licensed professional engineer (PE). However, the process to obtain a PE license typically requires additional education and experience beyond a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology.
To become a licensed PE, an individual typically must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited program.
- Gain relevant work experience in the field of engineering, typically at least four years.
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
- Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, which is specific to their area of specialization.
- Meet other requirements, such as completing continuing education courses.
If an individual with an engineering technology degree does not have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, they may need to complete additional coursework to meet the education requirement for licensure. They may also need to gain additional work experience, as the experience requirement can vary depending on their specific area of study and the state in which they plan to be licensed.
It’s important to note that the process to become a licensed PE can vary by state, so it’s important to check the specific laws and regulations in your state for more information.
Other Certifications
It is also important to know that Engineering Technology majors can apply for licensure or certification in areas besides that of Professional Engineer. Some of these include:
- Certified Engineering Technologist (CET):
- Offered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), this certification is designed for engineering technicians who work in areas such as construction, surveying, and inspection.
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
- Offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), this certification is designed for professionals who work in quality control and quality assurance.
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this certification is designed for professionals who manage projects in a wide range of industries.
- Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT)
- Offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), this certification is designed for professionals who work in the manufacturing industry and have expertise in manufacturing processes and technology.
- Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
- Offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of manufacturing engineers
- Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
- Offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA), this certification is designed for professionals who work in the field of automation and control systems.
- Certified Welding Engineer (CWE)
- The CWE certification is offered by the American Welding Society (AWS) and is designed for professionals who have expertise in welding engineering and technology. To be eligible for the CWE certification, individuals typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology, and must have at least five years of experience in welding engineering or related fields.