PE Exam for International Engineers: Requirements and Pathways

The path to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the United States as an international engineer requires careful navigation through complex requirements and unique challenges. While the journey may seem daunting, thousands of foreign engineers successfully obtain their PE licenses each year by understanding the specific pathways available and preparing strategically for the process.

Understanding the Fundamental Requirements

International engineers seeking PE licensure in the United States must meet the same core requirements as domestic candidates, but with additional steps to verify their foreign credentials. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) provides tools for international professionals, requiring candidates to have passing scores on the NCEES FE and PE examinations, along with at least seven years of qualifying experience for certain pathways.

The basic requirements include:

• A bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited program or equivalent
• Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
• Completing required engineering experience (typically 4+ years)
• Passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam
• Meeting state-specific licensing requirements

For international engineers, the challenge lies in proving that their foreign education meets U.S. standards and navigating the credential evaluation process effectively.

The NCEES Credential Evaluation Process

Most international engineers must undergo credential evaluation through NCEES to demonstrate that their education meets U.S. standards. NCEES Credentials Evaluations is designed primarily for candidates who have earned their degrees outside the United States and are pursuing licensure through one of the member licensing boards.

When You Need an Evaluation

You do not need an evaluation if your degree was accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET at the time of your graduation. However, most international degrees require evaluation since ABET accreditation is primarily limited to U.S. programs.

The Evaluation Process

The fee for the evaluation process is $400, and a credentials evaluation is typically completed within 15 business days from the date of purchase. The process involves:

• Creating a MyNCEES account
• Submitting official transcripts from all universities attended
• Providing detailed course descriptions for all coursework
• Waiting for document verification and evaluation completion

Required Documentation

Official course descriptions are used in determining class content, the number of credit hours per week, and if classes meet on a semester or yearlong basis. Course descriptions must be submitted for all courses, including engineering, math, science, and non-engineering.

State-Specific Requirements for International Engineers

Each U.S. state maintains its own licensing requirements, creating variations in how international engineers can pursue licensure. Understanding these differences is crucial for strategic planning.

Experience Requirements

Many states require that international engineers complete a portion of their experience in the United States. Foreign engineers should pay special attention to requirements that at least two years of the experience being claimed is obtained in the U.S. or working with U.S. design codes and standards.

Reference Requirements

References must be from licensed PEs. References from non-U.S. engineers do not meet this requirement in many cases. This creates a significant challenge for international engineers who may need to build professional networks in the United States.

Language Proficiency

Some states require demonstration of English language proficiency. Applicants requesting a waiver from the TOEFL requirement must submit a written request and supporting reasoning, with waivers potentially granted based on employer verification of proficiency or transcripts showing six full-time semesters toward an advanced engineering degree in the United States.

Cultural and Educational Barriers

International engineers often face unique challenges that extend beyond technical requirements. Understanding these barriers helps in developing effective preparation strategies.

Educational System Differences

Many international educational systems structure coursework differently than U.S. programs. Basic maths and science are not taught at Grad level in many countries but are taught in 11th and 12th grade (senior secondary education). Only applied physics/maths are taught at graduate level. NCEES evaluators consider high school coursework from certain international systems, but documentation requirements can be complex.

Professional Practice Differences

International engineers may struggle with U.S.-specific engineering practices, codes, and standards. The PE exam heavily emphasizes U.S. codes and standards, requiring dedicated study time for engineers trained in different systems.

Language and Communication Barriers

Language is often a cause of failure in professional engineering exams. Even engineers with strong technical English skills may struggle with exam-specific terminology and the nuanced language used in engineering standards and codes.

Success Strategies for International Engineers

Based on successful international engineers' experiences, several proven strategies can significantly improve your chances of success.

Strategic State Selection

Research states with more favorable requirements for international engineers. Some licensing boards have been paving the way for U.S. licensure for overseas candidates. For instance, the Oregon board offers registration to international engineers with equivalent qualifications who have passed the FE and PE exams.

Early Preparation for Credential Evaluation

Begin the credential evaluation process as early as possible. Gather all required documentation well in advance, including:

• Official transcripts from all institutions
• Detailed course syllabi and descriptions
• High school certificates if applicable (for certain international systems)
• Translation of documents if required

Building U.S. Professional Networks

Engineers who are claiming foreign engineering experience may find networking useful for obtaining required references from licensed PEs. Consider:

• Joining professional engineering societies
• Attending local engineering meetups and conferences
• Seeking mentorship from licensed PEs in your field
• Participating in professional development programs

Focused Exam Preparation

International engineers should invest extra time in understanding U.S. engineering codes and standards. Consider preparation courses that specifically address the differences between international and U.S. practices.

Special Pathways and Mutual Recognition Agreements

Some international engineers may qualify for expedited pathways through mutual recognition agreements.

UK Chartered Engineers

If you have Chartered Engineer (CEng) and IntPE statuses in the United Kingdom, you may apply for a P.E. license in certain U.S. states via the new mutual recognition agreement (MRA). This pathway streamlines the process for qualified UK engineers.

Washington Accord Recognition

Engineers with degrees from education programs within the Washington Accord may have easier pathways to U.S. licensure. The Washington Accord recognizes substantial equivalence between engineering education systems in member countries.

Resource Recommendations for International Engineers

Official Resources

• NCEES International Professionals webpage
• State licensing board websites
• ABET accredited program database
• NCEES Examinee Guide

Professional Organizations

• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) International Division
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Timeline Planning for International Engineers

Success requires careful timeline planning, often taking longer than domestic candidates due to additional requirements:

Phase 1 (6-12 months before FE exam)

• Complete credential evaluation process
• Research and select target state(s)
• Begin building U.S. professional network

Phase 2 (3-6 months before FE exam)

• Intensive FE exam preparation
• Address any educational deficiencies identified in evaluation
• Establish contact with potential PE references

Phase 3 (During experience accumulation)

• Work toward required U.S. experience
• Maintain PE reference relationships
• Begin PE exam preparation

Phase 4 (3-6 months before PE exam)

• Intensive PE exam preparation focused on U.S. codes and standards
• Complete state licensing application requirements
• Prepare for any additional state-specific requirements

Understanding the Path Forward

Recent 2024-2025 PE exam statistics show varying pass rates by discipline, with first-time test-takers generally performing better than repeat candidates. International engineers should focus on thorough first-attempt preparation to maximize their chances of success.

The journey to PE licensure as an international engineer requires patience, strategic planning, and dedicated preparation. However, with proper understanding of the requirements and access to appropriate resources, international engineers can successfully navigate this process and build rewarding careers in the United States.

References

1. NCEES International Professionals (August 2022). URL: https://ncees.org/licensure/international-professionals/
2. NCEES Credentials Evaluations (April 2025). URL: https://ncees.org/ncees-services/credentials-evaluations/
3. NCEES Credentials Evaluation FAQs (Current). URL: https://help.ncees.org/article/74-ncees-credentials-evaluation-faqs
4. Texas Board of Professional Engineers - International Applicant (Current). URL: https://pels.texas.gov/international_applicants.htm
5. StudyforFE PE Exam Pass Rates (August 2025). URL: https://www.studyforfe.com/blog/ncees-pe-exam-pass-rates/
6. U.S. Language Services - Foreign-Educated Engineer Guide (May 2025). URL: https://www.uslanguageservices.com/guides-resources/how-to-work-in-the-us-as-a-foreign-educated-engineer/
7. NSPE Going Global (Current). URL: https://www.nspe.org/resources/pe-magazine/april-2014/going-global