Professional Engineer (PE) Licensure

For many engineering professionals, an important career goal is to obtain the Professional Engineers (PE) license.

The PE license is needed to perform engineering services for the public, and equips the holder with a state-authorized engineering seal that can be applied to engineering work. Obtaining a license signals that you have reached a high level of competence in the field of engineering.

A detailed discussion of the benefits of obtaining the PE license is provided by the National Society of Professional Engineers, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Although the ASCE document is written for Civil Engineers, this document is applicable to all engineering career paths.

Taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

An important step on the path to professional licensure is the passing of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE). The FE exam is a computer-based exam administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers.

The FE exam includes 110-questions. The exam appointment time is 6 hours long and includes:

  • Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
  • Tutorial (8 minutes)
  • Exam (5 hours and 20 minutes)
  • Scheduled break (25 minutes)
For additional information see: https://ncees.org/engineering/fe/.

You are eligible to take the FE Exam, if you are a SENIOR in your last semester, with 20 credit hours or less to take. To sit for the exam you must register and pay on the NCEES website. The nearest test center in Buffalo is located at 325 Essjay Road in Williamsville.

Traditionally, the exam has been multiple choice, but in July 1, 2017, the computer-based FE introduced alternative item types (AITs). AITs are questions other than the traditional multiple-choice questions and include:

  • Multiple correct—allow examinees to select multiple answers
  • Point and click—require examinees to click on part of a graphic to answer
  • Drag and drop—require examinees to click on and drag items to match, sort, rank, or label
  • Fill in the blank—provide a space for examinees to enter a response to the question
After taking the exam, you will typically receive an email in 7 to 10 days advising you of the results of the FE exam.

Intern Engineer Certificate

In NYS, an Intern Engineering certificate is required in order for you to put E.I.T or Intern Engineer after your name. To obtain your Intern Engineer Certificate you need to submit the following two forms after your undergraduate degree has been conferred:

Form 1IE – Application for Intern Engineer Certificate

The Application for Intern Engineer Certificate form must be submitted directly to the Office of Professions in Albany together with a $70 fee.

Form 2 – Certification of Professional Education

Complete the applicant information only on page 1, then submit your Form 2:

Option 1: Recommended

It is recommended that you request your official transcript and submit your Form 2 through Credentials Solutions. UB is contracted with Credentials Solutions to process our official transcripts by electronic or mailed delivery. When you use Credentials Solutions, you will be given the option to add your Form 2 to your transcript order (further directions are below). The Office of the Registrar (OOR) is notified by Credentials Solutions that you have a Form 2 that needs to be processed. They will then process your form and it will be sent with your transcript order. There is a $5 fee for this service. Credentials Solutions will send you email updates throughout the processing time and will let you know when the transcript and form have been sent.

Current students can request their official transcript and access Credentials Solutions order form in your HUB Student Center utilizing the Grades and Awards tile. Use this route to auto-authorize the release of your transcript using HUB credentials.

Alternatively, you can also access Credentials Solutions from the registrar’s website. Click on the Transcript Tab and follow the online ordering directions.

To add a licensure attachment to your Credentials Solutions order form, follow these steps:

Page 1:  Fill out your information

Page 2: Tell us when you want your transcripts sent and select For State Licensure under Primary Reason for Ordering

Page 3: Click Enter Recipient Manually

Page 4: Enter recipient information then click Yes when asked Are you providing an attachment? Instructions for providing your attachment will be given after the order is submitted. Please read the Additional Action Required box on your confirmation page.

Option 2:

You can mail or fax the form. The Office of the Registrar will process the form and mail in both the form and transcript (if required) directly to NYSED by regular US mail. There is no fee for this service. Please note that tracking and estimated delivery dates are not provided.

Mail:

University at Buffalo
Registrar at 1Capen
Capen Hall
Attn: Certification
Buffalo, NY 14260

Continuing Education

SEAS is an approved NYS provider site for professional engineers. Working professionals can participate in a variety of opportunities to earn Continuing Education Units or Professional Development Hours.