A P.E. license grants official recognition as a professional engineer.
And this recognition can open an abundance of career possibilities, including the ability to stamp work, something reserved specifically for those with a P.E. But not all engineers are looking to go down that route.
So, is a P.E. still necessary? The broad consensus is yes. Even if a civil engineer doesn’t stamp work, the respect and indirect benefits that come with a P.E. license are worth the effort.
In a discussion on ASCE Collaborate, experts weighed in on the P.E. question, sharing their experiences with licensure and how it has impacted their careers. Find out below what they have to say.
Deborah Lee, P.E., P.H., BC.WRE, ENV SP, F.ASCE
Co-chair of the Science and Research Community of Practice at the Senior Executives Association and technical region society director at ASCE; Ann Arbor, Michigan
“I have never stamped a design document during my career as I was in water resources management, not construction and design. However, having my P.E. was essential for my career progression from journeyman to senior executive. USACE expected engineers to have a P.E. to be promoted to the GS-13 grade and beyond. Having the licenses (and specific USACE training) qualified me to serve as dam and levee safety officer and acting regional business director at the GS-15 grade. At NOAA, it provided credentials for me to reach the Senior Executive Service level, the highest grade in federal government.
“The licenses and other accomplishments made it possible for me to achieve senior leadership roles in ASCE and to receive additional certifications and credentials such as Board-Certified Water Resources Engineer and ASCE Fellow.
“When I began my career in 1986, civil engineering was considered nontraditional for women, so I sought my P.E. license to demonstrate my qualifications to be an engineer. So, when I would receive comments like ‘you are not a real engineer,’ I would say, ‘the State of Michigan says I am – where's your P.E. license?’ So, I would encourage all engineers to consider gaining their P.E. license, whether you stamp or not.”
David Clark, P.E., M.ASCE
Senior health facilities engineer at the Defense Health Agency; Springfield, Virginia
“I obtained my P.E. in 1988 while on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. Obtaining a P.E. wasn't required but it showed a level of commitment and expertise to the profession. After retiring from active duty, the P.E. opened opportunities that wouldn't have been available without the P.E. It was used by private sector when marketing the construction company team to prospective clients. …
“As a civil servant employee for the federal government, the P.E. was a prerequisite for employment for the job series. All members on design and construction contract source selection boards were either P.E. or Registered Architects. My duties included reviewing concept designs. Having the P.E. preemptively removed any doubts of being unqualified.”
Michael Carnevale, P.E., M.ASCE
Owner of Carnevale & Lohr; Bell Gardens, California
“After earning my PE license, I went off to business school and then into the family business in construction (we are natural stone contractors). For me, maintaining my license has been beneficial as I'm still involved in a related industry. It allows me to communicate with engineers, architects, contractors, and owners on a better level with credibility and authority. It has allowed me to sit on technical committees in my industry, like ASTM, which expands my knowledge and our company's profile and opens up another group of industry contacts.
“I still do a lot of preliminary, in-house engineering design but don't stamp any plans. Instead, it is sent out to an engineering firm for full package and stamp. But by having my license does speed up the process of working with the engineering firm on design/constructability issues. …
“I would definitely recommend to any young engineers looking at alternative career paths (such as a role with a general contractor, going into architectural design, or city planning, etc.) to get their P.E. before moving on. It's a badge of authority that gives your opinions credibility, and credibility opens up lots of new opportunities. The only downside is you can't plead ignorance!”
View ASCE Policy Statement 130 – Professional Licensure of Engineers.
