Becoming a P.E. with Engineering Tech Degree? 2

[Senselessticker]

I have had a couple of buddies from work inquire about what is required to be become a P.E. These guys have a B.S. in "Electronic Engineering Technology" from an ABET accredited school. Is it possible for these guys to become registered PE's? I've encouraged them to look into taking the EIT/FE (they had never heard of the exam). Anyone out there with a Engineering Tech degree hold a license that could shed some light?

Thanks.

Senseless

 

[JStephen]

You should be able to find the state board rules online and see what they have to say. Also check directly with the board if you need to.

In many, perhaps most, states, they used to have a setup where you had to have 4 years experience with a 4-year degree, but could also have 8-years experience with no degree or something of the sort. My guess is that you'd wind up trying to qualify under this kind of arrangement- which is also being phased out in most states.

 

[JAE]

If its ABET accredited then I think most states will recognize that degree and allow the FE (EIT) exam and then, after 4 years experience under a licensed PE (per JStephen), allow the PE exams.

 

[jpankask]

It depends completely on your state statutes. Some states will allow licensure with a technology degree that is ABET accredited. However, there are several states that will not allow graduates of technology programs to earn their license, no matter how much experience they have or where their degree came from. Go to the NCEES website (

http://www.ncees.org)

and follow the link to licensing boards. Find your state and go to the website for your state. On your state board website, you should be able to read the statutes online and that will tell you if your state allow licensure of technology graduates. Alternatively, you could just call your state board, but there is a chance you could talk to someone who doeasn't really know the statutes in your state.

 

[65Roses]

ABET uses two internal commissions to accredit engineering and engineering technology degrees. Engineering Accreditation Commission (AEC) accredits engineering and Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) accredits engineering technology degrees. The criterion each degree must meet is different.

All states allow EAC/ABET graduates to sit for the PE exam. And all most all states allow TAC/ABET accredited graduates to sit for the PE exam. But that number has been shrinking and in my opinion will continue to shrink.

The problem with most Engineering Technology (ET) programs is that they are too "watered down". What I mean is the curriculum varies greatly from school to school. Some institutions only require one Calculus course. Others require three plus a course in differential equations.

Whose fault is this? I blame ABET who set the standards for accreditation of engineering technology programs. The TAC of ABET should raise the bar for ET students.

I'm a BSMET graduate and my school was re-accredited my senior year (1997). I remember one of the TAC members telling a faculty member our program resembled a BSME program more than it did a BSMET program. Unfortunately not all ET degree offering universities provide such an above and beyond minimum expectation level of education. This has definitely hurt the image of ET programs and graduates in the minds of Engineering graduates and licensure boards.


Why is my handle 65Roses?
Please visit

http://www.cff.org/aboutCFFoundation/About65Roses/

to learn why!

 

[65Roses]

Here is some more information....

http://www.nspe.org/govrel/gr2-4049.asp

Why is my handle 65Roses?
Please visit

http://www.cff.org/aboutCFFoundation/About65Roses/

to learn why!