California PE License Date

[fatboyht]

Hey everyone, I have been trying to figure out when the new rule of a mandatory master's degree or equivalent will be required in the state of California in order to take the PE exam. I have seen different reports some saying Jan 1 2015, and others saying that the date has been pushed to Jan 1 2020.
Thanks for your help.

 

[KENAT]

Hopefully you can find out somewhere on here:

http://www.pels.ca.gov/applicants/appinstpe.shtml

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[xnuke]

The NCEES model law says Jan. 1, 2020. However, this is just a model law. States may not adopt it as it is written, they may modify it to suit their needs, so it will likely have some variance from state to state. It also may vary from state to state as to when the model law goes active following adoption. Therefore, it is almost impossible to say how or when parts of the model law will be implemented unless you are monitoring your state board's proposed rule-making activities.

Here is the current model law revision on the NCEES website:

http://www.ncees.org/Documents/Public/Model Law.pdf

See p. 14 (on the 20th page) for the proposed changes. Be sure to read the footnote.

xnuke
"Live and act within the limit of your knowledge and keep expanding it to the limit of your life." Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged.
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[fatboyht]

Thanks for the reference I think that cleared up the question. Just to be certain though according to that there is no possible way that the law can be put into place before 2020?

 

[photoengineer]

Fatboy,

States can do whatever they want. They could abolish the licensing requirement for engineers if they want to. California could allows those with associates degrees in engineering to sit for the exam or require everyone obtain their PhD prior to sitting for the exam. They're not beholden to adopt the model law.

The model law is a guideline presented by NCEES as a way of standardizing the laws across multiple states. But it is up to each state to decide how or when or if they want to implement the model law.

California already breaks with the model law in regards to the experience requirement. I haven't heard if they are supportive or against the masters or equivalent requirement but I would suspect they are against it and will never adopt it if possible.

Cedar Bluff Engineering

http://cedarbluffengineering.webs.com

 

[haun6]

Another consideration is that if California changes the statue, it does not mean that every engineer will have to suddenly obtain a Master of Science degree. It will only apply to those who are or will be in the process of obtaining their PE license. Those who already have a PE license without a Master degree will still be able to renew their license without having to obtain the degree.

You have three choices:
1. If you are early in your college career, then plan on getting a Master before getting your PE, or
2. If you have a BS in engineering, then meet the state qualifications as soon as possible and pass the PE exam, or
3. If you already have your PE license, you have nothing to worry about.

Joe Alvin Haun, PE, MSE
Engineering Business Publications

http://www.engineeringbusinesspubs.com

 

[KeySol]

I am not certain on this but this "rule" is being supported by teh ASCE. I knwo people who were on the committee to discuss this, but not sure whn it will be required. Either way like others stated before this it will be up to the State to actually require this.