Electrical Engineering PE License and FE Exam

Unlike civil engineering, electrical engineering PE licensure is not universal. Many senior EE careers in tech, semiconductor, aerospace, and consumer electronics don't require PE. However, certain EE specialty areas — power systems, controls in regulated industries, consulting practice — do require PE for senior positions. This guide walks through the PE path for EEs and clarifies which careers actually need it.

For overall EE path, see our How to Become an Electrical Engineer guide.

When EEs Need PE License

PE licensure is required for:

• Power systems engineering (utilities, power generation, transmission)
• Engineering consulting practice
• Forensic engineering and expert witness work
• Building controls in regulated industries
• Some industrial controls positions
• Government engineering positions (federal, state DOTs, etc.)
• Signing and sealing engineering documents submitted to public agencies

PE is optional for:

• Tech industry (semiconductors, software, hardware design)
• Aerospace and defense (most positions)
• Consumer electronics
• Most R&D positions
• Manufacturing engineering

The FE Exam

FE Electrical and Computer exam is offered by NCEES. Computer-based, 110 multiple-choice questions, 6 hours, $175. Pass rates run 70-80% for first-time test takers from ABET-accredited programs.

Required Work Experience

Most states require 4 years of qualifying engineering experience after FE passage before PE exam. The work must involve substantive engineering decision-making under PE supervision.

The PE Exam

The Electrical and Computer PE exam has three specialty options:

• Computer Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics
• Power Engineering

Each is 8 hours, $375. Pass rates run 50-65%. Most preparation requires 200-400 hours of focused study.

State PE Licensure

After passing both FE and PE, candidates apply for state PE license. Application fees $200-$500. Annual renewal $75-$200. Continuing professional development typically 15 PDH per year.

Should You Pursue PE?

Pursue PE if:

• You're working in power, controls, or consulting
• You plan to start your own engineering firm
• You're interested in forensic engineering
• Your employer requires PE for advancement

Skip PE if:

• You're in tech industry with no PE requirement
• Your career path is software-adjacent EE
• You work in semiconductor design
• You don't need to sign engineering documents

FE Exam Detail

FE Electrical and Computer exam is computer-based 6-hour exam with ~110 questions covering all undergraduate EE topics. Most graduates pass on first attempt (~75% pass rate). NCEES exam fee ~$175. Most state engineering boards require FE passage before issuing EIT designation.

PE Electrical Exam Detail

NCEES PE Electrical exam offered in three depth areas: Power, Electronics Controls and Communications, and Computer Engineering. Computer-based, 8 hours, 80 questions. Pass rate ~65-75%. Strong preparation typically includes 100-200 hours of dedicated study.

Experience Requirement

Most states require 4 years progressive engineering experience under PE supervision before sitting PE exam. Some states permit shorter experience for graduate degrees (typically 1 year credit for MS).

State PE Application Process

State PE applications typically require: NCEES PE exam passage, 4+ years documented engineering experience under PE supervision, 3-5 PE professional references, character references, application fee ($150-$400). Some states (California) have additional state-specific exam requirements.

Application processing typically 8-16 weeks. Total cost from FE through PE typically $800-$2,500 across exam fees, NCEES Record fees ($175 for centralized records), prep materials, and state application fees.

Comity (Reciprocity) Detail

Once licensed in one state, comity allows licensure in additional states without retaking PE exam. Most states have comity agreements through NCEES Record system. Comity application typically $150-$500 per state plus NCEES Record fee.

Multi-state PE common for consulting electrical engineers serving regional projects, federal employees serving multiple states, and engineers wanting flexibility for relocation. Most consulting EEs maintain 2-5 active state licenses.

PE Renewal and Continuing Education

PE license renewal typically every 1-2 years requiring continuing professional development hours. Most states require 15-30 PDH (professional development hours) annually. CPD available through IEEE, NSPE, state engineering society, online providers, conferences, employer-sponsored training.

Annual PE maintenance cost: $100-$400 (license renewal) plus $200-$800 in CPD courses. Most employers cover PE maintenance as professional development benefit. IEEE membership ($150-$200 annually) provides substantial CPD opportunity.

When PE Matters for EEs

Power systems engineering: PE essential for utility consulting, building electrical (MEP) consulting, and major substation/transmission design work. Most career power EEs hold PE.

Building electrical (MEP): PE required for signing/sealing electrical engineering plans for buildings. Most MEP EEs pursue PE within 5 years.

Government engineering: federal and state government engineering positions often require or strongly prefer PE.

Tech/semiconductor: PE rarely required or beneficial. Most chip design, hardware engineering, and software-adjacent EE roles don't require PE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should EE pursue PE? Depends entirely on career path. Pursue PE if your career involves power systems, MEP consulting, government engineering, or potential consulting practice. Skip PE if you're in tech, semiconductor, RF/wireless, or research. About 15-25% of EEs hold PE.

How long is PE pursuit? Typical timeline: graduate engineering school, take FE in senior year, work 4 years post-graduation, take PE exam during year 4-5, receive PE license late in year 5 or year 6.

What's PE Electrical pass rate? First-time pass rate: ~65-75% depending on depth area. Power Electronics generally has highest pass rate; Computer Engineering depth area has lower pass rate.

Best resources for PE prep? NCEES practice exams (essential), PPI (Professional Publications Inc.) study materials including Camara EE Reference Manual, Engineering Pro Guides videos, and PE prep courses ($500-$2,000).

How much does PE pay premium add? 8-15% salary premium typical in industries where PE matters. Negligible premium in tech industry where PE doesn't enable additional work scope.

What's NCEES Record? NCEES Record is centralized engineering credential record system storing FE/PE exam history, education, references, and experience documentation. $175 setup fee plus $50 per state submission. Simplifies multi-state licensure applications significantly.

Is FE worth taking if not pursuing PE? Generally yes — small additional effort during senior year, FE passage is permanent EIT credential, useful if career direction shifts later toward PE-required field.

Can EE PE be skipped if I have MS or PhD? Most states give 1-2 years experience credit for graduate degree but still require FE plus PE exam plus 2-3 years experience. Graduate degree alone doesn't substitute for licensure.

Where can I verify these salary figures? See U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Electrical Engineers for current state, metro, and industry pay statistics.

For overall EE path, see How to Become an Electrical Engineer. For industry pay, see EE Salary by Industry.