Professional Engineers in USA (State Licence)

[Type R Tom]

Is there anyone on here who is has a Professional Engineering Licence in the US and a State Licence, in particular civil engineering? I've been looking at jobs in the US recently and they all require them within my field, it seems different to Charted etc. in the UK.

Had a look at the exams and they seem really tough. You need a good overall knowledge of engineering as well as a sound base of your own field.

I know there have been many a debate about the use of “Engineer” in the UK and that it’s been somewhat devalued but it’s a shame for me as some of what I do is starting to take off in the US and I think I could be useful over there (plus I fancy a change)!

[GadgeS3C]

Don't know about the US system but if you're CEng over here is there some form of process where you can use that to get the US certification?

Worth asking the question of your institute?

I'd be interested to know the answer.

[sooperscoop]

I work with a bunch of PEs and a couple of CEng/PE. Those CEngs who came across to North America and did their PE universally say it's a massive ball ache.

The PE is designed as a progressive qualification starting at college, it you jump in from overseas you pretty much have to start from scratch, and for most disciplines that means a lot of studying and exams, which I hear are degree-level technical. And writing begging letters about your previous qualifications and experience.

It can be done if you put the time and effort in, but it's not easy.

[Type R Tom]

Oh dear, I had a feeling that might be the case. After some of my own research it looks pretty tough, I could have a good go at the stuff within my own field but would seriously struggle with the other parts.

It’s a shame after applying for a job in Chicago and being told (though he may have been humouring me) that there was unlikely to be anyone in the state with experience like mine it really sparked an interest in working in the US. The State Licence along with all the green card hassle probably makes it a bit too tough to work over there.