Linda Thurman
Director for Student Professional Development and Employer Relations
Career & Co-op Advisor
Licensure
Professional licensure sets you apart, demonstrating your expertise, credibility, and commitment as an engineer. Whether you’re just getting started or planning your next career step, understanding the path to licensure is key to unlocking new opportunities.
The College of Engineering is here to support you at every stage, from preparing for the FE exam to pursuing Professional Engineer (PE) certification. Explore the resources below to take the next step toward your future as a licensed professional.
Graduating Students: for FE Cord Pick-Up please ensure your follow the instructions from NCEES: Opted in to receive the graduation cord through our system either at the time of registration for the FE exam or through the NCEES link. Indicate a corresponding graduation date and graduation cycle with an ABET–accredited degree from your institution.
*The list will be sent to Ms. Thurman approximately 2-3 weeks prior to graduation. Ms. Thurman will then email students directly with instructions for pick up. If you do not get the email from Ms. Thurman and need your cord, please reach out to her.
Professional Licensure varies by state. All 50 states do accept ABET Engineering Degrees for the licensure process. HOWEVER, please know, several states do NOT accept Bachelor of Science (or certain Master’s of Science) ETCM degrees for professional licensure nor do they accept the Infrastructure and Environmental Systems PhD degree for the FE Waiver.
ALWAYS check with the state’s licensing board in the state you wish to be licensed in for the latest information as it is subject to change.
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exams
Visit the NCEES website to create an account, register for the FE or FS Exam, order exam prep materials, and obtain the online reference guide. Ensure you stay up-to-date on the FE and PE Exams and Rules by visiting the NCEES and NC Board‘s websites often.
- Registration for eligible applicants and for all FE & FS exams is ongoing and handled through the NCEES website. UNC Charlotte and the Lee College of Engineering do not handle registration.
- Eligible Alumni, Community Members, and Students must use a Pearson Vue testing center for the FE and FS exams. The FE Exam is the same in all 50 US States.
- Eligibility for the FS Exam is found on the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers & Surveyors website.
- ALL applicants registering to take the FE or FS exam will be required to pay NCEES directly for all exam-related fees. This is included as a part of the online registration process.
- The FE and FS exams are closed book exams. Supplied reference material for the exams are electronic and are available on the NCEES website.
- Sample exams for the computer-based FE and FS are available for purchase at the NCEES website. Additional FE information for studying can be found at https://www.coursera.org/learn/fe-exam
- Pass the FE? Get the NCEES “FE and FS digital badges” you can use on your social media accounts!
- If you pass the FE prior to graduation with your BS, MS or PhD, make sure you OPT-IN on the NCEES website to request FE Cords for graduation day!
Engineering Intern (E.I.) and Surveyor Intern (S.I.) Certifications
- Once you successfully pass the FE Exam and graduate from an EAC-ABET Engineering Program, it is highly encouraged that you apply to become an official E.I. (Engineering Intern) in North Carolina. *Note: Some students are able to take the FE Exam before they graduate. Undergraduatesmust graduate before they can apply to be an E.I.
- There is no fee to apply. It is FREE to complete your E.I. application in North Carolina! Only those who are granted the E.I. designation by the NC Board are able to list “E.I.” after their name.
- Visit the Engineering Intern Certification page on the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers & Surveyors website to learn more and to apply.
- NOTE: For those graduating with an ETAC-ABET Engineering Technology or Construction Management degree, you must work 4 years prior to applying to be an E.I. in the state of North Carolina.
- Professional Licensure varies by state. Please always check with the State’s Licensing Board for the most up-to-date information on the application process.
Surveyor Intern (S.I.) Certification
- Visit the Surveyor Intern Certification page on the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers & Surveyors website to learn more and to apply.
- This application is FREE! Only those who are granted the S.I. designation by the NC Board are able to list “S.I.” after their name.
Professional Engineer (PE) and Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) Exams
Alumni- Interested in taking the PE Exam or PLS Exam? Follow the links below for more information. For more information on “Decoupling” in North Carolina, please visit the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers & Surveyors website.
- Professional Engineer (PE)
- Registering for the PE Exam is done HERE.
- Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)
Questions About Professional Development?
Professional development advisors can help you explore career options, find co-op and internship opportunities and plan your path from student to professional engineer.