The Professional Engineers (PE) Exam and Organizations
North Carolina Registration
In North Carolina, the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCBELS) is responsible for licensing qualified applicants. Engineering experience must be certified by the NCBELS, and this board also administers the PE Exam. The NCBELS states that “In order to be licensed to practice in North Carolina, an individual, in addition to paying the required fees, must be of good character and reputation, must satisfactorily pass the examinations administered by the Board and must submit evidence of education, and a specific record of progressive work of a nature and level acceptable to the Board.”
Other states have similar boards that certify engineers. Generally there is a reciprocity agreement between states, which allows licensed engineers in one state to apply for, and receive, certification in another state.
Join PENC and NSPE
Professional Engineers of North Carolina (PENC) is a professional association of over 1,800 individuals including Professional Engineers, engineering interns, engineering graduates and engineering students in nine local chapters and five university engineering programs. PENC is a state society of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). Members represent all technical disciplines and all practice areas including construction, education, industry, government and private practice. By joining PENC you also become a member of NSPE. Students can join these professional engineering societies for a reduced rate and participate in local professional engineering functions.
PE Exam Preparation
The Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) offers a course for practicing engineers. Preparation manuals are available from Professional Publications Inc. (PPI) and Kaplan.