Not too long ago, the path to licensure was a familiar, linear journey: graduate, pass the FE, complete several years of work, then sit for the PE. Over the past twenty years, though, this process has become more complex, owing to multiple iterations of structural-specific exams (e.g. SE I, SE II, SE III, 16-hr PE Structural, 21-hr PE Structural), and now the new computer-based testing format on top of the existing complex variations between states.
Despite these changes, licensure remains the foundation of professional credibility and public trust. For employers, understanding how the process has evolved is crucial—not only to ensure compliance and professional responsibility, but to foster an environment where young engineers can successfully achieve licensure without burning out. Beyond ensuring the succession of the firm with new licensed professionals to advance into leadership roles, supporting licensure of staff yields a stronger, more reputable firm, capable of tackling complex challenges and building lasting trust with clients.
What Licensure Really Means
A professional engineering license is not merely a credential—it’s legal authority granted by a state to practice engineering and take responsibility for public safety. Like drivers’ licenses, engineering licensure is state-based. Unlike drivers’ licenses, there is no reciprocity between states; a Georgia engineering license does not permit the holder to practice anywhere besides Georgia itself. In order to practice engineering in a different state, you must acquire a license from that state’s board.
Licensure, therefore, is both a legal and ethical commitment. It signals to clients and peers that an engineer has demonstrated technical competence, integrity, and a dedication to the profession. While some firms only permit owners/principals sign and seal drawings for insurance reasons, every licensed engineer strengthens a firm’s reputation—their achievement reflects a culture that values excellence and accountability.
Exam Structure
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE – Civil, Structural)
The PE exam is the next milestone. It’s a single-day, eight-hour, computer-based exam designed for experienced professionals. For most structural engineers, this means taking the Civil: Structural depth exam, which focuses on fundamental design principles rather than complex system behavior and costs $400 as of 10/18/2025. Examinees are not permitted to bring any personal resources into the exam, but do have access to a digital NCEES PE Civil Reference handbook and digital copies of the applicable design standards. Exams can be scheduled year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers.
Passing this exam and meeting your state’s experience and education requirements leads to a Professional Engineer (PE) license—a credential that permits independent practice within your area of competence. For candidates who do not pass, NCEES permits additional attempts- once per three-month testing window and no more than three times in any rolling 12-month period.
Principles and Practice of Engineering – Structural (SE)
The SE exam represents the highest level of structural engineering licensure, required in some jurisdictions for engineers responsible for significant or high-risk structures. It is a computer- based exam administered by NCEES at Pearson VUE testing centers and consists of four components: Vertical Breadth (5.5 hours), Lateral Breadth (5.5 hours), Vertical Depth (5 hours; 6 hours beginning April 2026), and Lateral Depth (5 hours; 6 hours beginning April 2026). The Breadth components are offered year-round, while the Depth components are offered twice annually—typically in April and October. Depth components are not available on weekends and must be taken on week days. Breadth components may be available on weekends, pending the local Pearson VUE testing center operating hours. No more than one exam component may be taken per day. Examinees are not permitted to bring any personal materials but have access to a digital NCEES SE Reference Handbook and digital copies of all applicable design standards. The cost for each component is $350 as of October 2025.
Candidates must pass all required SE exam components to achieve a passing result. NCEES has not published a time limit for completing all components under the current computer-based format, though earlier versions of the exam required both components to be passed within a five-year period. Per NCEES, examinees may attempt computer-based exams “one time per testing window and no more than three times in a 12-month period”.
Decoupling and State Variations
In the past, candidates had to accrue four years of experience before sitting for the PE. Today, many states—including Georgia—have decoupled experience from exam eligibility. Engineers can now take the exam after graduation as soon as they feel prepared, even before completing experience requirements, though they would not be eligible to apply for their license until the required experience has been attained. While this flexibility can accelerate career growth, it also adds confusion. Each state’s rules differ, and some require applications to be approved before sitting for the exam. Employers can play an essential role by helping employees interpret these nuances early on and stating clear expectations and recommendations on when employees should aim to sit for their licensing exam. Additionally, this new approach means employers must now consider recognition not just for attaining licensure, but also the possibility of a separate level of recognition for passing the exam, which may occur well in advance of attaining a license.
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PE Civil – Structural
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Then (~2015) |
Now (2025) |
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Format
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Paper-and-pencil, open-book; 8 hours, twice yearly (April/October).
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Computer-based, 8 hours, offered year-round at Pearson VUE centers.
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Reference Access
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Personal codebooks, notes, and handouts allowed.
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No personal materials. On-screen NCEES PE Civil Reference Handbook and digital design standards only.
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Content Focus
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Locating and applying code provisions, multiple Civil disciplines in AM Breadth and Structural-only focus in PM Depth.
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Conceptual mastery and digital fluency emphasized; exclusive focus on Structural discipline
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Scheduling
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April and October only.
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On-demand scheduling; flexible test-center access.
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Results Timeline
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8–10 weeks.
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7–10 days via automated scoring.
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Cost
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≈ $300.
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$400 (as of Oct 2025).
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PE Structural ("SE")
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Then (~2015)
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Now (2025)
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Format
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Two 8-hour paper exams (Vertical & Lateral) over 2 days.
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Four computer-based components: Vertical Breadth (5.5 h), Lateral Breadth (5.5 h), Vertical Depth (5 → 6 h in 2026), Lateral Depth (5 → 6 h in 2026).
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Exam Schedule
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April and October only.
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Breadth: year-round Depth: April & October windows only.
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Reference Access
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Full printed codebooks (ASCE 7, ACI 318, AISC 360).
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Digital-only: on-screen NCEES SE Reference Handbook + electronic design standards.
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Design Standards
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Varied by state; some outdated.
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Standardized nationally (e.g., ASCE 7-16, ACI 318-14, AISC 360-15, IBC 2018).
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Delivery & Security
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Manual proctoring; paper grading.
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Secure CBT platform via Pearson VUE.
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Retake Options
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Only twice per year.
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Breadth: year-round Depth: twice per year.
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Results Timeline
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10–12 weeks.
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10–14 days.
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Cost
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≈ $800 (total).
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≈ $350/component ($1400 total) (as of Oct 2025)
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Days Required
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2
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4
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In addition to passing the required examination, all states have requirements related to experience and education that must be submitted and verified as part of the application process. Applicants must collect sealed transcripts, EIT verifications, signed experience records, and personal references—each with specific formatting and submission requirements. Though many state boards require original, signed, sealed envelopes or direct submissions from supervisors and registrars, Georgia currently requires the entire application be completed electronically, including experience verification from all current and previous employers. Most states also require four years of progressive engineering experience under licensed supervision. This doesn’t simply mean time in the seat—it means measurable growth in responsibility. Junior engineers should document each project phase they participate in, from modeling to system design to coordination. Firms may want to consider making this part of annual performance reviews.
How Employers Can Support Licensure
Foster Open Dialogue
Licensure shouldn’t be a side project. Encourage engineers to discuss exam goals early and often with supervisors. Integrate professional licensure into job descriptions, career path, and performance review conversations. These conversations help managers plan workloads, schedule around study commitments, and align project responsibilities with experience requirements.
Respect Study Time
The average candidate spends 300–600 hours preparing for the PE or SE exam. Firms can support this by considering:
- Offering flexible hours, reduced workload, or limiting travel during study periods
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Allowing use of conference rooms or quiet spaces for after-hours study
Small accommodations can have an outsized impact on morale and retention.
Provide Resources
Engineering codes and references are expensive—sometimes prohibitively so. Employers can:
- Maintain a shared library of current NCEES reference codes
- Offer reimbursement for review courses and materials and clearly document your policy in an easily accessible place for all employees
- Provide access to electronic code subscriptions for exam use
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Cover membership dues for organizations like SEAOG, NCSEA, or ASCE, which often host study groups and review sessions
Even a modest materials budget signals institutional respect for professional growth.
Financial and Administrative Support
Licensure expenses add up: exam registration ($1400 depending on type), application fees (currently $100 in Georgia, plus any additional fees incurred to acquire transcripts) reference materials or courses (often ~$1000), and potential travel. Firms that offer financial support for pursuing licensure stand out as employers that invest in long-term staff development.
For administrative ease, consider a simple internal form to track:
- Exam fee and licensure application reimbursements
- Study course approvals and resource reimbursement
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PTO requests tied to exam schedules
Such processes promote fairness and transparency.
Recognition and Reward
Professional Licensure is a major professional achievement. Recognizing it publicly and instantly reinforces that licensure matters at every level. Celebrating this milestone sends a clear message: your growth strengthens the firm. Recognition also encourages younger staff to envision their own path to licensure. Since the exam is often decoupled from the final license award, firms should consider immediate recognition upon passing the exam to capitalize on the achievement and morale boost.
Potential Forms of Recognition:
Financial & Tangible Rewards
- Spot Bonus (Immediate cash reward).
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Immediate Salary Adjustment (Permanent raise upon licensure).
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Full Reimbursement for all exam, application, and renewal fees.
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Extra Training Stipend for advanced, specialized courses.
Professional Identity & Visibility
- Public Announcements (Company-wide email, social media, staff meeting mention).
- Update All Materials with Credential* (New business cards, email signature, website bio)
- Framed License Presentation or firm plaque.
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Pay Annual Dues for relevant professional societies (e.g., SEI, ASCE).
Career & Responsibility
- New Project Leadership role, granting signing/sealing authority.
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Mentorship Role for E.I.T.s preparing for the exam.
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Promotion Eligibility or fast-tracking for next review cycle.
Personal & Morale
- Office Team Celebration (Lunch or happy hour).
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Extra Personal Day Off (Separate from PTO/sick leave).
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Personalized Gift (High-quality pen or gift certificate).
*This only applies once licensure has been achieved, not simply passing the required examination. Use of credentials such as “PE”
or “SE” are generally governed by state law. In Georgia, these credentials cannot be used unless the individual holds a valid license.
Successful completion of the exam alone does not warrant use of the credential.
Create a Written Licensure Support Policy
One of the most meaningful actions a firm can take is to formalize its support framework. This document can outline:
- What the company provides (time off, reimbursements, mentorship)
- What employees are expected to do (notify supervisors early, track expenses, meet deadlines)
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How success will be recognized
Such clarity eliminates ambiguity and ensures consistent support across all staff levels.
A Shared Responsibility
Professional licensure isn’t just a personal goal—it’s a shared responsibility between the engineer and their employer. When firms invest in staff development, they elevate not only individual careers but also the reputation and credibility of the entire organization.
Building a culture that values licensure means acknowledging how the process has evolved—and adapting company policies accordingly. For employers, that might mean rethinking project scheduling, budgeting for professional development, or simply taking the time to understand what the PE and SE journeys look like today. Licensure defines our profession. It’s how we demonstrate competence, protect the public, and uphold the standards that make structural engineering a discipline of trust.
The pathway to that license may be more complex than it was decades ago—but with informed, intentional support from employers, it doesn’t have to be harder. When firms invest in their engineers’ success, they strengthen the profession as a whole.
Ready to formalize your firm's commitment? Utilize the provided Employee Handbook Template to develop and publish a clear, comprehensive licensure support policy tailored to your team.
