Why Get Licensed?

Licensure is the mark of a professional. It’s a standard recognized by employers, their clients, governments, and the public as an assurance of dedication, skill, and quality.

There are many powerful reasons – professional and personal – for earning and maintaining a PE license. Only a licensed engineer, for instance, may prepare, sign, seal and submit engineering plans and drawings to a public authority for approval or to seal engineering work for public and private clients.

  • Prestige: PEs are respected by the public and are seen in the same light as licensed professionals in other fields. PEs are also held in high esteem by their peers within the engineering community, who see the PE as part of an elite group.
  • Career Development: Employers are impressed with engineers with PE licenses. Licensure not only enhances your stature but also shows commitment to the profession and demonstrates heightened leadership and management skills. Licensure is also necessary for rising to increased levels of authority and responsibility.
  • Authority: Only PEs can sign and seal engineering drawings, and only PEs can be in responsible charge of a firm in private practice or serve as fully qualified expert witness. Also, many government agencies and educational institutions emphasize licensure among their engineers.
  • Flexibility: Having a PE license opens up your career options. You can become a specialist or establish your own business. It also protects you during industry downsizing or outsourcing. The PE license allows you to go as far as your initiative and talent will take you.
  • Financial: Studies have shown that most PEs earn higher pay throughout their business careers. Having your PE allows expanded opportunities beyond a company structure – as an independent consultant, for example

For questions on your professional license, contact the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists directly at:

P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Phone: (717) 783-7049
Click here to be redirected to the State Registration Board website.