Passing the PE Exam: Why it Matters and How to Do It

Published

January 26, 2026

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Life at Henderson

The Professional Engineering Exam (the PE) is one of the most defining (and stressful) times in any engineer’s career. A professional engineer is licensed to practice engineering and has the authority to sign and seal engineering plans. To become a PE, you generally must meet these requirements:

Earn a four-year college degree from an ABET accredited school.

Work under a PE for at least four years

Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (the FE), which is considered the first step towards pursuing your professional engineer licensure. The exam is meant for recent graduates or students close to finishing their undergraduate engineering degree and is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Pass the PE Exam. The NCEES offers more than 20 different PE exams. Some PE exams, such as the Architectural or Fire Protection, are only offered once a year, whereas the Mechanical and Electrical is offered year-round.

Being a PE means that you are a part of an elite group of individuals who are held to a high standard (both ethically and legally). Colleagues look to us for help and guidance, and clients look to us to have a mastery to safeguard the health and safety of the public through our building designs. It’s a huge milestone in an engineer’s career that opens new doors. The PE exam is intense, can last 5.5, 8, or 8.5 hours depending on the discipline, and has a first-time pass rate averaging 60-75%. Henderson supports our engineers as they continue to further their professional careers, including taking the PE exam. We understand the demands and rigors of the test, all while balancing your career, home, and social life. Watch the videos below to learn more about some of our PEs’ experiences in getting their licensure.