General > General Technical Chat
[US] Do you need the PE license to practice electronics engineering in the US?
ivan747:
As the title says, do you need a PE license to practice electronics engineering in the US? What about ABET accredited college degrees? If someone has neither, what should they try to pursue those?
engrguy42:
--- Quote from: ivan747 on June 16, 2020, 12:48:00 am ---As the title says, do you need a PE license to practice electronics engineering in the US? What about ABET accredited college degrees? If someone has neither, what should they try to pursue those?
--- End quote ---
I think it depends on the company you'll work for, the position you'll hold, and the state you're in. I think if you're going to be considered legally responsible for something they'll want you to have a PE license. But there are tons of engineers out there of all types without PE licenses. Though it seems like companies are stressing PE's more now than they did in years past.
Probably the best way to check is to go online to some possible employers and look at their job listings and see what their requirements are.
retrolefty:
This topic has been covered before. Also keep in mind that there are 50 States in the USA and it's State law that covers this subject, so there is not going to be a simple answer.
I do know that the refinery I worked at had several hundred titled Engineers that were not State certified as 'Professional Engineer' and was not required because the company assumed all liability for their work products.
That said many of those engineers did get their Professional Engineering credentials as it looks good on their annual performance review and more promote able.
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Ground_Loop:
Electrical PE certification is generally only 'required' for building electrical systems and power distribution. Electronics, i don't believe there is any legal requirement in any state.
Bassman59:
--- Quote from: ivan747 on June 16, 2020, 12:48:00 am ---As the title says, do you need a PE license to practice electronics engineering in the US? What about ABET accredited college degrees? If someone has neither, what should they try to pursue those?
--- End quote ---
I assume that by "electronics engineering" you mean "design low-voltage, low-power" products, not utility-level power distribution or the like. Basically, the sort of stuff discussed in this forum!
You need neither a PE license nor a college degree to design electronics as described as a profession here in the US.
Employers may require an engineering degree as a condition of employment, but that is not mandatory and I can name a few very talented (and employed!) electronics engineers without an undergraduate degree.
I don't think the PE license coursework even covers, say, microcontrollers or FPGAs, which are my area of expertise. I've never been asked if I had a PE license, nor does has my work ever involved "signing" any design documentation certifying anything.
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