PE — Experience-Only Legacy Pathway
Detailed licensing requirements and pathways
SOURCE SUMMARY
Alternative pathway for PE licensure based primarily on extensive qualifying work experience without standard education credentials. Requires 14-17 years of experience depending on circumstances and may qualify for FE waiver.
Requirements at a Glance
Visual summary of what this pathway requires
Exams
FE
PE
LAW
Experience
14.0 years
Professional practice
References
minimum
References
Examination Requirements
| Type | Parameters | Required | Source | Citation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EXAM
|
exam:
FE
|
Optional
|
California Professional Engineers Act |
Title 16 CCR Section 438(a); Business and Professions Code Section 6755(a)
|
FE exam may be waived for applicants who demonstrate extensive qualifying experience per Section 438(a). Requirements detailed in FE Waiver Flowchart.
100% confidence
|
|
EXAM
|
exam:
PE
|
Required
|
California Professional Engineers Act |
Business and Professions Code Section 6755(a)
|
NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in the desired discipline.
100% confidence
|
|
EXAM
|
exam:
LAW
jurisdiction_specific:
True
passing_score:
70
|
Required
|
California Professional Engineers Act |
California Laws and Professional Practice exam requirement
|
California Laws and Professional Practice exam covering the Professional Engineers Act (Business and Professions Code sections 6700-6799) and Board Rules (Title 16, California Code of Regulations sections 400-476). Minimum passing score: 70%.
100% confidence
|
Experience Requirements
| Type | Parameters | Required | Source | Citation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EXPERIENCE
|
years_required:
14.0
progressive:
True
under_pe_ps_supervision:
True
|
Required
|
California Professional Engineers Act |
Business and Professions Code Section 6751(c); Title 16 CCR Section 438(a)
|
For applicants without standard education credentials, qualifying experience may be demonstrated through 14 years (168 months) or 17 years (204 months) of qualifying work experience in certain circumstances. Specific requirements outlined in FE Waiver Flowchart and Section 438(a). For civil engineers, experience must be under direction of a civil engineer legally qualified to practice. Experience calculated on actual time basis not to exceed 40 hours per week.
90% confidence
|
Reference Requirements
| Type | Parameters | Required | Source | Citation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
REFERENCES
|
count:
minimum
from_pe_ps_only:
False
|
Required
|
California Professional Engineers Act |
Work Experience Engagement/Reference forms requirement
|
Applicants must submit Work Experience Engagement/Reference forms with professional references verifying engineering work experience and qualifications.
95% confidence
|