PE — ABET-Accredited Pathway
Detailed licensing requirements and pathways
LICENSE GRADE
Professional Engineer
STATUS
current
EFFECTIVE DATE
2024
BASELINE MAPPING
virginia_pe_abet
SOURCE SUMMARY
Virginia Code § 54.1-400 et seq. and 18VAC10-20-210. Standard pathway for PE licensure with EAC-ABET accredited engineering degree requiring 4 years experience with at least 2 years post-bachelor's.; Virginia Code § 54.1-400 et seq. and 18VAC10-20-210(B)(4). Pathway for non-EAC-ABET engineering degrees requiring 8 years experience with at least 4 years post-bachelor's.
Requirements at a Glance
Visual summary of what this pathway requires
Education
ABET
Bachelor
or
ABET
Bachelor
Exams
PE PE
Experience
8.0 years
Professional practice
References
5
References
Education, Experience, References, and Examination Requirements
Standard pathway for graduates of EAC-ABET accredited engineering programs
Type Parameters Required Source Citation Notes
EDUCATION
degree_level: BS
discipline: engineering
accreditation: EAC/ABET
Required
Virginia Code Title 54.1 Chapter 4 - Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers
18VAC10-20-210(B)(1)
Engineering baccalaureate degree or higher from EAC-ABET accredited program or equivalent accreditation as verified through NCEES
100% confidence
EXPERIENCE
years_required: 4.0
progressive: True
under_pe_ps_supervision: False
post_bachelor_minimum: 2
Required
Virginia Code Title 54.1 Chapter 4 - Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers
18VAC10-20-210(A)(3)
Minimum 4 years progressive practical experience on engineering projects of acceptable grade and character. At least 2 years must be earned after baccalaureate degree. Graduate work leading to advanced degree may count up to 2 years toward experience if satisfactory to board.
100% confidence
REFERENCES
count: 5
from_pe_ps_only: False
pe_minimum: 3
Required
Virginia Code Title 54.1 Chapter 4 - Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers
18VAC10-20-210(A)(4)
Five references required, including at least three from professional engineers, attesting to applicant's engineering experience, character, and reputation
100% confidence
EXAM
exam: PE
Required
Virginia Code Title 54.1 Chapter 4 - Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers
18VAC10-20-210(A)(2)
Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam required
100% confidence
Education, Experience, References, and Examination Requirements
For engineering degrees not accredited by EAC-ABET or where educational equivalency cannot be established
Type Parameters Required Source Citation Notes
EDUCATION
degree_level: BS
discipline: engineering
accreditation: EAC/ABET
Required
Virginia Code Title 54.1 Chapter 4 - Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers
18VAC10-20-210(B)(4)
Engineering baccalaureate degree from program not accredited by EAC-ABET or for which board is unable to establish educational equivalency
100% confidence
EXPERIENCE
years_required: 8.0
progressive: True
under_pe_ps_supervision: False
post_bachelor_minimum: 4
Required
Virginia Code Title 54.1 Chapter 4 - Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers
18VAC10-20-210(B)(4)
Minimum 8 years progressive practical experience on engineering projects of acceptable grade and character, at least 4 years of which must be earned after baccalaureate degree
100% confidence
REFERENCES
count: 5
from_pe_ps_only: False
pe_minimum: 3
Required
Virginia Code Title 54.1 Chapter 4 - Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers
18VAC10-20-210(A)(4)
Five references required, including at least three from professional engineers
100% confidence
EXAM
exam: PE
Required
Virginia Code Title 54.1 Chapter 4 - Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers
18VAC10-20-210(A)(2)
Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam required
100% confidence