Licensing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Professional Engineers

1. What are the requirements for licensure in the State of Maryland?
2. Where can I obtain application forms for licensure?
3. What constitutes "acceptable work experience"?
4. What are some examples of "evidence" of work experience for the PE exam in lieu of the endorsement of a Professional Engineer?
5. How long is my license good for?
6. How do I go about getting my name changed or corrected?
7. What is the procedure for change of contact information?
8. When will I receive my admission notification?
9. How long does it take to get a license by reciprocity?
10. How long does it take to get a license by reciprocity if I have a Council Record?
11. How long does it take to process a verification request?
12. I passed by EIT in another state. Do I have to have my certificate transferred to MD?
13. Do I need a permit issued by the Board for my firm?
14. How does my company obtain a "certificate of authorization” to conduct business in Maryland?
15. What are the requirements to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE)?
16. Can I take the FE exam before I graduate?
17. How do I apply for the PE exam?
18. What are the requirements for the PE exam?
19. What is the fee for applying for the exam?
20. Where can I obtain study materials for the exams?
21. Can I apply for the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam without taking the FE exam?
22. I have a foreign degree. Are there special requirements for applying for the PE exams?
23. How many times can I take the exam?
24. When will I receive my exam scores?
25. Can I take the exam in another state?
26. I was approved to sit for an exam but I was absent or failed what should I do?
27. How do I request a verification of my exam grades or licensure to be sent to another state board?
28. Are electronic seals and signatures permitted on engineering plans, specifications or reports?
29. Can internships be used toward the work experience requirement for the PE exam?
30. Can I use a Masters or Doctorate degree to get additional credit toward the work experience requirement for the PE exam?
31. Once approved by the Board to sit for the PE exam, are there limitations or an expiration on that approval?
32. What happens if I fail the exam three times?
33. What do I do if I am already licensed as a PE in MD and wish to take the PE exam in another discipline?
34. Does a Joint Venture (JV) engaging in the practice of engineering require a firm permit?
35. What does the Board expect when samples of work must be submitted in lieu of a US Professional Engineer’s endorsement to take the PE exam?

1. What are the requirements for licensure in the State of Maryland?
The State of Maryland has several routes that a potential candidate can choose from based on the individuals circumstances. Information on Maryland original license, renewals, reciprocity, reactivation, engineer in training (EIT), and firm permits can be found in the licensing section of our website.

2. Where can I obtain application forms for licensure?
Application forms for licensure by reciprocity, exam or for a firm permit are available on the Maryland Department of Labor website.

3. What constitutes "acceptable work experience"?
Acceptable engineering work experience is determined by the extent to which it conforms to the definition of "practice engineering" as listed in the Engineers' Law, Section 14-101(f), which states:

1. "Practice engineering" means to provide any service or creative work the performance of which requires education, training, and experience in the application of (i) special knowledge of the mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences; and (ii) the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design. 2. In regard to a building or other structure, machine, equipment, process, works, system, project, or public or private utility, “practice engineering" includes: (1) consultation; (ii) design; (iii) evaluation; (iv) inspection of construction to ensure compliance with specifications and drawings; (v) investigation; (vi) planning; and (vii) design coordination.

4. What are some examples of "evidence" of work experience for the PE exam in lieu of the endorsement of a Professional Engineer?
Evidence consists of materials such as sample calculations, sketches, graphs, drawings, investigations, reports, etc. Evidence should demonstrate the principles and practice of engineering used in the applicant's work.

5. How long is my license good for?
The license is good for two years.

6. How do I go about getting my name changed or corrected?
All requests for name changes must include all applicable court documents as well as photo ID that includes your correct legal name. You can fax your request to us at 410-962-8483, or you can e-mail it to DLOPLProfessionalEngineers-LABOR@maryland.gov.

7. What is the procedure for change of contact information?
Licensees may update their addresses online at Maryland Department of Labor's website. The licensee's registration number and password are required. Requests for changes of address, daytime phone number or e-mail can be e-mailed to (DLOPLProfessionalEngineers-LABOR@maryland.gov). These requests must be in writing, not by telephone.

8. When will I receive my admission notification for the exam?
Once the board approves you for the exam we will notify NCEES that you are approved, allowing you to select an exam date. After satisfying the board’s requirements and selecting your testing date, you will receive an e-mail from NCEES approximately 2-3 weeks before the exam asking you to log on to your NCEES account and print out your admission notification.

9. How long does it take to get a license by reciprocity?
Typically, it takes one to two months to obtain a license by reciprocity. This includes the time it takes the Board to receive supporting documents, such as transcripts from universities, verification of current licensure and exams from other State Boards, and record of work experience and character references from the applicant.

10. How long does it take to get a license by reciprocity if I have a Council Record?
Applications with an "MLE" Model Law Engineering, NCEES Council Record are reviewed and approved administratively on an ongoing basis.

11. How long does it take to process a verification request?
Our goal is to process a verification request within 48-72 business hours after payment has been submitted if we have all the needed information on hand to process the application. If we have to send away for the information, it may take a month to process.

12. I passed by EIT in another state. Do I have to have my certificate transferred to MD?
The FE examination is a national exam. Once you have passed in another state, the MD Board acknowledges your passing the exam from another state. If you would like to receive an EIT certificate in Maryland you can apply at the following link: Apply for an Engineer in Training (EIT) Certificate

13. Do I need a permit issued by the Board for my firm?
As of October 1, 2015, a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company must hold a permit issued by the Board before they may conduct business in which engineering is practiced. Firm permits can be obtained online.

14. How does my company obtain a "certificate of authorization” to conduct business in Maryland?
"Certificates of Authorization," also known as Certificates of Status or Certificates of Good Standing, can be ordered and received immediately on Maryland Business Express. Any questions should be directed to the agency that issues these certificates, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, by emailing sdat.charterhelp@maryland.gov or calling 410-767-1340.  

15. What are the requirements to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE)?
Effective July 1, 2017 all exam candidates for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam can apply directly to NCEES without first seeking approval from the Board. This applies to all FE candidates regardless of their degree. If after passing the FE exam and the candidate wishes to apply for an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate, it can be applied for at the following link: Apply for an Engineer in Training (EIT) Certificate

16. Can I take the FE exam before I graduate?
Yes, an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certificate will not be issued until the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam has been passed.

17. How do I apply for the PE exam?
First-time applicants can apply online. The filing deadline for first-time applicants is 120 days prior to the examination date. The exam schedule and application deadlines can be found online.

18. What are the requirements for the PE exam?
You may qualify for the examination by meeting the educational and experience requirements specified in one of the following subsections of the Professional Engineers' law:

14-305(b) EAC-ABET Engineering degree; Passed the FE exam; 4 years acceptable work experience.

14-305 (c) Non-EAC-ABET Engineering degree; Passed the FE exam; 8 years acceptable work experience.

14-305(d) 12 years acceptable work experience, with at least five years of which the applicant has been in responsible charge.

19. What is the fee for applying for the exam?
The State of Maryland does not administer the F.E. or P.E. exams. All exam fees are paid directly to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). View State of Maryland licensing fees.

20. Where can I obtain study materials for the exams?
Study materials are available through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

21. Can I apply for the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam without taking the FE exam?
Yes. You may apply directly for the PE exam, if you have at least 12 years of engineering work experience that is acceptable to the PE Board, with five of those years in "responsible charge" of engineering work.
NOTE: The Board can give you some credit off of the work experience requirement for your education. The amount of credit given will depend on what the degree is in and where the degree is from.

22. I have a foreign degree. Are there special requirements for applying for the PE exams?
Yes. Applicants applying with a foreign degree must obtain a course-by-course evaluation of their degree from an approved evaluation service. The Board accepts course by course evaluations from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and World Education Services (WES). The applicant must also complete Form 4, the engineering "Curriculum Checklist" (Word), which is contained in the application form.

23. How many times can I take the exam?
If you are unsuccessful at taking the PE exam three times, you must submit a new application to the Maryland Board of Professional Engineers. Refer to NCEES for specific information on exam scheduling and fees.

24. When will I receive my exam scores?
Exam results for computer-based exams are generally released within 7-10 days after the exam. Structural exam results are generally released within 6-8 weeks after the exam. Applicants will receive an email notification from NCEES with instructions to view your results in your NCEES account. Registration numbers will be assigned once the Board process the exam results. You will receive an email with further instructions.

25. Can I take the exam in another state?
Computer-based exams can be taken at any approved Pearson Vue testing site. Structural exam approval by the Maryland Board must be taken in Maryland.

26. I was approved to sit for an exam but I was absent or failed. What should I do?
The Board approves applicants for three attempts to pass the exam. An absence does not count as a failure. If after three attempts you are not successful, you will have to reapply as a new candidate. The Board will have to review your new application and approve you again before you can register with NCEES. Register and pay the exam fees with NCEES during the open registration period for the date you wish to sit. All cancellations and rescheduling of exams are handled directly with NCEES through their portal. Please see the NCEES Examinee Guide for the most up to date information on exam procedures.

27. How do I request a verification of my exam grades or licensure to be sent to another state board?
All verification requests will include license history and exam grades. Use the NCEES electronic online verification request system. If the state has their own verification form to be completed, email a copy of that specific verification form to: dloplprofessionalengineers-LABOR@maryland.gov. Pay the $20 verification fee to the MD Board online.

28. Are electronic seals and signatures permitted on engineering plans, specifications or reports?
Yes, as of September 1, 2014 both are allowed. The digital signature needs to be verifiable.

A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that has added security to ensure the identity of the signer, as well as the integrity and authenticity of the signed document.

Some digital signatures can be verified through third-party entities known as Certificate Authorities, who usually charge a fee for the service of independently verifying the identity of the signer and issuing the digital certificate. There are also other technological solutions that involve automatic verification of the integrity of the document since the signature was appended to the document and did not involve a third party verification. Any digital signature solution is acceptable provided it meets the overall criteria for digital signatures provided in the Code of Maryland Regulations 09.23.03.09.

29. Can internships be used toward the work experience requirement for the PE exam?
The Board only considers work experience obtained after completion of the qualifying degree toward the work experience requirement for the PE exam. The Board considers any work experience prior to the qualifying degree as "pre-engineering" and would not be experience considered under Option B or C.

30. Can I use a Masters or Doctorate degree to get additional credit toward the work experience requirement for the PE exam?
If you have finished an engineering degree and are working while getting a Masters or Doctorate, the Board can give you credit for either the Masters or Doctorate, or work experience earned during that time, but not both. These cases are evaluated on a case by case basis.

31. Once approved by the Board to sit for the PE exam, are there limitations or an expiration on that approval?
The Board approves candidates for three attempts to pass the exam. There is no limitation or expiration on that approval.

32. What happens if I fail the exam three times?
If after three attempts a candidate does not pass the exam, that candidate will have to reapply as a new candidate. There is no waiting period. That candidate will have to demonstrate to the Board what they have done to enhance their chances of passing the exam by either additional work experience, proof of additional education related to engineering or proof of completion of an exam review course. The link to reapply as a new candidate is: Professional Engineers Examination Application

33. What do I do if I am already licensed as a PE in MD and wish to take the PE exam in another discipline?
You just have to fill out the application to take the PE exam by a MD Licensed PE and email that to the Board which can be found on our website at the following link: Application To Take Professional Engineer Exam By A Maryland Licensed P.E.

34. Does a Joint Venture (JV) engaging in the practice of engineering require a firm permit?
No. A joint venture is a flow thru entity to the firms comprising the Joint Venture. The firms comprising the JV, which are performing engineering on behalf of the JV, are required to each have a firm permit.

35. What does the Board expect when samples of work must be submitted in lieu of a US Professional Engineer’s endorsement to take the PE exam?
When claiming engineering experience not supervised by a Licensed Professional Engineer, the candidate must show samples of work in sufficient detail for the reviewer to evaluate. Each sample should include a brief narrative including project name, what your level of responsibility was in the project, and what specific principles of engineering were used. In addition, provide samples of work specific to the named project and performed specifically by you. The calculation sample should show a date when performed and something that attributes that work product to you.