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 for the exam?
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 place 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 requirements are based on Title 14, Business Occupations and Professions, Annotated Code of Maryland. Under this Title, there are three options to achieve licensure in Maryland:
Section 14-305(b) - EAC/ABET-Approved Option
Section 14-305(c) - Non-EAC/ABET-Approved or Foreign Curriculum Option
Section 14-305(d) - Experience Option
Learn more by visiting the licensing section of our website.

2. Where can I obtain application forms for licensure?
Application forms for licensure by exam, reciprocity, or 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?
A Maryland professional engineer license is good for a two-year term. To renew a PE license, visit the Board Application login.

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 a government-issued photo ID that includes your correct legal name. Contact 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?
The Board generally reviews applications and notifies eligible candidates to sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam each month. Once approved by the Maryland Board, the State Board Exam Coordinator notifies NCEES of the applicant's eligibility, and the applicant can then schedule an exam on the date and time of their choice. View more information on registering for an NCEES exam.

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, exams from other State Boards, records 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 a Model Law Engineer (MLE) designation and Council Record from NCEES 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 must request additional information, it may take up to 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 Maryland Board acknowledges you passing the exam from another state. If you would like to receive an Engineering-in-Training (EIT) certificate in Maryland, you may 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 it may conduct business in which engineering is practiced. Obtain firm permits 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)?
All exam candidates for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam can apply directly to NCEES without first seeking approval from the Maryland Board. This applies to all FE candidates regardless of their degree. If, after passing the FE exam, 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, you can take the NCEES FE exam before graduating if you’re attending an ABET-accredited program. FE candidates can register directly with NCEES without the Maryland Board’s approval.

17. How do I apply for the PE exam?
First-time applicants can apply online. The filing deadline for first-time applicants is at least 120 days before the examination date. View the exam schedule and application deadlines online.

18. What are the requirements for the PE exam?
You may qualify for the examination by meeting the educational, professional experience and examination 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; Passed the FE exam.

19. What is the fee for applying for the exam?
The State of Maryland does not administer the FE or PE 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?
The NCEES's official handbook is available through the 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?
No. Beginning in 2025, all applicants must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in addition to the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) to achieve licensure in Maryland.

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?
Each candidate is granted three initial attempts to pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. If the candidate is unsuccessful after three attempts, the candidate would need to reapply as a new applicant. The candidate will also need to demonstrate to the Board that they have enhanced 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.

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 their results in their NCEES account. Registration numbers will be assigned once the Board processes the exam results, after which you will receive an email with further instructions to apply for licensure in Maryland.

25. Can I take the exam in another state?
NCEES Computer-based exams can be taken at any approved Pearson Vue testing site regardless of which state, jurisdiction or country.

26. I was approved to sit for an exam but I was absent or failed. What should I do?
An absence does not count as a failure. 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. The Board approves applicants for three attempts to pass the PE exam. If, after three attempts, you are not successful, you will have to reapply as a new candidate.

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 $22 verification fee to the MD Board online.

28. Are electronic seals and signatures permitted on engineering plans, specifications or reports?
Yes. 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 considers work experience before the qualifying degree as "pre-engineering" and would not be considered experience under Option B or C. The Board only considers work experience obtained after completion of a qualifying degree for the work experience requirement of 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?
If you have finished an engineering degree and working while pursuing a Masters or Doctorate, the Board may grant you credit for either the Masters or Doctorate, or work experience earned during that time, but not both. These circumstances 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 PE exam. There is no expiration or timeframe for candidates to make use of these attempts.

32. What happens if I fail the exam three times?
If a candidate is unsuccessful after three attempts, the candidate would need to reapply as a new applicant. The candidate will have to demonstrate to the Board that they have enhanced 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?
Simply fill out the Maryland application to take the PE exam and email it to the Board. The forms 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-through entity for 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 place 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 reviewers to evaluate. Each sample should include a brief narrative including the project name, what was your level of responsibility in the project, and what specific principles of engineering were applied. In addition, provide samples of work specific to the named project and performed specifically by you. Calculation samples should show dates performed and that these aspects of the work are attributed to you.