How to Get a PE License in California
Complete guide to becoming a Professional Engineer in California. Learn about education requirements, exams, experience, and the application process.
To become a PE in California, you need: ABET-accredited engineering degree, 6 years experience (2 under licensed PE), FE and PE exams. You must pass the FE exam (typically during college) and the PE exam (after gaining experience), then apply through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.
Steps to Become a PE in California
Complete Your Education
Earn a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program. Most states require this as the foundation for licensure.
Pass the FE Exam
Take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, ideally during your senior year. This is a 6-hour computer-based exam covering engineering fundamentals.
Gain Work Experience
Accumulate 4 years of progressive engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed PE. Document your projects and responsibilities carefully.
Pass the PE Exam
Take and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in your specific discipline. This is an 8-hour exam testing practical engineering knowledge.
Apply for Licensure
Submit your application to the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists with transcripts, experience documentation, references, and exam results.
California PE Requirements
Education
ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in engineering is required. Some states accept degrees from programs accredited by equivalent international bodies.
Experience
ABET-accredited engineering degree, 6 years experience (2 under licensed PE), FE and PE exams
Examinations
- FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) - Computer-based, 6 hours
- PE (Principles and Practice) - Computer-based, 8 hours, discipline-specific
Continuing Education
None required for PE; 5 hours per 2 years for architects
California Licensing Requirements
- Licensing Board
- California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- Continuing Education
- None required for PE; 5 hours per 2 years for architects
- Digital Seals
- Accepted
- Contact
- (916) 263-2222
Quick Links
- Official Board Website
- California Professional Stamps
- California Aerospace Engineer Stamps
- California Agricultural Engineer Stamps
- California Architect Stamps
- California Biomedical Engineer Stamps
- California Chemical Engineer Stamps
- California Civil Engineer Stamps
- California Coastal Engineer Stamps
- California Control Systems Engineer Stamps
- California Electrical Engineer Stamps
- California Electronics Engineer Stamps
- California Environmental Engineer Stamps
- California Fire Protection Engineer Stamps
- California Geotechnical Engineer Stamps
- California Industrial Engineer Stamps
- California Materials Engineer Stamps
- California Mechanical Engineer Stamps
- California Mining Engineer Stamps
- California Nuclear Engineer Stamps
- California Petroleum Engineer Stamps
- California Professional Engineer Stamps
- California Software Engineer Stamps
- California Structural Engineer Stamps
- California Traffic Engineer Stamps
- California Water Resources Engineer Stamps
- California PE License Lookup
California PE License FAQ
California PE requirements include: ABET-accredited engineering degree, 6 years experience (2 under licensed PE), FE and PE exams.
California requires None required for PE; 5 hours per 2 years for architects for PE license renewal.
PE Requirements in Other States
What you'd pay at PeStamps.com vs here
PeStamps.com sells electronic stamp image files — here's their full pricing by format package, compared to what you get with us.
| Format package | Price |
|---|---|
| JPEG, TIF, PDF | $10 |
| AutoCAD DWG | $12 |
| PNG (transparent background) | $14 |
| JPEG, PDF, DWG | $15 |
| JPEG, TIF, PDF, DWG, PNG | $24 |
| JPEG/TIF/PDF + signature (black, blue, or red) | $25 |
| AutoCAD DWG + signature | $27 |
| PNG + signature (transparent) | $29 |
| JPEG/TIF/PDF with & without signature | $30 |
- No tamper-evident cryptographic sealing
- No public verification URL
- No audit trail
- Re-purchase required at every license renewal
| Free | $0 / mo |
| Professional popular | $19 / mo |
| Team | $49 / mo |
- Cryptographic seal — tamper-evident and verifiable
- Public verification URL on every sealed document
- Full audit trail + cloud document storage
- Seal from any device, anywhere
- Unlimited seals per month (Professional+)
- Credential stays current — no re-purchasing
PeStamps.com electronic stamp prices sourced from their public product pages. Available in 1-5/8″ or 2″ diameter; price does not vary by size for electronic packages. EngineeringID Professional plan billed annually.
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