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Becoming an Engineer in different locations

Becoming an Engineer in different locations

General
01/01/2022

If you are thinking of becoming an engineer, make sure you see what state you plan on working in because that may shape your mindset and may even end up opening doors of opportunity that you never knew could open.

Not only is California the most popular state, but it is also the state with the most population. Have you ever thought about moving over there? Would this affect an engineer’s career? If so, how?  

For those that already have 6 or more years of experience, in the state of California, you do not need a bachelor’s degree to take the exam! The only other requirement you would need is a recommendation letter from four licensed engineers. Once you have fulfilled these requirements, by the state law, you are an engineer!

However, in the sunshine state, Florida seems to have other requirements.

There are 5 steps that need to be completed to be an engineer by state law: Education, two exams, experience and application!

To completed education, you must have a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or technology from an EAC/ABET-accredited program, or foreign degrees or degrees from non-EAC/ABET- or non-ETAC/ABET-accredited programs that have been evaluated for equivalency. You will need to pass both exams, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles & Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Lastly, you will need 4-6 years of experience.

If you have ever considered moving to Canada and working as an engineer there, here are some things you may want to consider before you make your final decision. In Canada you can either be a licensed engineer or unlicensed engineer. They do have more requirements though, such as registering with the engineering association of your province or territory, and your English or French level will determine your professional progress. For a licensed engineer, not only are you supposed to have those completed, but also have work experience, pass a character assessment, and complete a professional P.E. If you do not have a license but still are looking forward to working as an engineer, you also have to complete the first mentioned requirements and acknowledge that you will be supervised by a P.E.

Now that you have this information that has been provided, where will you be going to be the engineer that you have always wanted to be? Knowing this information, does it change any goals that you may have wanted to accomplish? Or does this bring you closer to what you wanted completed?

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