Professional Engineering California—Complete Guide

California, like many other states, has highly specific requirements that individuals and organizations must meet to practice engineering. These regulations ensure that only qualified professionals can perform the duties and tasks that come with the title of ‘Engineer.’

For individuals, the ‘Professional Engineer’ designation carries significant weight and commands respect. It signifies a high level of expertise and competence, and those who hold it are entrusted with responsibilities that can have far-reaching impacts on society and the environment.

While this credential is prestigious, obtaining it requires thorough planning and knowledge of the relevant regulatory landscape. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the professional engineering license in California, including the requirements and the process of obtaining and renewing the certification. We’ll also introduce Harbor Compliance, a comprehensive solution that simplifies engineering licensing processes for firms and helps you keep track of requirements and changes.

Who Is a California Professional Engineer?

A California professional engineer is an individual who is legally authorized to provide engineering services in the state of California. Professional engineers in California have to meet particular education and experience requirements and successfully pass comprehensive competency exams.

This licensure is overseen by the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, which ensures that engineers adhere to California's rigorous standards for professional conduct and technical knowledge.

There are three categories of professional engineer licensure available in California:

1. Practice act—This licensure applies to Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering. Only those registered can practice or offer to practice in these disciplines.
2. Title act—It applies to Chemical, Nuclear, Agricultural, Fire Protection, Control Systems, Industrial, Petroleum, Metallurgical, and Traffic Engineering. Only a person licensed by the Board in these branches of engineering may use the title.
3. Title authority—It exists for two sub-branches of Civil Engineering: Structural Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering. A title authority indicates proficiency in that field greater than what is required for Civil Engineering licensure.

California Engineering License Requirements

In California, the requirements for obtaining a professional engineer license can be categorized into two main groups, depending on the entity applying for the credential:

1. Individual professional engineers
2. Engineering firms

Individual Professional Engineer License Requirements

To become a California professional engineer, an individual must meet several requirements, including the following:

1. Educational requirements—The applicant must complete at least three years of postsecondary education, typically a degree in engineering.
2. Examination requirements—The individual must pass two comprehensive competency exams: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam, both overseen by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
3. Experience requirements—The applicant must have at least four years of progressive engineering experience. This experience must be gained after graduation.
4. Application—It is the applicant's responsibility to submit a complete application demonstrating that they are fully qualified for licensure.

Engineering Firm License Requirements

Engineering firms in California also have specific requirements for obtaining and maintaining a license:

• Ownership requirements—An owner, officer, or partner must be a licensed engineer.
• Application—The firm must submit a complete application demonstrating that it is fully qualified for licensure.
• Filing an Organization Record Form—The firm must file an Organization Record Form with the Board when entity information changes.
• Engineering services—All civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering services must be performed or supervised by a professional engineer licensed in the appropriate branch of professional engineering.

If you satisfy these requirements, you can apply for a license by submitting a complete application to the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.

California Professional Engineer License Renewal

According to the California Professional Engineers Act, professional engineers practicing in the state are required to renew their licenses every two years. This renewal process ensures that engineers maintain their competency and stay updated with the latest advancements and standards in the engineering field.

Here are the key elements of the renewal process:

• Renewal timeline—Certificates of registration as a professional engineer and certificates of authority should be renewed within 60 days of expiration.
• Delinquency—If a license has been delinquent for more than two years, the individual or firm must submit a License Renewal Request Form, initiating reinstatement. If the license is delinquent for five years or more, the entity cannot renew it and will need to go through the application process, including passing the required exams, to acquire a new one.

Beyond renewing their licenses, individuals and engineering firms should keep track of changes in state laws and regulations. Given the demanding nature of the engineering profession, partnering with a service provider that can help you stay on top of the regulatory framework could be a smart move. Harbor Compliance, a leading provider with a nationwide presence, offers a comprehensive solution for reducing your licensing workload and meeting the state requirements effortlessly.

Simplifying Engineering Licensing Process With Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance’s Architecture and Engineering Compliance Solutions is a comprehensive service designed to help firms obtain crucial licenses, such as:

• Engineering Firm
• Geoscience Firm
• Land Surveying Firm

As experts in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) compliance requirements, we also help individuals and firms understand and keep track of the licensing requirements and procedures.

Features and Benefits of Using Harbor Compliance Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions

Our Architecture and Engineering Compliance Solutions are designed to simplify the licensing process and help firms meet requirements in multiple states. By leveraging our specialized software and proprietary database, you can focus on your company while we handle the complexities of maintaining licenses.

Here are some of the benefits you get when partnering with us and how they can make it seamless to stay on top of licensing requirements in California and elsewhere:

• Our solution is designed to manage and track the status of both firm and individual licenses, helping you avoid any lapses that could disrupt your practice.
• Our Software Suite, powered by our proprietary Compliance Core™ algorithm, allows you to instantly view state requirements. It keeps you current as jurisdictional conditions change, eliminating the need to research each state's regulations manually.
• We provide visibility into all aspects of your firm’s licensing through a simple, intuitive interface. A U.S. map visualizes your nationwide licensing footprint, allowing you to easily understand and manage your firm's licensing status across different states.

Ordering Harbor Compliance’s Engineering Licensing Service

To order our Architecture and Engineering Compliance Solutions, follow these steps:

1. Visit the registration page
2. Enter the required information
3. Choose Engineering from the drop-down menu when asked to select your industry
4. Click Submit

To cater to different needs and preferences, Harbor Compliance offers three service options—find more details in the table below:

Additional Services by Harbor Compliance

Beyond helping you meet engineering licensing requirements, Harbor Compliance offers comprehensive solutions that can streamline how you manage different aspects of operations. The table below lists some of our additional services:

• Jump To:
• California Engineering Company Licenses
• California Individual Engineering Licenses

California Professional Engineers FAQs

Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about California professional engineer licensing. If you want to dig deeper, visit our extensive Information Center.

Partner With Harbor Compliance To Secure Your Engineering Firm’s Good Standing

Staying updated with licensing requirements and state laws is crucial for maintaining good standing when operating in California. These requirements change with time, making it essential to have a reliable system to track them.

Harbor Compliance’s comprehensive service can help simplify the licensing process, allowing you to focus on your business while we handle the complexities and technicalities of maintaining licenses.

To streamline your operations and stay on top of your licensing requirements, order our Architecture and Engineering Compliance Solutions.

We also invite you to explore our other services, get a free Harbor Compliance Score™, or even schedule a demo of our platform. If you have specific queries, reach out to us or refer to the table below for insights into professional engineering licensing requirements in various states: