The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing professional licensure for engineers and surveyors. It plays a critical role in the United States by developing and scoring the examinations used for engineering and surveying licensure. Beyond testing, NCEES provides a suite of services designed to help professionals manage their credentials and move their licenses across state lines. Whether you are a student preparing for your first exam or an experienced professional seeking licensure in a new state, understanding NCEES services is the first step toward a successful career.
What is NCEES?
NCEES is composed of engineering and surveying licensing boards from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While NCEES provides the tools and exams, it is important to remember that they do not actually issue licenses. Licenses are granted by individual state boards.
The primary mission of NCEES is to provide services that promote and facilitate the licensure process. This ensures that professionals meet a high standard of competence to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Their services range from exam administration to credential verification and continuing education tracking.
Examination Services
The most well-known service provided by NCEES is the development and administration of professional exams. These exams are standardized across the country, meaning an exam taken in one state is recognized in another. There are several levels of examinations depending on where you are in your career path.
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
The FE exam is generally the first step in the process of becoming a professional licensed engineer (P.E.). It is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an accredited program. The exam is computer-based and closed-book, though NCEES provides a digital reference handbook during the test.
The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam
The PE exam is for engineers who have gained at least four years of post-graduate professional work experience. Passing this exam is the final step in the licensure process for most states. It tests for a higher level of competency and ensures the individual is capable of practicing engineering independently.
Surveying Exams (FS and PS)
For those in the surveying profession, NCEES offers the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS). Similar to the engineering path, the FS is for those starting their careers, while the PS is for those with significant field experience seeking professional status.
The MyNCEES Account
To access most NCEES services, you must create a MyNCEES account. This is a free, centralized portal where you can manage every aspect of your professional relationship with the council. It serves as your personal dashboard for the following tasks:
- Exam Registration: You can sign up for the FE, PE, FS, or PS exams directly through your account.
- Viewing Results: Once you complete an exam, your scores are posted to your MyNCEES dashboard.
- Purchasing Practice Materials: NCEES sells official practice exams that mirror the actual testing environment.
- Downloading Handbooks: You can download the latest versions of the exam reference handbooks for free.
The NCEES Records Program
One of the most valuable services for established professionals is the NCEES Records program. As you progress in your career, you may find that you need to be licensed in multiple states to work on different projects. This process is known as comity or reciprocity.
The Records program acts as a verified digital portfolio of your professional history. Instead of manually resubmitting transcripts, exam scores, and employment verifications to every new state board, you can have NCEES maintain a permanent record for you. When you want to apply for a license in a new state, you simply request that NCEES transmit your verified record to that state board.
Benefits of an NCEES Record include:
- Faster application processing times with state boards.
- A centralized place to store references and work experience.
- Easier license renewals in multiple jurisdictions.
- Verification of your education and exam history by a trusted third party.
Credentials Evaluations
If you earned your engineering or surveying degree outside of the United States, you may need a Credentials Evaluation. Most state licensing boards require that your education be equivalent to a degree from a program accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).
NCEES provides an evaluation service that compares your foreign education against the NCEES Engineering Education Standard or Surveying Education Standard. This service involves a detailed review of your transcripts and course descriptions. Once the evaluation is complete, a report is sent to the state board where you are applying for licensure to help them determine if you meet the educational requirements.
Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) Tracking
Most states require licensed engineers and surveyors to complete continuing education hours to maintain their licenses. Keeping track of these hours, certificates, and course descriptions can be a logistical challenge, especially if you hold licenses in several states with different requirements.
NCEES offers a free CPC tracking service through the MyNCEES account. You can upload your certificates, enter the number of hours earned, and categorize them according to state requirements. While this service helps you stay organized, it is important to remember that you are still responsible for ensuring the courses meet the specific rules of your state board.
Study Materials and Preparation
Because NCEES develops the actual exams, their study materials are considered the gold standard for preparation. They offer practice exams that contain questions from past tests or questions written by the same experts who create the real exams. These practice tests help you become familiar with the format, timing, and level of difficulty you will face on exam day.
Additionally, NCEES provides the NCEES Reference Handbook. This is the only resource you are allowed to use during the FE and PE exams. It is highly recommended that you download this handbook early in your study process so you can learn exactly where specific formulas and data tables are located.
How to Get Started with NCEES
If you are ready to begin your journey toward professional licensure, follow these simple steps to utilize NCEES services effectively:
- Create an Account: Visit the NCEES website and register for a MyNCEES account.
- Check State Requirements: Every state has slightly different rules for when you can take exams. Check with your local state board before registering.
- Download Handbooks: Get the free PDF version of the reference handbook for your specific exam.
- Register for an Exam: Use your MyNCEES dashboard to select a testing center and date.
- Maintain Your Record: Once you pass your exams, consider starting an NCEES Record to make future career moves easier.
Conclusion
NCEES services are designed to simplify the complex path to professional licensure. From the moment you take your FE exam to the day you seek multi-state licensure as a seasoned professional, NCEES provides the infrastructure to support your career. By centralizing your records and providing standardized testing, they ensure that the transition from student to Professional Engineer or Surveyor is as smooth as possible. For more information on professional development and certification, explore our other articles on career advancement and educational resources.