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Committee approves change letting aspiring engineers take PE exam earlier
Summary
A bill allowing candidates to sit for the professional engineering exam immediately after completing academic coursework — before finishing field experience — passed the committee by voice vote.
The Regulated Industries Committee unanimously approved a bill that changes the order of steps required to become a licensed professional engineer. Under current law, candidates complete academic coursework, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, satisfy a period of engineering work experience (engineer in training), then take the professional engineering (PE) exam. The bill would permit candidates to take the PE exam immediately after finishing their academic coursework, before completing the work‑experience requirement.
Proponents told the committee the change does not reduce the substantive requirements for licensure — candidates must still meet the work‑experience requirement before obtaining a license — but it may improve pass rates because academic material will be fresher.
Committee members and representatives of engineering associations expressed support; the American Council of Engineering Companies and state engineering associations were cited as supporters. After brief discussion the committee moved and approved the bill by voice vote.
The bill will be carried in the House by Leader McDonald for further consideration.
