How to Become an Engineer: Degrees, Exams, Licenses and Timeline

The short version: Most engineers earn a four-year bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program, get hands-on experience through internships or co-ops, and start working as entry-level engineers. Engineers who want to sign off on public work go further: they pass the FE exam, work about four years under a licensed engineer, then pass the PE exam. Expect four years to your first engineering job and about eight to a PE license.

Step 1: Pick a discipline

Engineering is not one job. Civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, industrial, and software engineers do very different work. Most programs share a common first year of math, physics, and chemistry, so you have some time to decide. Start with our overview of the types of engineering and what each one pays.

Step 2: Prepare in high school

• Take the most advanced math you can, ideally through calculus
• Take physics and chemistry
• Try robotics clubs, coding, or summer engineering camps to test your interest

Step 3: Earn an ABET-accredited degree

A bachelor’s in engineering from an ABET-accredited program is the standard entry ticket. Accreditation matters most if you might want a PE license later, because most state boards require an ABET degree or add extra years of experience without one. A bachelor’s typically takes four years, sometimes five with co-ops.

An engineering technology degree is a different, more hands-on path. It can lead to strong careers, but it is not the same as an engineering degree for licensing. See engineering technician vs engineer for how the two paths compare.

Step 4: Get real experience before you graduate

Internships and co-ops are often the difference between an offer at graduation and a long job search. Employers hiring entry-level engineers ask about projects, internships, and tools like CAD, MATLAB, or PLC programming far more than GPA. Aim for at least one internship before senior year.

Step 5: Take the FE exam

The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is the first of two NCEES licensing exams. Many students take it in their final year of school or right after graduation while the material is fresh. Our FE exam guide covers the format, cost, pass rates, and how to study.

Step 6: Become an EIT and work under a PE

Pass the FE and you can apply for Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern status in your state. You then build roughly four years of qualifying experience under a licensed engineer. See EIT certification for how to apply and why it matters for hiring.

Step 7: Earn the PE license (if your field needs it)

The PE license lets you seal drawings and take legal responsibility for engineering work. It matters most in civil, structural, and MEP design and in consulting. It is less common in manufacturing and software. Our guide on how to get a PE license walks through every step, and PE vs EIT explains the difference.

How long does it take to become an engineer?

Choosing your first job

Your first role shapes your path. If you want a PE, look for employers with licensed engineers who will supervise and verify your experience. Civil engineers in particular should check this. See what a civil engineer does and the highest paid engineering jobs to compare options, and check pay with our engineering salary calculator.

Frequently asked questions