PE License Requirements in Colorado

How to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Colorado — the standard NCEES path every US jurisdiction follows.

  1. Earn an ABET-accredited engineering degree. Most boards require a bachelor's degree in engineering from a program accredited by ABET (or an approved equivalent evaluation for non-ABET/foreign degrees).
  2. Pass the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam. The computer-based FE exam is administered year-round by NCEES. Most candidates take it in their final year of school or shortly after graduating. Passing it earns the Engineer Intern (EI) / Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation.
  3. Gain qualifying engineering experience. Boards typically require about four years of progressive engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed PE. The exact length and what counts as qualifying experience varies by state board.
  4. Pass the PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) exam. The PE Civil exam (with a chosen depth module: Construction, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, or Water Resources & Environmental) is administered by NCEES. Passing it, once all other requirements are met, qualifies you for licensure.
  5. Apply to your state board and maintain the license. You apply for the license through your state's engineering board. Most states require continuing education (CE / PDH) for renewal; some require a state-specific ethics or laws exam.

Verify with your board. Experience length, state-specific ethics or laws exams, and continuing-education rules are set by each state's licensing board. Look up the Colorado board and its current requirements via the NCEES board directory.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a licensed PE?

Typically 8 or more years from starting an engineering degree: about 4 years for an ABET degree plus roughly 4 years of qualifying experience before the PE exam, though the experience requirement is set by each state board.

Do I need a PE license to work as a civil engineer?

Not for every role. Many entry and mid-level positions only require an EIT. A PE license is required to sign and seal engineering documents, to take responsible charge of projects, and for most senior and principal roles.

Is the PE license valid in other states?

Licenses are issued per state, but NCEES comity (reciprocity) lets PEs get licensed in additional states without re-examining, provided their credentials meet the new state's requirements.

Civil engineering jobs in Colorado

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