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National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
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The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is an American non-profit organization dedicated to advancing professional licensure for engineers and surveyors. The Council’s members are the engineering and surveying licensure boards from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These boards are divided into four geographic zones: Central, Northeast, Southern, Western. It is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.

Key Information

Engineering

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NCEES develops and scores the FE, PE and SE exams for engineering licensure. The FE exam is generally the first step in the process to becoming a professional licensed engineer (PE). It is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET- accredited program. The PE exam is designed to test for a minimum level of competency in a particular engineering discipline. It is designed for engineers who have gained a minimum of four years of work experience in their chosen engineering discipline. The PE Structural Engineering exam is predominantly developed to test engineers who practice in jurisdictions that license structural engineers separately from other professional engineers.

  • The Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE exam) is generally the first step in the process to becoming a professional licensed engineer (PE). It is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. The FE exam is a computer-based exam administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers.[3]
  • The Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam (PE exam) tests for a minimum level of competency in a particular engineering discipline. It is designed for engineers who have gained a minimum of four years’ post-college work experience in their chosen engineering discipline.
  • The SE Structural Engineering exam tests for a minimum level of competency in structural engineering. It is predominantly developed to test engineers who practice in jurisdictions that license structural engineers separately from other professional engineers. This 16-hour exam uses separate vertical and lateral components to test one's ability to safely design buildings or bridges, especially in areas of high seismicity and high wind.

Land Surveying

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NCEES also prepares examinations for land surveyor licensing in the United States. These exams consist of:

  • The Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam is generally the first step in the process to becoming a professional licensed surveyor (PS). It is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate surveying degree from an ABET accredited program. The FS exam is a computer-based exam administered year-round in testing windows at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers.[3]
  • The Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam tests one's ability to practice the surveying profession competently. It is designed for surveyors who have gained at least four years of professional experience.

Records

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The NCEES Records program is designed for currently licensed engineers and surveyors who are looking for an easier and faster way to complete the licensure process in multiple jurisdictions, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. An established NCEES Record will include most—if not all—of the materials one needs to apply for comity licensure in additional states and territories.

Credentials evaluations

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NCEES Credentials Evaluations is a service for state licensing boards and applicants. It is designed primarily for candidates who have earned their degrees outside the United States and are pursuing licensure through one of the member licensing boards of NCEES.[4]

See also

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References

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National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying

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The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a composed of the and licensing boards representing all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with a mission to advance professional licensure for engineers and surveyors in order to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public. NCEES develops, administers, and scores the primary examinations required for licensure, including the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), Fundamentals of Surveying (FS), and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exams, which are used by licensing boards across the country to assess candidates' qualifications based on , experience, and examination. These computer-based tests, many of which transitioned to year-round administration starting in , ensure standardized evaluation and support interstate mobility for licensed professionals. Founded on November 8–9, 1920, in , , as the Council of State Boards of Engineering Examiners by representatives from seven to twelve state licensing boards, NCEES emerged in response to the need for uniform registration laws and reciprocity following the passage of the first engineering licensure law in in 1907 and surveying law in in 1891. The organization, initially focused on , expanded to include in the 1970s and underwent name changes—including to the National Council of State Boards of Engineering Examiners in the 1930s and the National Council of Engineering Examiners in 1966—before adopting its current name in 1989 to reflect its dual scope. Key historical milestones include the adoption of the first Model Law for uniform registration in 1932, the introduction of the Engineer-in-Training (now Fundamentals of Engineering) category in 1943, the first national FE exam in 1965, and the first PE exam in 1966, all of which standardized licensure processes amid growing membership from 10 initial state boards to 55 by 2020. In 2020, NCEES celebrated its centennial and relocated its headquarters to , where it continues to operate. Beyond examinations, NCEES provides essential services to facilitate licensure, such as the NCEES Records program, which verifies and stores academic transcripts, results, employment history, and references to streamline applications for initial licensure and (reciprocity) across jurisdictions. It also offers credentials evaluations for internationally educated candidates, promotes model laws and rules for state boards, and supports workforce development through initiatives like continuing professional competency guidelines and international collaborations, such as memoranda of understanding with engineering bodies in countries like and the 2024 mutual recognition agreement with the U.K. . Governed by a elected from its member jurisdictions and led by Davy McDowell, P.E., since October 2024, NCEES coordinates with related organizations to uphold ethical standards and adapt to evolving professional needs, including cybersecurity measures and security protocols.

History

Founding and Early Development

The regulation of professional surveying in the United States began in 1891 when enacted the nation's first licensure law for land surveyors, aimed at ensuring competence in land measurement and mapping to protect public interests in property boundaries. licensure followed in 1907 with Wyoming's statute, which required registration for both engineers and surveyors to address inconsistencies in professional practice amid rapid industrialization and development. By the early , varying state laws created challenges for interstate mobility, prompting calls for standardization among the growing number of state boards. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying traces its origins to the Council of State Boards of Engineering Examiners (CSBEE), established on November 8, 1920, during a meeting at the Hotel Sherman in , , initiated by the Iowa State Board of Engineering Examiners. The founding involved representatives from seven initial member states—, , , , , , and —united to promote uniform registration practices and facilitate reciprocity across jurisdictions. The organization's initial goals centered on standardizing state registration laws, enabling reciprocity for licensed professionals, and resolving inconsistencies in engineering examinations to elevate professional standards and safeguard public welfare. The first annual meeting of the CSBEE convened on November 8–9, 1920, in , attended by representatives from 7 state boards (out of 10 possible), where participants drafted a on that emphasized uniformity in , , and ethical standards. This foundational document outlined the council's role as a cooperative body for state boards, focusing on collaborative recommendations rather than regulatory authority. At the second annual meeting in October 1921 in , participants elected Marcel Garsaud of as the inaugural president. Early growth was swift, with membership expanding from the initial seven states to 10 by the end of 1921 and reaching 15 states by 1922, reflecting increasing recognition of the need for coordinated licensure efforts. By 1924, the council introduced reciprocal registration cards to streamline mobility, distributing thousands to support interstate practice. In 1928, it published its first list of accredited engineering colleges of recognized standing, providing a benchmark for educational qualifications in licensure processes.

Key Milestones and Evolution

In the , the organization adopted the Model Law for Registration in 1932 to promote uniform standards for engineering licensure across states, accompanied by the formation of the National Bureau of Engineering Registration to facilitate reciprocity and mobility. This effort culminated in the group's incorporation as a nonprofit in in 1938, solidifying its role in standardizing practices amid growing professional demands. By the , the introduction of the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification in 1943 marked a pivotal step to recognize emerging professionals and protect them from unregulated labor competition, laying groundwork for structured career pathways. The 1950s and 1960s saw significant exam innovations to enhance uniformity, including the development of a surveying exam syllabus in 1964 to address the profession's expanding scope. This period advanced with the administration of the first uniform EIT exam—later renamed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam—in 1965, followed by the inaugural national Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in 1966, which standardized professional assessments nationwide. In 1966, the organization rebranded as the National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEE) to reflect its focus on examination leadership. During the 1970s and 1980s, expansions integrated surveying more fully, with the first Fundamentals of Land Surveying (FS) exam offered in 1973 and the first Principles and Practice of Land Surveying (PS) exam in 1974. Infrastructure growth included the construction and dedication of headquarters in Clemson, South Carolina, in 1981, providing a dedicated space for operations. The decade closed with a name change to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) in 1989, explicitly encompassing surveying alongside engineering. The 1990s and 2000s emphasized modernizations, such as the adoption of the breadth-and-depth format for the PE exam in 1995, allowing targeted depth in specific disciplines while maintaining broad foundational coverage. The formation of the Council for International Engineering Practice (USCIEP) in 1989 supported global mobility efforts, including the Washington Accord signed that year for mutual recognition of qualifications. By 2002, all PE exams had transitioned to multiple-choice formats, streamlining scoring and accessibility. Computer-based testing (CBT) advancements began with approvals in 2010, leading to full implementation for FE and FS exams in 2014. In the and beyond, NCEES achieved complete CBT adoption for all exams in April 2024, enhancing efficiency and year-round availability while maintaining rigorous standards. In 2020, NCEES celebrated its centennial and relocated its headquarters from Clemson to . Ongoing strategic plans have prioritized integration in licensure, continuing requirements, and deepened involvement in international accords like the Washington Accord to foster global mobility. These evolutions reflect NCEES's adaptation to technological and demands, now serving all U.S. jurisdictions including territories.

Organizational Structure

Membership and Governance

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) comprises 69 member licensing boards that regulate the and professions across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, , the , , and the U.S. , totaling 55 jurisdictions. These boards represent the primary entities responsible for professional licensure within their respective areas, with individual board members appointed by state or territorial governors to ensure local oversight. For regional coordination, NCEES divides its member boards into four geographic zones—Northeast, Central, Southern, and Western—which facilitate interim meetings to discuss licensure issues and share best practices among neighboring jurisdictions. These zone meetings, with structure formalized in 1933 and first held in 1947, complement the organization's broader structure by allowing focused dialogue on regional challenges while contributing to national policy development. Governance of NCEES is led by a elected by the member boards, consisting of a president, president-elect, immediate past president, treasurer, and four zone vice presidents, with representatives serving staggered terms to promote continuity. The board oversees operations through standing committees that address key licensure matters, and annual meetings of all member boards serve as the primary forum for major policy decisions, including updates to examination content, model laws, and ethical standards. Member boards play a central role in establishing national standards by voting on the adoption of uniform examinations, revisions to the Model Law and Rules of Professional Conduct—such as the 2011 updates emphasizing competency and public protection—and guidelines for reciprocity to enable professional mobility across jurisdictions. These votes ensure that national resources promote consistency in licensure practices without imposing mandates, as each board retains authority over its implementation. As a non-regulatory coordinator, NCEES emphasizes the of state and territorial boards, providing shared resources like exam development and records programs to facilitate and uniformity while respecting local laws and . This model supports interstate recognition of credentials without overriding individual jurisdiction regulations. Originally founded in 1920 with member boards from seven states, NCEES has grown to encompass all U.S. jurisdictions through this collaborative framework.

Leadership and Operations

The executive leadership of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is headed by Davy McDowell, P.E., who assumed the role on October 1, 2024, and oversees the organization's daily operations, including strategic direction and administrative functions. The president, Elizabeth Beckett Johnston, P.E., elected annually from the , leads council meetings and represents the organization in policy matters; she began her 2025–26 term at the conclusion of the annual meeting held August 19–22, 2025. NCEES headquarters are located at 200 Verdae Boulevard in , following a relocation from Clemson in 2020 to accommodate growth and enhance support for member boards. The facility, spanning 70,600 square feet, was expanded from the original Clemson site established in 1991 to house expanded operations in exam development, scoring, and administration. The operational framework includes dedicated departments for examinations, which handle development and psychometric analysis; records, focused on mobility services for licensure portability; credentials evaluations for international applicants; and communications, managing publications and stakeholder outreach. These divisions coordinate centrally under the CEO while aligning with the board's zone-based structure for regional input. NCEES employs approximately 100 professionals, including licensed engineers, surveyors, and testing experts, to support its mission. The organization's budget, exceeding $40 million annually, is primarily funded through examination fees and membership dues from state licensing boards. It collaborates with bodies such as for accreditation standards and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) to align licensure with professional practice. In recent years, NCEES has shifted toward digital operations, including computer-based testing delivered through Pearson VUE centers for enhanced uniformity and security, with a post-2020 emphasis on data encryption, features, and cybersecurity protocols to protect examinee information.

Examination Programs

Engineering Examinations

The engineering examinations developed by the National Council of Examiners for and Surveying (NCEES) form the core pathway to professional licensure for engineers in the United States and several international jurisdictions. These exams assess foundational knowledge and advanced competency required for safe and ethical practice, serving as uniform standards adopted by all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, , Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as select Canadian provinces and other regions. The exams include the Fundamentals of (FE), Principles and Practice of (PE), and (SE) certifications, each tailored to progressive stages of an engineer's career. The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam represents the initial step toward licensure, evaluating the basic engineering principles acquired during an . It is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 110 multiple-choice questions, administered over 5 hours and 20 minutes within a total appointment of 6 hours, including tutorials and breaks. The exam covers general topics such as , ethics, , and discipline-specific areas like , dynamics, and , with specifications varying slightly by the seven available discipline modules (e.g., civil, mechanical, electrical and computer). Offered year-round at Pearson VUE test centers, it carries a $225 fee payable to NCEES, and results are available within 7-10 business days via the MyNCEES account portal. Pass rates for first-time takers with ABET-accredited degrees averaged around 68% overall in FY2024, with variations by discipline; for instance, Civil reached 73%. The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam constitutes the second licensure step, testing advanced competency for engineers with at least four years of qualifying experience. All PE exams are CBT formats with 80 questions, spanning 8 hours of testing time within a 9-hour appointment. Over 20 discipline-specific variants exist, including civil (with subareas like structural, geotechnical, transportation, and ), mechanical (thermal and systems or and materials), electrical and computer (power or electronics), chemical, environmental, industrial and systems, and others such as and nuclear. These exams employ a breadth-and-depth structure in select cases, assessing general principles alongside specialized applications. Administered year-round at Pearson VUE centers, fees are $400 for most disciplines. Pass rates vary by discipline but generally fall between 50% and 70% for first-time takers in the ; for example, the PE Civil exam averaged 58% in FY2024, while PE Mechanical reached 57%. The (SE) exam provides advanced certification for structural engineers, focusing on complex design under vertical and lateral forces, and is required in jurisdictions with separate structural licensure. It comprises two components—Vertical Forces (gravity and earth pressures) and Lateral Forces (wind and seismic)—each including a 6-hour breadth section (55 multiple-choice questions, 45 scored) and a 5.5-hour depth section (60 questions, 40 scored, scenario-based with multiple formats). Fully transitioned to CBT in April 2024 as part of NCEES's completion of the full shift to computer-based testing for all exams, the exam uses electronic references like the NCEES SE Reference Handbook and is offered twice annually in April and October at Pearson VUE centers, with depth sections graded over several weeks due to their complexity. A $350 fee applies per component (breadth and depth sections), and candidates may take components separately within a 5-year window. Prerequisites typically include passing the FE and relevant PE exams, though requirements vary by jurisdiction. Pass rates for first-time takers with ABET-accredited degrees averaged around 45% overall in FY2024. NCEES develops these exams through a rigorous psychometric process to ensure validity, reliability, and fairness. Every 5-6 years, the organization conducts job task analyses, known as Professional Activities and Knowledge Studies (PAKS), involving licensed professionals who rate task importance on a 1-5 scale to update exam specifications and content outlines. Questions are authored by subject matter experts, reviewed in multiple rounds for accuracy and bias, and pretested in live administrations; items are statistically evaluated for difficulty (targeting 0.25-0.75 proportion correct) and before inclusion. Exams are scored using equating methods to maintain consistent standards across versions, reported as pass/fail without numeric scores for CBT formats, though internal scaled metrics (often referenced as a 1-1000 range with a 70% equivalent threshold) calibrate passing relative to expert judgments. Adopted universally by NCEES member licensing boards, these examinations standardize licensure criteria and enable professional mobility through reciprocity agreements. The full transition to CBT for all exams by April 2024 has improved accessibility by allowing year-round or frequent scheduling, reduced administrative costs, and enhanced security against irregularities, resulting in increased exam volumes—approximately 53,000 FE and 29,000 PE administrations in FY2024.

Surveying Examinations

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and (NCEES) develops and administers two primary examinations for land surveying licensure: the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam and the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam. These assessments focus on the unique aspects of surveying, including boundary determination, geospatial measurements, legal principles of , and the application of technologies such as GPS and GIS, distinguishing them from engineering exams that emphasize and . The FS exam serves as the entry-level assessment for aspiring surveyors, typically taken near the completion of a bachelor's degree in surveying or a related field. It is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 110 multiple-choice questions, administered over 6 hours, which includes a tutorial and an optional break. Topics covered include surveying processes and methods (14.5%–21.8% of questions), such as geodesy and instrumentation; boundary law and real property principles (17.3%–26.4%), emphasizing legal aspects of land ownership; survey computations and computer applications (15.5%–23.6%), incorporating mathematics and statistics (9.1%–13.6%); mapping processes (12.7%–19.1%); surveying principles (11.8%–18.2%); and business concepts (10%–15.5%). The exam uses both SI and U.S. Customary units and is available year-round at Pearson VUE test centers. First-time pass rates for takers with ABET-accredited degrees reached 67% in FY2024. The PS exam represents the advanced step for licensure, designed for candidates with at least four years of progressive surveying experience under a licensed . It is also CBT, with 100 questions over 7 hours, including tutorial and break time, and provides an electronic reference handbook with standards like ALTA/NSPS and FEMA guidelines. Content emphasizes survey practices (22%–33%), such as control networks and surveys; areas of practice (24%–36%), covering advanced topics like , GIS, and ; legal principles (18%–27%), including evidence and ; business practices (13%–19%); and standards and specifications (8%–12%). Most states require passing the FS exam prior to attempting the PS. First-time pass rates for takers with ABET-accredited degrees reached 73% in FY2024. The first uniform FS exam, then known as the Fundamentals of Land Surveying (FLS), was introduced in April 1973 to standardize entry-level testing across jurisdictions, evolving from earlier syllabi dating back to the and aligning with NCEES Model Law definitions of professional land practice. The inaugural PS exam followed in 1974. Both exams are scored centrally by NCEES using multiple-choice formats, with results reported to state licensing boards. Specifications are updated periodically through job task analyses conducted every 5–7 years, incorporating advancements like drone surveying and GPS to reflect current professional demands. These examinations are adopted by the majority of U.S. states and territories, promoting uniformity in licensure standards and facilitating professional mobility for surveyors across jurisdictions through the NCEES Records program.

Records Program

Purpose and Features

The NCEES Records Program serves as a centralized repository designed to facilitate professional mobility for engineers and surveyors seeking licensure across multiple U.S. jurisdictions, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, , , the , and the U.S. . Launched to streamline the (reciprocity) process, it stores essential documentation such as academic transcripts, examination results (including Fundamentals of Engineering [FE] and Principles and Practice of Engineering [PE] scores for engineers, or Fundamentals of Surveying [FS] and Principles and Practice of Surveying [PS] for surveyors), employment history with verifications, and professional references from at least five endorsers. This consolidation eliminates the need for repeated submissions when applying for licensure in additional states, supporting the overall mission of NCEES to advance licensure portability while safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare. Key features of the program include electronic submission and verification processes, accessible through a secure online platform via a MyNCEES account, which allows users to upload and maintain their records digitally. It also incorporates Model Law designations—such as Model Law Engineer (MLE), Model Law Surveyor (MLS), and Model Law (MLSE)—to expedite processing for qualified applicants meeting standardized criteria like accredited , required , and absence of disciplinary actions. Once established, records provide lifetime access for members without an annual renewal fee, though users must update information as needed to reflect current qualifications; transmission to state boards incurs fees as follows: $175 for the first licensure transmittal, $100 for the first initial licensure or exam approval transmittal, and $100 for subsequent transmittals (waived for active-duty military members and their spouses with appropriate documentation). The program is eligible for currently licensed professionals, as well as those pursuing initial licensure in select jurisdictions after passing relevant NCEES exams, and active-duty military personnel or their spouses may qualify for free transmissions with appropriate documentation. Among its primary benefits, the Records Program significantly reduces administrative burdens by minimizing paperwork for both applicants and state licensing boards, enabling faster reciprocity applications and efficient verification of credentials. In the 2023–24 , it supported 57,869 record transmittals, including 13,924 first-time submissions, demonstrating its scale in aiding professional mobility. For international users, it integrates seamlessly with NCEES credentials evaluations, allowing verified records to support global recognition efforts without redundant documentation. The digital infrastructure ensures secure handling of sensitive information, with electronic verifications enhancing accuracy and accessibility for ongoing licensure needs.

Application and Mobility Support

The NCEES Records Program facilitates professional licensure mobility within the by allowing licensed engineers and surveyors to compile and transmit verified credentials to state licensing boards efficiently. To apply, individuals must create or log into a MyNCEES account and select the multistate licensure option, completing five key sections: education verification, work experience outline, disciplinary questions, exam and license verification, and professional references. Applicants upload supporting documents such as official transcripts sent directly from institutions, verifications from supervisors, and details from at least five U.S.-licensed professional references who can attest to their experience. NCEES reviews these materials to establish the record, typically taking about 30 days from the time all documentation is received. Once established, the record can be transmitted electronically to selected state boards upon request, incurring fees as follows: $175 for the first licensure transmittal, $100 for the first initial licensure or exam approval transmittal, and $100 for subsequent transmittals (waived for active-duty military members and their spouses with appropriate documentation). This program supports career mobility by enabling the quick transfer of verified credentials across all 50 states, of Columbia, , , , and , streamlining applications for licensure by endorsement. It promotes professional by incorporating NCEES Model Law designations—such as Model Law Engineer (MLE), Model Law Surveyor (MLS), or Model Law (MLSE)—which recognize professionals meeting standardized criteria like an ABET-accredited degree, four years of qualifying experience, and passage of required exams, thereby expediting endorsements without re-examination in reciprocal jurisdictions. While the program itself does not track continuing professional competency (CPC) hours, integration with the MyNCEES platform allows users to monitor such requirements separately if mandated by specific boards. In practice, the Records Program processes tens of thousands of transmissions annually, with 57,869 total transmittals recorded in the 2023–24 fiscal year, including 13,924 first-time submissions, making it essential for professionals relocating or engaging in multi-state practice. It integrates seamlessly with NCEES examination programs by automatically including results from Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams upon passage, and users can update their records post-enrollment to add new exams, experience, or licenses as needed. For instance, after passing the PE exam, applicants can promptly submit education and experience details through the record for initial licensure in applicable states. Despite these benefits, the program has limitations: transmission of the record does not guarantee licensure approval, as final decisions rest with individual state boards, which may impose additional requirements or fees. Furthermore, do not expire or require annual renewal but must be updated each time a transmission occurs to ensure accuracy, and outdated verifications may need re-submission if they become invalid per board rules.

Credentials Evaluations

International Services

The National Council of Examiners for and (NCEES) offers credentials evaluations as a key international service, assessing the equivalency of non-U.S. degrees and professional credentials to U.S. standards for and licensure. This process compares an applicant's education against the NCEES Education Standard or Education Standard, ensuring academic qualifications align with those required for exams like the Fundamentals of (FE), Principles and Practice of (PE), Fundamentals of (FS), and Principles and Practice of (PS). The service forms part of NCEES's broader international initiatives, including recognition of credentials under international agreements such as the Washington Accord for professional education and the Sydney Accord for engineering technology, and participation in the APEC Register to promote global mobility under mutual recognition agreements. Targeted at international engineers and surveyors pursuing U.S. licensure, the evaluations support applicants from foreign jurisdictions by verifying that their credentials meet or exceed domestic requirements, in line with the NCEES Model Law's provisions for foreign-educated professionals. This includes recognition of licenses from other countries via if they are comparable to U.S. standards, potentially requiring additional jurisdiction-specific assessments. The service originated from early efforts to address global practice barriers but expanded significantly after 1989 with the formation of the United States Council for International Engineering Practice (USCIEP), a tripartite body involving NCEES, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and , which facilitated agreements like the NAFTA Mutual Recognition Document to enhance cross-border professional mobility. Applicants initiate the evaluation separately from the NCEES Records Program through an online application on the MyNCEES portal, submitting official transcripts, diplomas, and course descriptions (translated if necessary) for a fee of $400, with results typically available within 15 business days. While the evaluation findings do not expire, they may need supplementation or re-evaluation for subsequent applications if educational standards evolve or additional credentials are presented. These evaluations integrate with the Records Program to streamline U.S. interstate mobility once licensure is achieved. By enabling credential recognition, the service supports pathways for skilled professionals and fosters international practice, processing thousands of applications each year primarily from countries such as (541), (270), (231), (192), and the (176). In fiscal year 2023–24, NCEES completed 3,680 credentials evaluations, contributing to the licensure of foreign-educated individuals and reinforcing global standards.

Evaluation Process and Criteria

The evaluation process for foreign credentials by the National Council of Examiners for and (NCEES) commences with applicants submitting required documentation via the MyNCEES online portal, including official academic transcripts, degree certificates or diplomas, and detailed course descriptions or syllabi from all post-secondary institutions attended. These materials must be sent directly from the issuing institutions to NCEES, and any non-English documents require certified translations to verify English proficiency. Proof of current licensure or registration from the applicant's home jurisdiction may also be submitted if required by the target board, though the core evaluation focuses on educational equivalency. NCEES then conducts a comprehensive review to assess whether the applicant's education meets the NCEES Engineering Education Standard or Surveying Education Standard, which provide benchmarks akin to those of ABET-accredited programs for substantial equivalency to U.S. norms. For engineering credentials, the criteria specify a minimum of 32 semester credit hours in mathematics and basic sciences—encompassing advanced calculus, differential equations, chemistry, and calculus-based physics—and 48 semester credit hours in engineering science and design topics, such as mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and synthesis-focused courses; general education credits are documented but no longer required as of the standard's revision effective October 1, 2025. Surveying evaluations require at least 18 semester credit hours in mathematics and basic sciences (with no fewer than 12 in mathematics like calculus and statistics, and 6 in sciences such as physics or geology) and 30 semester credit hours in surveying-specific subjects, including boundary law, geodesy, GIS, and photogrammetry, also updated effective October 1, 2025. These standards emphasize conceptual depth over engineering technology courses and exclude credits from internships or continuing education. The culminates in a detailed report transmitted directly to the requesting licensing board, stating whether the credentials are "substantially equivalent" to U.S. standards or identifying specific deficiencies, such as insufficient hours in core topics, with recommendations for remedial coursework to address gaps. Substantial equivalency typically aligns with a plus four years of progressive professional experience for professional licensure eligibility, though experience verification remains a separate state board responsibility. The process generally takes 15 business days from receipt of complete documentation, with a fee of $400 for the initial . To ensure quality and reliability, evaluations are performed by NCEES staff credential evaluators who possess or backgrounds and adhere strictly to the established standards, promoting consistency across applications and alignment with state board licensure requirements. An appeals mechanism exists through a re-evaluation option for $100, enabling applicants to submit additional evidence or clarifications for review. Post-2020 updates have incorporated provisions for evaluating online degrees, provided they satisfy the standards' content requirements, reflecting adaptations to expanded virtual education amid the .

References

  1. https://ncees.org/about/
  2. https://ncees.org/exams/
  3. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2020_history_web_version.pdf
  4. https://ncees.org/ncees-services/records-program/
  5. https://ncees.org/ncees-announces-ceo-succession-plan/
  6. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/The-History-of-NCEES-full.pdf
  7. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/April-2002-LEx.pdf
  8. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Squared-2024_pages.pdf
  9. https://ncees.org/ncees-headquarters-has-relocated-to-greenville-south-carolina/
  10. https://ncees.org/governance/
  11. https://ncees.org/beckett-johnston-begins-term-as-ncees-president/
  12. https://ncees.org/ncees-announces-headquarters-relocation-to-greenville-s-c/
  13. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/national-council-of-examiners-for-engineering-and%2C570341195/
  14. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Annual-report-2024_pages5.pdf
  15. https://www.nspe.org/career-growth/pe-magazine/october-2014/key-partner-licensure
  16. https://ncees.org/computer-based-testing-cbt/
  17. https://ncees.org/exams/fe-exam/
  18. https://ncees.org/exams/pe-exam/
  19. https://ncees.org/exams/pe-exam/civil/
  20. https://ncees.org/exams/pe-exam/cbt-structural/
  21. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2012_AM_Understanding_Exam_Dev.pdf
  22. https://ncees.org/exams/exam-scoring/
  23. https://ncees.org/ncees-takes-additional-steps-toward-implementing-computer-based-testing/
  24. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/FS-CBT-specs.pdf
  25. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PS_Jan2019_CBT_final_2024_update63.pdf
  26. https://ncees.org/exams/fs-exam/
  27. https://ncees.org/exams/ps-exam/
  28. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/NCEES-history-web.pdf
  29. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Model_Law_January-2024_web.pdf
  30. https://www.xyht.com/surveying/ps-exam-changes/
  31. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Policy-manual_August-2025_web.pdf
  32. https://help.ncees.org/article/64-what-is-an-ncees-record
  33. https://ncees.org/ncees-services/cpc-tracking/
  34. https://ncees.org/ncees-services/credentials-evaluations/
  35. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Model-Law_August-2025_web.pdf
  36. https://ncees.org/licensure/international-professionals/
  37. https://help.ncees.org/article/74-ncees-credentials-evaluation-faqs
  38. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NCEES-Engineering-Education-Standard_2025.pdf
  39. https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NCEES-Surveying-Education-Standard_2025.pdf
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