West Virginia Professional Engineer License

Those, who want to specialize in engineering and become a professional engineer in the state of West Virginia, must obtain an engineer license to practice legally. Thus, if you also want to pursue a career path in engineering, then you should get acquainted with the licensing requirements.

How do get an engineering license in West Virginia in some easy steps

Before you become a licensed engineer in the state of West Virginia, you must be at least eighteen years old and of good moral character.

Step 1: Obtain an engineering degree

In West Virginia, applicants for an engineer license must attend and graduate from an engineering program. The professional program must be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET).

You may also choose a board-approved equivalent as long as it has satisfactory standing.

Thereby, you will earn your degree in engineering and meet the educational requirements of the Board.

Being an engineer requires the ability to do math, particularly algebra, as well as being proficient in sciences. That is why most of the programs, in general, include subjects like physics, biology, algebra, geometry and environmental health sciences.

Step 2: Take and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

The state of West Virginia ensures that only qualified and skilled engineers perform work and enter the industry. Accordingly, it requires that applicants to take and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE) for assessing their knowledge. To clarify, the test is to test the knowledge and understanding of the engineering fundamentals.

To take the test, you should go through this link and register for the exam.

The exam is computer-based and comprises of 110 questions. You can take the exam for seven disciplines, including chemical, civil, environmental and others.

Once you pass the exam, you will qualify to be an engineer intern or “Engineer in training” (EIT).

Step 3: Gain professional experience

The Board also requires applicants to work legally as an engineer under the supervision of a licensed engineer and, thereby, gain experience.

You must gain at least four years of progressive experience in engineering work, which indicates to the board that the applicant is competent to practice engineering.

While you are waiting to take the necessary exams, you should interview with different companies and even complete voluntary work as a way of gaining experience.

Step 4: Take and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam

You may take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam (PE) only after passing the FE exam. It is the last step and opportunity to indicate, that you have what it takes to be called a “professional engineer”.

To register for the exam, you should login to your MyNCEES account and schedule an exam.

The testing facility offers different disciplines for the exam and you should click here to check the list.

In case you fail the exam, you may retake it one time upon payment of the fee established by the board. However, if you fail the exam again, then you will need to pursue additional instruction or training to correct your deficit areas of knowledge.

Step 5: Apply for the engineer license

Persons, who seek licensure in West Virginia, must submit an application to the West Virginia Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. The license application fee is $80.

Make sure you include the following documents in the application

• Level of education
• A summary of technical experience
• Reference names and complete mailing addresses
• Scores of the FE and PE exams

Contact Information

Board of Registration for Professional Engineers
300 Capitol Street
Suite 910 Charleston
WV 25301
Phone: 3045583554
Fax: 3045586232

Can you get a West Virginia professional engineer license without an engineering degree?

According to the West Virginia law, candidates for a license must have graduated from a four-year ABET-accredited engineering curriculum. Therefore, you must hold an engineering degree to be eligible for licensure.