PE. Those two letters following an engineer’s name symbolize expertise, accountability and commitment. PE demonstrates that the engineer has earned a professional engineering license, a standard recognized by employers, clients, governments and the public as an assurance that the engineer has met education, work experience and exam requirements. It also means that the licensed engineer can be trusted to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public in his or her area of expertise.
DEC is proud to say that we have more than 50 PEs on our team. In addition to hiring PEs, we encourage engineers to pursue PE licensure. Why is a PE certification important? To a client, it means our engineers have the credentials to earn their trust. To an employer, it signals an engineer’s ability to take on a higher level of responsibility. Among colleagues, it elicits respect and admiration. For the PEs at DEC, it's also a symbol of pride and a measure of hard-won achievement.
What It Means to Our Engineers
Tom Arndt, PE: “The PE license is my word that I can be trusted to always work ethically. It means that I will be honest and transparent. I won’t put financial or political motives above public safety and will endeavor to practice my profession to the highest standards of accuracy, quality, fairness and accountability.”
James McDermott, PE: “Becoming a PE was the next stage of my career, given my area of expertise in the municipal sector and with TxDOT. All my work must have my PE seal because it impacts the public. It represents a higher level of responsibility and accountability for my work. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I put my PE stamp on plans, specifications and reports.”
Youssaira Belmokadem, PE: “Earning a PE license is an important milestone in the career of a civil engineer. Professional Engineering Licensure is a standard recognized by employers, clients, governments, and the public as an assurance that the licensed engineer has met education, work experience and exam requirements and is qualified to provide engineering services. It also means that the licensed engineer can be trusted in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public in his or her area of expertise. Being a licensed professional engineer also allows to unlock various career opportunities and thrive personally and professionally.”
Becoming a PE
To become licensed, engineers must complete a four-year college degree, work under a professional engineer for at least four years, pass two intensive competency exams and earn a license from their state's licensure board. To retain their licenses, PEs must continually maintain and improve their skills throughout their careers.
Just as the CPA license defines the accountant and a law license defines the lawyer, the PE license tells clients, co-workers and the public that the engineer has mastered critical professional requirements. Today, on Professional Engineers Day, an international day of recognition for PEs, we celebrate all engineers who have achieved this certification.