Engineers

Engineers use the knowledge of mathematical and natural sciences to develop ways to utilize the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind. Engineers practice in a wide range of disciplines, from traditional disciplines like civil, mechanical, and electrical, to more specialized disciplines like nuclear and industrial.

Note that certification from a national organization (NCEES) does not guarantee licensure under Tennessee state law.

Registration by Exam

Listed below are the minimum requirements to be considered for admittance to the Principles and Practice of Engineering Examination.

Education Requirements:

• Graduation with an EAC/ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering degree (4-year minimum) or a degree in engineering that has been determined to be substantially equivalent by our Board.
• Graduation from a four-year curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree approved by the Board, completion of post-graduate coursework in an engineering curriculum leading to a master's degree or higher in engineering approved by the Board.
• Graduation from an ABET/ETAC accredited engineering technology curriculum of four years or more that is approved by the Board, holding a post-graduate degree in engineering from an institution with an ABET/EAC accredited undergraduate engineering program approved by the Board.

Initial Licensure

Once an applicant passes the Principles and Practice of Engineering examination and has completed all required experience, they will need to apply for initial licensure. Listed below are the minimum requirements to be considered for licensure.

Education Requirements:

Applicants are required to indicate the pathway in which they are seeking licensure in accordance with current requirements. The pathways for licensure are listed below:

• Graduation from an approved engineering curriculum, minimum four years’ experience, passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering and the Principles and Practice of Engineering examinations; OR
• Graduation from an approved engineering curriculum, minimum of 12 years' experience, and passage of the Principles and Practice of Engineering examination; OR
• Graduation from a four-year curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree approved by the board, completion of post-graduate coursework in engineering curriculum leading to a master's degree or higher in engineering approved by the Board, passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering and the Principles and Practice of Engineering examinations, and a minimum of eight years' experience; OR
• Graduation from an ABET/ETAC accredited engineering technology curriculum of four years or more that is approved by the Board, holding a post-graduate degree in engineering from an institution with an ABET/EAC accredited undergraduate engineering program approved by the Board, minimum eight years' experience, and passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering and the Principles and Practice of Engineering examinations.

Substantial equivalency means comparable in program content and level of educational experience, but not necessarily identical in format or method of delivery. It implies that the graduates of these programs possess the necessary competencies to begin professional engineering practice at the entry level.

The Board may grant toward experience requirements for registration as an engineer one (1) year of credit for graduation with a master's degree (or higher) in engineering from an approved curriculum or up to one (1) year of qualified experience obtained in an established cooperative education program, which is carried out within the framework of an approved engineering curriculum, and which has been approved by the Board. OR three (3) years or more qualified experience obtained prior to graduation under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer.

Registration by Comity

Tennessee does not register by reciprocity; we register by comity, meaning all applicants must meet our minimum registration requirements to be considered for registration. The requirements listed below represent the minimum requirements for comity registration:

Education and Experience Requirements:

Applicants are required to indicate the pathway in which they are seeking licensure in accordance with current requirements. The pathways for licensure are listed below:

• Graduation from an approved engineering curriculum, minimum four years’ experience, passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering and the Principles and Practice of Engineering examinations; OR
• Graduation from an approved engineering curriculum, minimum 12 years' experience, and passage of the Principles and Practice of Engineering examination; OR
• Graduation from a four-year curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree approved by the Board, completion of post-graduate coursework in engineering curriculum leading to a master's degree or higher in engineering approved by the Board, passage of the examination on the fundamentals of engineering, passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering and the Principles and Practice of Engineering examinations, and minimum eight years' experience; OR
• Graduation from an ABET ETAC accredited engineering technology curriculum of four years or more that is approved by the Board, holding a post-graduate degree in engineering from an institution with an ABET EAC accredited undergraduate engineering program approved by the Board, minimum eight years' experience, passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering and the Principles and Practice of Engineering examinations.

Substantial equivalency means comparable in program content and level of educational experience, but not necessarily identical in format or method of delivery. It implies that the graduates of these programs possess the necessary competencies to begin professional engineering practice at the entry level.

The Board may grant toward experience requirements for registration as an engineer one (1) year of credit for graduation with a master's degree (or higher) in engineering from an approved curriculum or up to one (1) year of qualified experience obtained in an established cooperative education program, which is carried out within the framework of an approved engineering curriculum, and which has been approved by the Board. OR three (3) years or more qualified experience obtained prior to graduation under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer.

Examination Requirements:

• Passage of the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) (not required with an undergraduate engineering degree and 12 or more years of progressive engineering experience), and
• Passage of the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering Examination (PE).

Additional Requirements:

• Must be registered in at least one other jurisdiction and in good standing.

Application & Fees

Upon passage of all required examinations and experience, candidates may apply for initial licensure online at core.tn.gov.