Discussion Thread

  • 1.  Obtaining a Structural Engineer's License (SE) in CA and MA

    Posted 02-25-2019 02:27 PM
    ​Hi all,

    I'm looking into taking the SE Exam in Massachusetts for SE licensure, though I am also considering a SE license in California. I understand that California's requirements for a SE is far more stringent than Massachusetts, but if I were to pass the 16 Hour SE Exam by the NCEES here in Massachusetts, would I have to start the licensure process from the beginning including re-taking all the examinations, or would I just need to fulfill the additional requirements (including gaining engineering experience in California) to obtain a California SE License?

    I'm looking to attend graduate school in California but would hopefully be working in engineering at least part time while I am there. Ultimately, I'd like to know about the flexibility in between deciding to stay in California and become a SE without needing to completely start over, or simply return to Massachusetts.

    I've looked into the California requirements as published by the Board of Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, but I'm having a hard time figuring out what would be acceptable and what would not.

    Any help will be greatly appreciated, thank you!

    ------------------------------
    Derek Wong
    Greater Boston Area, MA
    derekwong10@...

    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Obtaining a Structural Engineer's License (SE) in CA and MA

    Posted 02-26-2019 09:43 AM
    Hi Derek,
    You can also go here for your PE/SE questions:
    One of the moderators there has a username "CAPLS". Here is his profile:
    I think he would know a lot about your question





  • 3.  RE: Obtaining a Structural Engineer's License (SE) in CA and MA

    Posted 02-26-2019 12:50 PM
    Derek,

    To become a licensed SE in California, you must first become a licensed Civil PE, which requires the 8-hour NCEES Civil PE exam plus the California Surveying and Seismic exams (2.5-hours each). Therefore, you'll also need to take those exams in addition to the 16-hour NCEES SE exam. However, if you're out of state, you don't necessarily have to take them in a specific order. Once you pass the required examinations for licensure, you should not be required to take them again.

    ------------------------------
    Nathan Mills, P.E., S.E.
    Knoxville, TN
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Obtaining a Structural Engineer's License (SE) in CA and MA

    Posted 02-27-2019 04:33 PM

    Greetings,

    I am located in Texas and when I cannot find the information that I am looking for in the website, I call and ask who will be the best person to answer my question and if I can talk to him/her, if not they normally give me his/her email and they always reply.

    Why don't you try to call them? I think all the Professional Boards work the same, the phone number is at the bottom of the main website page or at "Costumers the Contact the Board."

    I hope this works, GOOD LUCK!!

    Fernando Gomez.