The Nuclear PE

Professional Engineering Licensure for Nuclear Engineers

Licensure is an indicator of dedication to integrity, hard work, and creativity and is an assurance that the individual engineer has passed at least a minimum screen of competence. The American Nuclear Society offers the following materials to help you prepare for the Nuclear PE Exam:

Nuclear PE Exam Preparation Module Program
PEEC volunteers have developed a study aid to help prepare engineers who are interested in becoming licensed in nuclear engineering. The Nuclear PE Exam Preparation Module Program aims to be a comprehensive study resource. The video-based online program expands upon the nuclear engineering PE exam study workshop formerly held each June at the ANS Annual Meeting. Each module presents content that follows a list of learning objectives and is aligned with the NCEES nuclear engineering PE exam specification. Available for purchase online.
ANS Study Guide for the Professional Engineering Examination in Nuclear Engineering
Contains information pertaining to PE registration, and the PE Exam knowledge domains, including sample exam questions with solutions. Available for purchase in the ANS Store.
In addition to the ANS educational products, NCEES also offers a Nuclear PE Practice Exam for purchase. The practice exam contains 85 questions from past exams; simulates the format, style, and level of difficulty of exam questions; and provides solutions to enhance the exam taker's understanding for each specification area.

Additional helpful information:

The Nuclear PE Examination is a 9.5-hour computer-based exam offered once per year in October. The exam is comprised of 85 questions. Answer options include multiple choice (one correct answer), multiple option (multiple correct answers), point and click, drag and drop, and fill-in-the-blank. The multiple option, point and click, drag and drop, and fill-in-the-blank answer options are known as alternative item types (AIT). Refer to the Sample AIT questions hyperlink below to view examples of each answer type. In addition, the NCEES website contains detailed tutorials, which elaborate on AITs.

Examinees may reserve their seat up to a year in advance at a Pearson VUE test center once they are registered with NCEES and approved by their state board. Candidates are encouraged to reserve their seat for this single-day event as early as possible.

Advantage of PE Licensure

For those considering a career in education, many states have been increasingly requiring that those individuals teaching engineering must be licensed. In the future, those in education, as well as industry and government, may need to be licensed to practice. Also, licensure prepares educators to mentor students for their future in engineering.
Licensure for engineers in government has become increasingly significant. Many federal, state, and municipal agencies require that certain governmental engineering positions, particularly those considered higher level and responsible positions, be filled only by licensed professional engineers.
Greater career opportunities. Only a licensed engineer may prepare, sign and seal, and submit engineering plans and drawings to a public authority for approval, or seal engineering work for public and private clients.
Potential for a higher salary
Validation of high ethical standards
Instills confidence in those you lead

Pathway to PE Licensure

Earn a four-year degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Gain acceptable work experience (typically a minimum of four years)
Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam
Apply for and maintain your PE license as required by your state board (renewal, continuing education, etc.)
Download your PE flyer

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Testimonials: What Motivated Me

See what motivated others to become a PE.

Duriem Calderin, PE, CHP

"The professional examination in nuclear engineering sets the requirements and standards to understanding the roles of the engineering profession in society. Applying engineering principles to solve problems, but above all, to protect the workers, the public, and the environment. That’s a challenge! Obtaining the PE license is the goal for each engineer across the industry. Nuclear is no exception. Go forth and conquer; good luck!"

Elizabeth Mattson, PE

"I obtained my PE license as it was a simple way to professionally differentiate myself. It helped that my company emphasizes the importance of obtaining a PE license and provides ample resources to do so as well. Finally, having my license also encourages me to continuously develop myself through PDH requirements."

Rebecca Steinman, PhD, PE

"I initially took the PE exam to prove that I could pass what was considered a difficult exam. Today, I take pride in having "PE" after my name, especially because as a nuclear engineer, I do not have to be licensed for many aspects of my job, but I choose to remain licensed as a sign of my commitment to the protection of the health and safety of the public."

Joshua Vajda, DEng, PE, CHP

"Licensure is the mark of a professional. It's a standard recognized by employers and their clients, by governments and by the public as an assurance of dedication, skill, and quality. Employers are impressed with engineers who have their PE license. Licensure not only enhances your stature, it shows commitment to the profession and demonstrates heightened leadership and management skills."