Professional Engineer License

In early 2027, BRPELS is transitioning to a new licensing system. Processing applications, renewals, and other licensing transactions will be limited during this transition. We highly recommend visiting our OASIS page to avoid delays.

Examinees who do not pass the exam by January 15, 2027, may be required to submit a new application, due to upcoming system upgrades. Candidates are advised to retain a copy of their exam approval notification for future reference.

Board approval is no longer required to take an NCEES exam. Apply directly for your exam with NCEES.
 

Looking for a status update?

If you applied and it has been more than 4 weeks please contact our office.

Licenses are issued the first week of every month and you will be notified of your license number.
 

To become licensed as a Professional Engineer in Washington

You must meet criteria in three areas:

Education (optional)
  • A baccalaureate degree in engineering in a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is equivalent to four years
    • An Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) may provide you 3 years of education experience
  • A degree in engineering from a non-ABET accredited engineering program may be given four years at the discretion of the board
  • Non-Engineering degree may be given up to 2 years at the discretion of the board
  • WAC-196-12-021
     
Experience
  • 8 years of progressive engineering experience working under a licensed PE:
    • Board approved education is counted as part of experience. WAC-196-12-021
    • Experience used must be verified by the PE who was in direct supervision of the work being done
       
Examinations

See the Boards exam page for availability of NCEES exams

  • Pass the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE)
  • Pass the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam (PE)
     

Application Checklist

  • DO NOT APPLY WITH BRPELS UNTIL YOU HAVE MET ALL REQUIREMENTS PER CHAPTER 196-12 WAC AND RCW 18.43.040.
  • Fill out and submit (see “How to Apply” below) the basic application form
  • Pay application fee
  • Upload the certificate issued upon passing the Washington Engineer Law Review.
    • Passing score is 80%
  • Verification of passing the FE/EIT and PE exam. If you took the exams in another state, go to NCEES or contact that state board to request an exam verification.
  • Transmit your NCEES Record. (Preferred method - helps speed up review process)
    • There is no charge to create a record. A fee is charged each time you transmit your record to the Board. 
    • NCEES Records include education information, exam verification, work experience and more.
    • Transmitting an NCEES record does not generate automatic approval. Records are reviewed for accuracy and if the applicant meets the Board’s requirements.

      OR
       
  • Complete and submit our Work Experience Form and Experience Verification Form (see forms for instructions)
    • Ensure your verifier’s email is correct and they can access it. If the verifier or email is incorrect, you must submit a new Work Experience form. Staff cannot change this information after submission.
    • If you want your education applied toward experience, have your school submit official transcripts to NCEES for evaluation
    • Foreign degrees can be evaluated by NCEES, WES, or FIS. For use of other evaluation services, contact the board
  • Using this method may increase review times and/or requests for additional information
     

How to Apply

Important: do not apply until you meet all requirements. See Chapter 196-12 WAC and Chapter 18.43 RCW for more details.

Apply Online

  • Login or Sign-up to fill out the basic application form, upload required documentation, and to pay your application fee
    • You will be directed to use a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account to access our service. SAW is the State’s security interface for all state agencies.
  • Access our service, 'Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors (BRPELS)'
  • Using an NCEES record for work experience? Transmit your record after applying


Didn't Find What You Need?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and licensing process flowchart.