In preparation of decoupling the exams from the experience, starting July 20, 2026, do not apply to the board office for approval to take the NCEES exam(s). Effective August 1, 2026, you will go directly to NCEES to register for the exam(s). See below for more info.
Important Notice Regarding Exam Registration and Licensure
What is decoupling?
Decoupling is separating experience from the exam. This means that the examinee can take any NCEES exam before completing the required experience.
What doesn't change
Decoupling does not eliminate the experience requirement for becoming licensed. You still must satisfy the state's experience requirements before you can receive your license. See WAC 196.
Effective July 20, 2026, the Board office will no longer accept exam applications as we prepare for the transition to decoupling NCEES exams from experience.
Effective August 1, 2026, you are no longer required to apply to the Board office for approval to sit for the NCEES exam. You may register directly with NCEES to take any of the following examinations:
- FE (Fundamentals of Engineering)
- PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
- SE (Structural Engineering)
- FS (Fundamentals of Surveying)
- PS (Principles and Practice of Surveying)
After you have passed the applicable examination and met all Board licensure requirements, you may submit your application to BRPELS for licensure in the State of Washington.
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