License GuideSOC 17-2051

Chemical Engineer
License.

Civil engineers design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects. They plan roads, bridges, airports, dams, and water systems. On a daily basis, they review blueprints, conduct site inspections, and solve structural problems. They work with contractors and government agencies to ensure projects meet safety codes and budgets. Civil engineers also manage maintenance schedules for existing infrastructure. Their work requires both technical expertise and project management skills to keep communities connected and protected.

At a Glance

Everything a Chemical Engineer needs to know.

The Work
What you actually do

Licensed chemical engineers are regulated at the state level. Every state sets its own education, exam, and experience requirements.

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Civil engineers design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects. They plan roads, bridges, airports, dams, and water systems. On a daily basis, they review blueprints, conduct site inspections, and solve structural problems. They work with contractors and government agencies to ensure projects meet safety codes and budgets. Civil engineers also manage maintenance schedules for existing infrastructure. Their work requires both technical expertise and project management skills to keep communities connected and protected.

The Exam
Two-part proctored test

Two NCEES exams: the FE early in your career and the discipline-specific PE after four years of qualifying experience.

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To get your chemical engineering license, you'll take an exam split into two parts. The national section covers core engineering principles and applies everywhere. Your state adds its own section on local laws and regulations. Most states contract with testing companies like PSI, Pearson VUE, or Prometric to administer the exam. You'll sit for both portions on the same day or across separate sessions, depending on your state's rules. Check your state board's website to confirm the exact format, testing vendor, and passing score you need to meet.

Renewal
Keeping it active

Most states require professional development hours between renewals. Some states waive CE for PEs in certain disciplines.

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Most states require chemical engineers to complete continuing education hours during each renewal cycle. The specific number of hours and required topics, such as ethics or state regulations, differ by state. Check your state board's requirements before your renewal date.

Is This For You
Who fits this career

Strong candidates for the chemical engineer role combine the technical knowledge tested on the exam with judgment and communication skills you build through supervised experience.

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You'll need more than equations to succeed as a chemical engineer. The technical foundation matters, but so does your ability to explain complex processes to people who didn't study chemistry. You'll work across teams, translate between lab results and production floors, and make judgment calls when textbook answers don't fit real conditions. The best engineers in this field pick up these skills through hands-on experience, learning to balance precision with pragmatism.

Unlicensed Risk
Practicing without a license

Practicing as a chemical engineer without an active license is illegal in every state. Typical penalties include civil fines, forfeited income, and in some states criminal charges on repeat offenses.

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Practicing as a chemical engineer without a valid license violates state law nationwide. Violators face civil fines and must return income earned while unlicensed. Repeat offenders may face criminal charges in some states, though these are typically short sentences. The consequences exist because licensed chemical engineers meet education and experience standards that protect public safety.

Career Outlook
+4.7% projected

Employment change 2024 to 2034. Flagged as a bright-outlook occupation.

The Path

How to Get a Chemical Engineer License.

To get licensed, you'll follow these steps across most states. First, complete accredited education in your field. Next, pass a national or state exam. Then gain supervised experience under a licensed professional, typically ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 hours depending on your state. You'll also need to pass a background check. Finally, maintain your license by completing continuing education credits before each renewal. Requirements vary by state, so check your specific location.

1
Earn an ABET-accredited degree
A Bachelor of Science from an ABET-accredited engineering program is the standard academic gate. Some states accept non-ABET degrees with additional experience.
2
Pass the FE exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering exam from NCEES is taken during or soon after college and confers Engineer Intern status.
3
Complete progressive engineering experience
States require four years of qualifying experience under a licensed PE, documented through employer references and project records.
4
Pass the PE exam
The Principles and Practice of Engineering exam for chemical engineers is the discipline-specific test administered by NCEES.
5
Submit fingerprints and background check
Most boards collect electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO, Fieldprint, or a similar vendor and run a state and federal background check.
6
Apply for the license
Submit the state application with transcripts, exam scores, experience verification, and fees. Processing runs a few days to several months depending on state and board.
7
Pay fees and activate
Once approved, you pay the initial license fee, post any required bond or insurance, and the state issues your license number.
8
Track renewals and continuing education
Most licenses renew every one to three years with a set amount of continuing education. Missing CE or renewal deadlines risks license inactivation.
Timeline

How long it takes.

Background check and exam scheduling
2 to 6 weeks
License issuance after passing
Few days to several weeks
State processing times vary widely.
Cost Breakdown

What it costs out of pocket.

ABET-accredited degree
Bachelor of Science in engineering at an accredited program.
$40,000 to $180,000
FE exam
NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam fee.
$175 to $225
PE exam
NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering exam fee.
$375 to $450
Application and license fee
Paid to the state board at submission. Varies widely by state.
$50 to $500
Fingerprint and background check
Flat vendor fee set by the state.
$40 to $120
Professional liability insurance
Annual policy. Required for PE stampings on most projects.
$500 to $3,000
Compensation

What Chemical Engineers Earn.

National annual wage by percentile.

Bottom 10%
$66k
25th percentile
$79k
Median
$100k
75th percentile
$128k
Top 10%
$161k
Resources

Where to train, certify, and connect.

Optional next steps once your Chemical Engineer license is active.

Core
Fundamentals of Engineering - Civil
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
Core
Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector
American Public Works Association
Advanced
Certified Building Energy Simulation Analyst
Association of Energy Engineers
Advanced
Certified Measurement and Verification Professional
Association of Energy Engineers
Advanced
Certified Energy Procurement Professional
Association of Energy Engineers
Specialty
Certified Value Specialist
Society of American Value Engineers
Advanced
Diplomate, Port Engineering
Academy of Coastal, Ocean, Port & Navigation Engineers
Product/Equipment
Autodesk Certified User
Autodesk, Inc.
Advanced
LEED AP Neighborhood Development
Green Business Certification Inc.
Specialty
Certified Golf Course Builder
Golf Course Builders Association of America
Advanced
Certified Building Commissioning Professional
Association of Energy Engineers
Core
Value Methodology Associate Certification
Society of American Value Engineers
State vs State

Compare any two states.

Pre-license hours and fees vary widely. Pick two states to see the gap.

Left
Right
Varies
Pre-license hours
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Exam fee
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License fee
Varies
Contractors State License Board
Issuing board
Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Frequently Asked

Questions people ask.

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