For all these reasons, licensing will enhance your status and professionalism as an engineer. Getting licensed may also help you gain employment, demand a higher salary and qualify for more prestigious positions and projects.

A licensed engineer may use the initials P.E. after their name (Professional Engineer). As you probably recognize, with the uncertainties in this day and age, the more credentials you have, the better your chances of finding employment are. You need to position yourself properly for employment. You need to be prepared to adapt to changing workforce. Taking the extra steps to becoming a licensed engineer will only put you in a better position.

Many companies make it a requirement to become a licensed engineer and provide rewards for those that take the steps toward licensing. Some companies will help their employees with licensure by providing review courses and even reimbursement of the application and required fees.

A few advantages on becoming a licensed engineer…

• Only licensed engineers may pursue careers as consultants or private practitioners.
  
• Only licensed engineers may put in order, present, sign and seal engineering plans and drawings to a public authority for approval.
  
• In some states, only licensed engineers may teach.
  
• Some higher level government engineering jobs can only be filled by licensed engineers.
  
• Only a licensed engineer may use the title “engineer” to the public.