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Current Students

After Graduation

Professional Licensure

The UB civil engineering program is designed to support eventual licensure as a professional engineer (PE). It is strongly recommended that all students consider professional registration as part of their career path.

Obtaining registration as a PE is a multi-step process that normally includes graduation with a B.S. degree from an ABET-accredited program. If you are within 20 credits of graduation, you are eligible to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This is the first step towards obtaining your PE license. Students who pass the FE exam can put the letters E.I.T. (Engineer-in-Training) after their name.

Although the FE exam can be taken at any point prior to applying for the PE license, UB engineering students are encouraged to take the exam in April of their senior year. (The test is also offered in October.) April exams are typically offered in Rochester, NY, while October exams are given in Buffalo. Exam dates for the next ten years may be found here. To assist with preparation for the FE exam, an evening review class is offered each year at UB by the Engineering Society of Buffalo. The course typically involves a weekly 3-hour review session for 23 weeks. Full-time UB students normally receive a 50 percent discount on the standard course fee. Information on the registration process and review course are sent out via email. The success rate for the FE exam is typically around 80 percent, higher than the national and comparator school average. For more information on the FE exam, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies or visit the information page maintained by the SEAS Office of Undergraduate Education.

After graduation, new engineers must accumulate a specified period of experience (usually 4 years) working under the supervision of a licensed PE. It's a good idea to get into the habit of documenting your work experience so that you will be prepared to complete the application process. The final requirement for registration is the successful completion of the PE exam, which is administered on a state-by-state basis. In most states, completion of a master's degree will reduce the required experience (e.g., from 4 to 3 years). More information about professional licensure is available from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Council of Engineering Examiners and the New York State Department of Education.