1. Submit a completed PE Application to the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.
2. Provide verification of graduation from an accredited engineering program and transcripts.
3. Provide verification of four years of qualifying engineering experience, obtained after graduation from an engineering degree program.
4. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination.
5. Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Examination.
6. Submit two letters of reference from professional engineers familiar with your engineering work.
7. Submit a completed application for licensure in North Carolina.
8. Pay the applicable fees.
9. Successfully complete the Board’s NC Jurisprudence Exam and Ethics Course prior to issuance of license.
The North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors provides the official application forms and documents required for licensure on their website. You can access the forms and documents at https://ncese.org/applications/.
No, there are no language proficiency requirements for completing the application. Language assistance is available in North Carolina for immigrants who need it. Local organizations provide translation services and information about resources available to immigrants.
Yes, you are required to pass a written examination as part of the application for a PE license in North Carolina. ExamSoft does offer language accommodations for non-native English speakers, including the ability to select English as a Second Language (ESL), and the ability to use a bilingual dictionary. You can find more information on the ExamSoft website.
The expected timeline for processing applications and receiving the PE license in North Carolina is approximately 6-8 weeks. Applications are typically processed in the order they are received. Renewals can take 1-2 weeks and reinstatements can take up to 8 weeks.
The North Carolina Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (NCBELS) requires all applicants for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal work authorization. Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Card, or other documents issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants must provide photocopies of documents for verification.
Yes, immigrants can work as engineering assistants or apprentices while completing the licensing process in North Carolina. Companies or individuals typically hire engineering assistants to help them develop and design engineering projects, or to assist with project calculations and other technical tasks. As an apprentice, an immigrant can gain supervised hands-on experience in the field to help them prepare for the licensing exam.
Yes, the North Carolina State Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors offers guidance and information specific to immigrants seeking PE education and licensure in North Carolina. The board’s website includes a page with information on requirements for licensure for immigrants, including the need for a visa or permanent resident status to apply and the documents necessary for the application process. Additionally, the board provides a contact form for immigrants with questions or needing additional information.
The application fee for obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license in North Carolina is $150. In addition to the application fee, you will also need to pay examination fees, which range from $75 to $150 depending on the type of examination you are taking. The total cost of obtaining a PE license in North Carolina will depend on the number of examinations you need to take and can range from $225 to $300.
No, immigrants cannot apply for a temporary or provisional PE license while waiting for their full legal status to be confirmed in North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Board of Engineering and Land Surveying, applicants must be US citizens or have permanent resident alien status in order to be eligible for licensure.
State licensing boards in North Carolina are responsible for verifying and validating the legal work authorization of applicants for PE licensure. This includes verifying the applicant’s identity and ensuring the applicant has a valid Social Security number or other appropriate form of identification. The board also verifies that the applicant has met all the education and experience requirements for the license and that any fees due have been paid. Additionally, the board validates information submitted by the applicant regarding work experience, and confirms that the applicant is eligible to obtain professional licensure in North Carolina.
Applicants must demonstrate a basic level of English proficiency in order to be eligible for the Professional Engineer licensure process. Specifically, applicants must demonstrate sufficient reading, writing and listening comprehension to understand and respond to questions posed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCBEES).
Language accommodations may be available for non-native English speakers in North Carolina. Requesting language accommodations should be done directly through the NCBEES. The NCBEES may provide accommodations such as additional time for examinations, or an interpreter or translator to provide assistance with the application process. Additionally, applicants may provide interpretation services if they have the necessary language proficiency. Applicants are also encouraged to use study materials written in their native language if available.
Yes, in North Carolina, the Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (BEES) has implemented specific requirements and accommodations for immigrants who may face language or cultural barriers when seeking professional licensure. The BEES encourages applicants to provide proof of English proficiency (with a minimum score set at a TOEFL score of 500 for paper-based exams, or a score of 173 for computer-based exams). The BEES also offers an oral interview with an interpreter for those who are unable to complete the written English portion of the exam. Additionally, applicants are allowed to provide documents in their native language with a translation to English, and can submit documents on their licensure application written in a language other than English.
Yes, there are several state-specific resources, organizations, and agencies that provide assistance and support for immigrants during the application process in North Carolina. These include the North Carolina Immigrant Rights Project (NCIRP), NC Justice Center, Pro Bono Immigration Project (PBIP), NC DREAM Team, La Coalición de Liderazgo Latino, and The Immigrant & Refugee Resource Center of NC. These organizations provide services such as legal representation, advocacy, education, and social services for immigrants in the state.
Immigrants with engineering qualifications can ensure that their credentials align with the state’s licensing and employment requirements in North Carolina by researching and understanding the state’s standards and requirements for engineering licensure. Additionally, immigrants can also reach out to professional engineering organizations in North Carolina to gain an understanding of the credentialing process and potential pathways to licensure. It is important to note that some states may require additional experience for licensure beyond the education, so immigrants should be aware of any additional requirements that may be necessary. Finally, there may be organizations or services offering assistance to immigrants in North Carolina that can provide information about the process of obtaining a license.
Yes, there are a variety of resources available for immigrant students to help them navigate engineering education and licensure in North Carolina. These include:
• NC State University’s Multicultural Student Affairs- The MSA provides a variety of resources, including language and cultural support, to support the success of immigrant students, including those pursuing engineering.
• North Carolina Community College System- The NCCCS offers an array of guides and resources to immigrant students seeking to pursue engineering in North Carolina, including information about licensure requirements and available financial aid.
• North Carolina Board of Licensing of Engineers and Land Surveyors- The Board provides information and guidance on licensure requirements for engineers in North Carolina, including how to obtain the necessary credentials and documents for obtaining a license.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Engineering Student Services- The Engineering Student Services offers a variety of programs and services to support immigrant students, including mentorship programs, academic advising sessions, and access to counseling services.
Immigrants pursuing a career as a Professional Engineer in North Carolina will face a variety of legal challenges including:
1. Obtaining licensure: Immigrants must have a valid visa to be eligible to obtain a Professional Engineering license in the state of North Carolina, and they must be able to demonstrate their competence and experience to the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.
2. Employment restrictions: Some employers may only hire Professional Engineers who are U.S. Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents, or who possess certain immigration statuses such as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or TN (NAFTA Professional) status.
3. Taxation issues: Immigrants may be required to pay taxes on income earned, as well as other state, federal, and local taxes that may apply to non-U.S. citizens.
4. Social Security issues: Immigrants may be prohibited from claiming Social Security benefits if they are not U.S. Citizens, and Social Security deductions may apply to income earned in the United States (even if the immigrant is not eligible to collect Social Security benefits).
5. Immigration law changes: Immigration laws are continually changing, so it is important for immigrants to remain informed of any changes that may affect their eligibility to remain in the United States and pursue a career as a Professional Engineer.
Yes, there are options for language assistance, cultural competency training, or support for immigrants who may face language or cultural barriers during engineering work in North Carolina. The NC Department of Transportation provides a number of resources to assist with language assistance and cultural competency training. Additionally, many universities in the state, such as Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill, have centers dedicated to language assistance and cultural competency training. Furthermore, there are several nonprofit organizations in the state that offer language assistance and support for immigrants. These organizations include the Latin American Coalition, El Centro Hispano, and Latino Community Credit Union.
Yes, there are organizations, associations, and online platforms that provide information and resources specifically for immigrants seeking professional licensure in North Carolina.
1. The North Carolina Association of Professional Engineers (NCAPE): NCAPE is an association of professional engineers in North Carolina. They provide information about the licensure process, including a detailed guide to the application process for international applicants.
2. The International Association of Professional Engineers (IAPE): IAPE is a global organization dedicated to helping professional engineers from all over the world obtain licensure in North Carolina. They provide information about the licensing process as well as links to helpful resources for immigrants seeking licensure in North Carolina.
3. Immigration Law Help: Immigration Law Help is an online platform that provides guidance and resources to immigrants seeking professional licensure in North Carolina. They provide detailed information about the licensing process, including eligibility requirements, application forms, and other relevant information.
4. Immigrant Welcome Center: The Immigrant Welcome Center is a nonprofit organization based in North Carolina that provides assistance to immigrants looking for professional licensure in the state. They offer assistance with the application process and can help connect immigrants with resources and support needed to navigate North Carolina’s licensure process.
1. Engineers Without Borders USA: EWB-USA partners with underserved communities around the world to improve their quality of life through the implementation of sustainable engineering projects. As an immigrant Professional Engineer in North Carolina, you can join an existing EWB-USA project in North Carolina or start a new project in another country.
2. Design Corps: Design Corps is a national nonprofit organization that works to create design solutions for underserved communities. As a Professional Engineer in North Carolina, you can join Design Corps to work on projects that improve the quality of life in rural and urban communities in North Carolina.
3. Solarize NC: Solarize NC is a community-based solar installation program that provides assistance to homeowners, governments, and businesses with the installation of solar systems. As an immigrant Professional Engineer in North Carolina, you can join Solarize NC to help design and install solar systems in underserved communities in the state.
4. Engineers for a Sustainable World: ESW is an international network of students and engineers dedicated to developing sustainable solutions that will improve the quality of life for underserved communities. As an immigrant Professional Engineer in North Carolina, you can join ESW to help develop innovative solutions to solve global environmental and social challenges.