SE Licensure

NCEES Testing Nomenclature

Structural Engineering (PE Structural) Exam

SE – Abbreviation for a licensed Structural Engineer

Tests the ability to practice structural engineering and is designed for engineers who practice in jurisdictions that may license structural engineers separately from other professional engineers. It is a 16-hour exam that uses a separate vertical and lateral component to test your ability to safely design buildings or bridges, especially in areas of high seismicity and high wind.

» Information on the PE Structural Exam

» NCSEA SE Review & Refresher Course

Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam

PE – Abbreviation for a licensed Professional Engineer

Tests the ability to practice in a particular engineering discipline competently. It is designed for engineers who have gained at minimum four years’ post-college work experience in their chosen engineering discipline. Each PE exam lasts 8 hours and is split into a morning and an afternoon session.

» School of PE

» Find Your State's Licensing Board Here

» Find Your State Legislators Here

The NCSEA Structural Licensure Committee works with SEAs to assist with the adoption of consistent licensing laws and rules in the interest of public safety, especially relating to licensure of structural engineers. This committee is focused on:

Recognizing the unique responsibility structural engineers have to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
Promoting structural licensure by educating and supporting SEAs pursuing licensure.
Developing consistent licensing laws and regulations among all states.
Recognizing the NCEES 16 hour structural exam as the standard exam for SE licensure.
Supporting the transition of any engineer who currently practices structural engineering to become licensed as an SE.

Roster Designation

A provision in a jurisdiction’s statutes, rules, or licensing board procedures that recognizes every licensee’s discipline, usually based on the specific NCEES examination passed by the licensee.

Title Restriction, Partial Practice Restriction, Full Practice Restriction

A provision in a jurisdiction’s statutes or rules that specifically recognizes structural engineering as a distinct discipline with certain special qualifications beyond, or in place of, those required for professional engineering licensure, typically based on NCEES testing nomenclature.

Title Restriction states

Define the practice of engineering and actions that qualify as typical engineering practice. These states may further define actions that are typically considered structural engineering practice.
Define who can use the title of “Professional Engineer, PE” or “Structural Engineer, SE”. The title SE is often a secondary license that is supplemental to a PE license.
Allow both PE and SE engineers to seal structural drawings if the engineer’s area of competence is Structural Engineering

Partial Practice Restriction states

Define the specific type of engineering work that a licensed engineer in that discipline can legally perform.
Allow a licensed PE to practice structural engineering for most structures, but requires an SE to practice structural engineering for designated structures.

Structures of a certain level of importance (e.g., essential facilities or buildings of a certain height) require SE credentials.

Full Practice Restriction states

Define the specific type of engineering work that a licensed engineer in that discipline can legally perform.
Allow only engineers who have passed the NCEES 16-hour Structural Exam (SE) to seal structural drawings for any type of structure.