Education · 1 of 5
The path
A four-year engineering degree, then years of supervised work, then a license.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Push hard in calculus, physics and chemistry. Engineering programs admit on math and science grades.
- 2
Bachelor's degree in engineering
4 years
Either a fire protection engineering degree or a mechanical or civil degree you specialize from later. Pick a program accredited by ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) or licensing gets harder.
- 3
Pass the first exam
Final year
The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam, usually taken in your final year of college. Passing makes you an engineer in training.
- 4
Work under a licensed engineer
About 4 years
Most states want about four years of supervised experience before they will let you sit the second exam.
- 5
Pass the second exam and get your state license
1 exam day, months of study
There is a PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) exam written specifically for fire protection. Pass it, apply to your state board, and you can seal your own designs.