Education · 1 of 5
The path
Four years of hard math, then a job. Here, unlike most engineering branches, you really do want the license.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Calculus and physics decide whether first year is possible. Take both as far as your school allows.
- 2
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering
4 years
Pick a program accredited by ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) and take every power, machines and controls elective offered.
- 3
Internship or co-op at a utility
During college
A summer in a substation design group or a protection group. This is how almost everyone gets a first offer.
- 4
Fundamentals of Engineering exam
Senior year
A 6-hour computer-based exam of 110 questions, taken in your senior year or just after. You choose the Electrical and Computer version, which includes a power section.
- 5
First engineering job
Straight after graduating
Substation design, protection and relaying, transmission planning, or interconnection studies for wind and solar projects.
- 6
Professional Engineer license
4 more years
About four years of work under a licensed engineer, then the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam in Power, then a license from your state board.