How To Get A Ge License In Hawaii

Earning a general engineering license in Hawaii can open up a world of professional opportunities. As one of the most isolated landmasses on Earth, the Hawaiian islands offer unique engineering challenges not found elsewhere.

A GE license allows you to legally stamp drawings and take responsibility for projects across the state.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: To get a general engineering license in Hawaii, you must have an accredited engineering degree, pass two exams, gain four years of approved professional experience, and apply to the state Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the steps, requirements, fees, and tips for obtaining and maintaining a professional GE license to practice engineering in Hawaii.

Education Requirements for GE Licensure

Becoming a licensed general engineer (GE) in Hawaii requires meeting certain educational requirements. Here is an overview of the key things aspiring GEs need to know:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program. Some common majors for aspiring GEs include:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

While earning an engineering degree, students take courses in areas like math, physics, computer science, and specific topics within their engineering discipline. An internship can also be a valuable way to gain real-world experience.

Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

After graduating, the next requirement is to pass the 8-hour Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This exam covers subjects like ethics, engineering economics, statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics, and more.

The FE exam is computer-based and administered year-round. It aims to ensure engineering graduates have mastered basic technical and non-technical engineering principles before moving towards licensure.

Gain Relevant Work Experience

After passing the FE exam, applicants need at least 4 years of acceptable engineering experience under a licensed engineer. This hands-on experience is critical for developing technical and ethical competency.

Common entry-level roles include:

• Design Engineer
• Field Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Quality Engineer

Aspiring GEs should gain experience in increasing complex projects and responsibility over their years of service.

Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam

The final step is passing the 8-hour Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam for a specific engineering discipline. This test goes beyond fundamentals and focuses on advanced knowledge and skills.

After applicants pass the PE exam and meet experience requirements, they can apply for GE licensure through the Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers. The board may also require references and evaluations of the applicant’s engineering work.

Staying up-to-date on Hawaii’s engineering licensure laws and rules is also essential throughout the process.

Hawaii’s EIT and PE Exams for Licensing

Securing a professional engineering license in Hawaii requires passing two exams – the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Both exams are critical steps on the journey to obtaining a license that enables engineers to stamp and seal documents and offer services directly to the public.

The FE Exam

The FE exam is a 6-hour computer-based test that covers subjects like mathematics, statistics, chemistry, physics, engineering economics, ethics, and more. It aims to validate an engineer’s mastery of fundamental engineering concepts gained during their undergraduate engineering education.

In Hawaii, the FE exam is called the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) exam. You must pass this exam before you can take the PE exam. There are a few eligibility requirements to qualify for EIT certification in Hawaii:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• A minimum of 3 out of 4 years of acceptable engineering experience under a licensed PE
• Proof of good character and reputation

The EIT exam costs $175 and is administered year-round via computer-based testing. Results are typically available 7-10 business days after completing the exam. With diligent studying and preparation, almost 70% of examinees pass the FE/EIT exam on their first try.

The PE Exam

The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam is an 8-hour test designed to assess an engineer’s competency to practice independently in their field of expertise. The PE exam covers more advanced topics related to the practice of engineering like design codes and standards, analysis, testing, inspection and maintenance, and engineering best practices.

In Hawaii, you must meet the following prerequisites before sitting for the PE exam:

• Pass the FE/EIT exam
• Earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• Complete 4 years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed PE
• Procure 3 to 5 references from PEs familiar with your work

The PE exam costs $290 and is administered in April and October each year. Like the FE exam, it is also computer-based. Results are typically available 10-15 weeks after the exam date. Statistics show that almost 60% of PE exam takers pass on their first attempt.

Successfully checking the boxes on both the FE and PE exams awards the distinction of Professional Engineer (PE) and the legal right to sign, seal and stamp engineering drawings, reports and documents for public and private clients in Hawaii.

For more information, check out the Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers website at http://www.covbpe.org/.

Earning Qualifying Engineering Experience in Hawaii

Obtaining a professional engineer (PE) license in Hawaii requires meeting several criteria, including earning qualifying engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed PE. Here are some key things to know about getting this experience in Hawaii:

Work Experience Requirements

To apply for PE licensure in Hawaii, you must complete at least 4 years of progressive engineering experience after earning an ABET-accredited engineering degree. At least 2 years must be under the supervision of a licensed PE with knowledge of your work.

Qualifying Engineering Work

Engineering work that qualifies toward licensure involves the application of engineering principles and data to design, analyze, evaluate, plan, or oversee engineering projects or systems. Both design and non-design work can qualify if it meets certain criteria.

Finding a Supervising PE

It’s important to find an engineering supervisor who is willing and qualified to mentor you, review your work, validate your experience, and serve as a reference. In Hawaii, the ratio of PEs to population is lower than many states, so seeking opportunities with consulting firms or larger companies can be beneficial.

Progressive vs. Repetitive Work

Progressive experience that demonstrates growth in knowledge and responsibility is preferred for licensure. Repetitive or routine work generally does not qualify. Make sure your work provides opportunities to expand your skills and move into roles with greater autonomy and complexity.

Tracking and Documenting Experience

Keep thorough records of all your engineering work including descriptions of projects, your role, the nature of the work, programs used, and any special recognitions. Obtain regular experience verification letters from supervisors. This documentation will be critical when applying for licensure.

Gaining suitable engineering experience while building relationships with PEs can lay a solid foundation for eventually earning your professional license in Hawaii. Being proactive about tracking details and getting supervisor verifications will also help streamline the process.

Applying for a Hawaii GE License

Getting a general engineering (GE) license in Hawaii involves meeting specific education and experience requirements set by the state licensing board. Here is an overview of the key steps:

Educational Requirements

To qualify for a Hawaii GE license, you must have:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program
• A master’s degree in engineering, which can substitute for 1 year of required work experience

The engineering degree must be approved by the Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers. Common accepted engineering disciplines include civil, structural, electrical and mechanical engineering.

Professional Engineer Exam

After meeting the educational requirements, you must pass the 8-hour Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. This comprehensive exam covers engineering fundamentals and discipline-specific engineering principles.

The PE exam is computer-based and administered year-round in Hawaii. You’ll need to register and pay a $375 exam fee. There are preparation courses and practice exams that can help you get ready for the difficult test.

Work Experience

In addition to passing the PE exam, Hawaii requires:

• 4 years of acceptable engineering work experience under a licensed engineer
• A master’s degree substitutes for 1 year of work experience

This experience must expose you to increasing engineering responsibilities and demonstrate a knowledge of engineering mathematics, physical and applied science, properties of materials, and fundamental principles of engineering design.

Apply for Licensure

Once you meet all the exam, education and experience qualifications, you can apply to the Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers for licensure. The application fee is $94.

You’ll need to provide transcripts, three professional references and a detailed work history. Expect it to take 4-8 weeks to receive your license number if approved.

Maintaining an active license requires following ethical standards and paying biennial renewal fees of $312.

With dedication and persistence, experienced engineers can obtain a Hawaii PE license to advance their career opportunities in the state.

Maintaining and Renewing a Hawaii GE License

Keeping your Hawaii general engineering license active requires fulfilling a few key requirements. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining and renewing your GE license in Hawaii:

Continuing Education

All professional engineers in Hawaii must complete 15 PDH (professional development hours) of continuing education each renewal period. These hours must be relevant to engineering practice and can include courses, seminars, workshops, and more.

Choosing continuing ed that aligns with your discipline is crucial.

License Renewal

Hawaii GE licenses need to be renewed every two years before the expiration date printed on your license. To renew, you must:

• Pay the $100 renewal fee
• Submit a renewal application form
• Provide documentation proving you completed 15 PDHs

If your license lapses, you have one additional renewal period to renew it by paying a delinquent fee. After that, your license is forfeited and you must reapply and take exams again.

Maintain Contact Info

Make sure to keep your contact info like mailing address, email, and phone number updated with the Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers. That way they can send you reminders about license renewal deadlines and other important info.

By completing continuing education, paying renewal fees, and updating your contact details regularly, maintaining your Hawaii GE license status is straightforward. Reach out to the engineering board with any questions!

Conclusion

With the right mix of education, exams, experience and determination, earning a professional engineering license in Hawaii is an achievable goal for any committed engineer.

The lengthy process ensures Hawaiian GE license holders meet rigorous standards and are prepared to take on complex projects safely. Stay up to date with continuing education requirements and renewals to keep your Hawaii GE license current.

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