Are you taking the PE Examination? Prepare the right way with the SME PE Review Course. Designed as a holistic approach to understanding examination concepts and application, the SME PE Review Course is the one and only review course designed for review to help you pass your PE Examination. Register today.
What and when is the PE Examination?
The NCEES Mining and Mineral Processing PE examination is offered once a year in October. The examination schedule can be found on the NCEES website. Requirements for eligibility vary by state, and each candidate is advised to contact his or her own licensure board for requirements, applications, fee and dates of the examination. Contact information for individual state boards can be found on the NCEES website. Requirements generally include:
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Education requirements.
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Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
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Professional experience.
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Complete an application that must be verified and approved by the state board.
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Pass the PE Examination to demonstrate professional competence.
Deadlines to receive state board approval to take the PE examination can be months prior to the exam dates, so the application process should be started well in advance of the examination date.
The official guide to policies and procedures for examinations is provided in the NCEES Examinee Guide and on the NCEES website. The examination is administered in two parts, a morning session and an afternoon session, each lasting four hours. Each session consists of 40 multiple choice questions for a total of 80 questions. There is no penalty for incorrect responses, so all questions should be answered
Both the morning and afternoon sessions are open book examinations. Specifications for the reference materials, types of calculators and other items that can be taken into the examination room can vary over time and by state. Each candidate is advised to check the NCEES and state board websites for the most up to date information.
Be Prepared! Take the SME PE Review Course
SME sponsors a Review Course to prepare examinees for taking the examination. Completing this course, as part of an individual’s preparation for taking the PE exam, is highly recommended by people who have successfully passed the exam.
Learn more about the SME PE Review Course
Additional Information about the NCEES Mining and Mineral Processing PE examination
Accreditation or licensure is required for a number of professionals in order to practice their trades including doctors, dentists, nurses, attorneys, financial advisors, plumbers, electricians and many more. Historically, engineers working in the mining and minerals industry were seldom required to be licensed as professional engineers in order to work in the industry. However, it is becoming more and more common that licensure as a professional engineer is strongly encouraged or required by companies. The Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) supports and encourages engineers working in the mining and minerals industries to seek professional licensure.
The examinations used for engineering and surveying licensure in the United States are developed, administered and scored by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The most current information about the organization can be found on its website (ncees.org). The members of NCEES are the engineering and surveying licensure boards from 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories.
Examinations in a variety of engineering disciplines are developed by professional organizations whose members are subject matter experts for the disciplines. Some significant changes to the exam are anticipated within the next five years. This includes a change to computer based testing (CBT) for the PE exam and development of a reference book specifically designed to be used for the PE exam.
PE examinations are designed to test the minimum competency of general knowledge about mining and mineral processing. Minimum competency, as measured by the examination component of the licensing process, is defined as: The lowest level of knowledge at which a person can practice professional engineering in such a manner that will safeguard life, health, and property and promote the public welfare.
SME Requests PE Members Complete the PAKS Survey
Every 7 years, the Professional Engineers examination for Mining / Mineral Processing (MMP) and the subject matter of the exam is updated in a process named the Professional Activities and Knowledge Study (PAKS). SME completed the PAKS in 2002-2003, 2009-10, and 2015-2016. A critical activity of PAKS is asking engineers if the topical outline of the subject matter is current and reflects what PE’s do on the job. Please access the survey through the link below. Your response will greatly advance our professions and assist in the PAKS. Thank you.
https://ncees.org/ncees-seeks-licensed-mining-mineral-engineers-professional-expertise-and-advice/
Be Prepared! Take the SME PE Review Course
Important: For the most up to date information, exact requirements and fees; please refer to the State that you desire to be licensed within. Go to the state’s respective Board of Registration website. Each State of the Union has legal primacy and requirements for licensing engineers, no other entity can do so. Another resource for information is the National Council for Examining Engineers and Surveyors at ncees.org.
General PE Requirements for most states:
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering, and the Professional Engineering Examinations
- Possess an ABET Accredited 4-Year Bachelors of Science Engineering Degree
- Have 4 years of verifiable working experience under a Professional Engineer
By State:
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience or
4-Yr Unaccredited BS Engineering Degree with 6-Yrs Experience or
4-Yr BS Science Degree with Accredited MS Engineering Degree with 6-Yrs Experience or
4-Yr Engineering Technology Degree with Accredited MS Engineering Degree with 6-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $50
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience or
4-Yr Unaccredited BS Engineering Degree with 6-Yrs Experience or
Must also complete Board approved Arctic Engineering Class
State Application Fee: $175
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 2-Yrs Experience or
4-Yr BS Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 1 Yr Graduate Level Education with 1-Yrs Experience or
4-Yr Engineering Technology Degree with 3-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $100
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience or
Accredited Masters or PHD Engineering Degree with 3-Yr Experience
State Application Fee: $255
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 2-Yrs Experience or
Accredited Masters or PHD Engineering Degree with 1-Yr Experience or
6-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $125
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience or
4-Yr Accredited Technology Engineering Degree with 6-Yrs Experience or
4-Yr Unaccredited BS Engineering or Science Degree with 6-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $100
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree
6-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $80
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience or
Accredited Masters Degree with 3-Yr Experience or
Accredited PHD Degree with 2-Yr Experience or
4-Yr Unaccredited BS Engineering, Science or Technology Degree with 8-Yrs Experience or
6-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $100
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $125
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience or
4-Yr Unaccredited BS Engineering, Science or Technology Degree with 7-Yrs Experience or
15-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $30
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience or
4-Yr Unaccredited BS Engineering, Science or Technology Degree with 8-Yrs Experience or
12-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $75
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience or
4-Yr Unaccredited BS Engineering Degree with Board Approval and 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $50
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $100
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $300
Experience:
4-Yr (Un)Accredited BS Engineering or Science or Technology Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $100
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $0
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $150
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $50
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $25
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
1-Yr Credit for Masters or PhD
4-Yr Unaccredited BS Engineering Degree with 8 Years Experience
12 Years Experience
State Application Fee: $50
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $40
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $75
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $75
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $100
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $50
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $30
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $200
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
4-Yr Unaccredited BS Engineering Degree with 8-Years Experience
25 years of experience
State Application Fee: $225
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
4-Yr Accredited Technical Engineering Degree with 6-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $75
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $150
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
4-Yr Accredited Technical Engineering Degree with 6-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $377
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $100
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $0
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
4-Yr Accredited Techincal Engineering Degree with 8-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $75
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $150
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $225
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $50
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $150
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $65
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
4-Yr Accredited BS Technical Degree with 5 Yrs Experience
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with MS or PHD with 3 Years Experience
State Application Fee: $100
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
4-Yr Accredited BS Technical Degree with 5 Yrs Experience
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with MS or PHD with 3 Years Experience
State Application Fee: $100
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
1 Yr credit for masters or higher in engineering
State Application Fee: $30
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
4-yr Unaccredited degree with 8 years experience
State Application Fee: $250
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $110
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
4-yr accredited engineering technology degree with 8 years experience 12 years experience
State Application Fee: $80
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
1 Year credit for Masters or PHD Accredited Engineering Degree
State Application Fee: $60
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
8 years of experience
State Application Fee: $65
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
Approved Technical College Degree with 6-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $180
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
Approved Technical College Degree with 6-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $125
Experience:
4-Yr Accredited BS Engineering Degree with 4-Yrs Experience
State Application Fee: $100