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Professional Engineer (PE) License in Washington

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Professional Engineer (PE) license in WA. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$500

Processing Time

8-12 Weeks

Exam Required

FE & PE Exams (NCEES)

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Professional Engineer (PE) license in Washington.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Professional Engineer (PE) training program in Washington.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your WA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the FE & PE Exams (NCEES).

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Washington licensing board and pay the $500 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 8-12 weeks in WA. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

To obtain your Professional Engineer (PE) license in Washington, you must first complete the state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. Washington requires all applicants to pass the FE & PE Exams (NCEES) before submitting their application to the state licensing board. The application process in WA is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail and documentation.

Requirements

Washington has specific requirements for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure that applicants must fulfill. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. Educational requirements include completing an accredited program relevant to design and oversee engineering projects. A clean background check is mandatory in WA, and you must demonstrate good moral character. The FE & PE Exams (NCEES) must be passed with a minimum score set by the Washington board.

Fees & Costs

The initial application fee for a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Washington is approximately $500. This fee covers the processing of your application and initial license issuance. WA also charges an examination fee which is typically paid directly to the testing provider. Late application submissions in Washington may incur additional penalties of up to $125.

License Fee Calculator — Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington

Base License Fee$500
Estimated Total$500

Renewal Process

Washington requires Professional Engineer (PE) license holders to renew their credentials every 2 years. The renewal fee is $350 in WA. Continuing education requirements must be met before the renewal application is submitted. Washington offers both online and mail-in renewal options for licensed professionals.

License Expiry Calculator — Professional Engineer (PE) in WA

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Washington requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Washington takes professional licensing seriously, and the Professional Engineer (PE) field is no exception. The state board in WA regularly updates its requirements to align with industry standards and protect public safety. As a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington, you will be expected to maintain high ethical standards and stay current with developments in your field. The WA licensing board provides resources and support to help professionals meet their obligations.

Document Checklist — Professional Engineer (PE)

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Washington Professional Engineer (PE) License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) FullAK accepts WA Professional Engineer (PE) license via reciprocity agreement.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize WA Professional Engineer (PE) license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Arkansas (AR) PartialAR requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Delaware (DE) NoneDE does not recognize WA Professional Engineer (PE) license. Full re-application required.
California (CA) FullCA accepts WA Professional Engineer (PE) license via reciprocity agreement.
Florida (FL) FullFL accepts WA Professional Engineer (PE) license via reciprocity agreement.

Where to File Locally in Washington

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Olympia

1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504

(360) 236-4700

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Seattle

600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 684-8484

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Spokane

808 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201

(509) 625-6250

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tacoma

747 Market St, Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 591-5000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Vancouver

415 W 6th St, Vancouver, WA 98660

(360) 487-8600

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Washington Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Washington state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.