Country edition: USA Beta
Advanced Manufacturing · Engineering

Mechanical engineer: ABET degree, then an optional PE license

Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Entry-level jobs need no license; mechanical engineers who sell services to the public must be licensed in every state and D.C.

For: Students who like physics and math and want to design and test machines, engines and devices.

See the roadmap Mechanical Engineer guide

Route 1: Bachelor's in mechanical engineering (or ME technology) Typical

Most employers prefer students from an accredited program; an accredited degree is usually necessary for a PE license.

  1. Start here

    High school: math and science

    BLS
    Mechanical Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  2. About 4 years

    Bachelor's in mechanical engineering

    Mathematics, life and physical sciences, engineering and design. Technology programs focus more on practical application.

    BLS
    Mechanical Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  3. Optional

    5- or 6-year co-op or bachelor's + master's plan

    Classroom study combined with paid practical work.

    BLS
    Mechanical Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
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    21 Oct 2026
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  4. Goal

    Mechanical engineer

    Licensure is not required for entry-level positions.

    BLS
    Mechanical Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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Route 2: Professional Engineer (PE) license Later in the career

A PE can oversee other engineers, sign off on projects and provide services directly to the public.

  1. Start here

    Degree from an accredited engineering program

    BLS
    Mechanical Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  2. Exam gate

    FE exam

    Can be taken after the bachelor's degree; those who pass are called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs).

    BLS
    Mechanical Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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    FE and PE exams

  3. Typically 4+ years

    Relevant work experience

    BLS
    Mechanical Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

  4. Exam gate

    PE exam (Principles and Practice of Engineering)

    NCEES
    PE examNCEES
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    7 Oct 2026
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  5. Goal

    State PE license

    Several states require continuing education to renew every year.

    BLS
    Mechanical Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source
    PE license steps

Licenses, registrations and certifications

Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.

Specialty certification
Professional organizations · Voluntary
Certification programs show competency in specific fields of mechanical engineering.
BLS
Mechanical Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
Checked
21 Oct 2026
View source
More careers in Advanced Manufacturing

Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.

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Back to the full Mechanical Engineer guide

What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.

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Every step links to the official page it came from (regulators, licensing boards, the law), checked 21 Oct 2026. State and city licensing rules change: confirm with the board where you will work before you pay any fee. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses. All careers →