Assessing Preparation for Professional Engineering Licensure in U.S. Construction Engineering Programs

Sep 19, 2026

Study evaluates how effectively U.S. Construction Engineering programs prepare students for Professional Engineering (PE) licensure. Although ABET-accredited programs must demonstrate compliance with student outcomes, the technical emphasis in Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams is not always aligned. Using public curriculum data from 24 ABET-accredited bachelor’s degrees, the analysis compares required coursework and exam topic coverage, reviews FE/PE participation and licensure data, and identifies discrepancies. Results indicate strengths in problem-solving and managerial skills, while additional FE/PE-aligned fundamentals could improve licensure readiness and career success.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Background

FE and PE Examinations Options for Construction Engineers

Construction Engineering Program Alignment with FE/PE Content

Analysis Method and Curriculum Comparison

Findings and Implications

EPiC Series in Built Environment Volume 7, 2026, Pages 405–414 Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference Assessing Preparation for Professional Engineering Licensure in U.S. Construction Engineering Programs Christopher Zoz 1, Roy E. Sturgill, Jr.1, and Jennifer Shane 1 1Iowa State University This study examines the effectiveness of Construction Engineering programs in preparing students to obtain Professional Engineering (PE) Licensure. While ABET-accredited programs are required to demonstrate compliance with established student outcomes, they are not always aligned with the technical content emphasized in the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exams. Using public curriculum data from the 24 U.S. ABET-accredited Construction Engineering Bachelor's Degrees, this study examines the required coursework and the topic areas specified for the relevant FE and PE examinations. The analysis highlights discrepancies between required coursework and exam coverage. National data on FE and PE participation and licensure are also reviewed to highlight the importance of these findings. The results suggest that while Construction Engineering programs provide students with adequate engineering problem-solving and managerial skills, additional emphasis on FE/PE-aligned fundamentals could strengthen professional licensure readiness and career success among Construction Engineering graduates. Keywords: Construction Engineering, ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) , Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, Principles of Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam Introduction Professional engineering licensure has long served as a fundamental element of professional credibility. In 2024, there were 986,562 licensed professional engineers in the United States across all industries (NCEES, 2025) . Just under 1 million people is substantial; however, in 2024, there were 8,237,000 people employed by nonresidential construction companies in the United States, which creates approximately $1.24 trillion worth of structures each year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & Associated General Contractors of America, 2025) . The Licensure distinguishes an engineer’s competence, accountability, and commitment to public safety. The necessity for professional engineers in the construction industry continues to grow as infrastructure becomes increasingly complex and risk-driven, making it imperative that ABET-accredited engineering programs fully prepare their students to pursue licensure. The ability to stamp, draw, make educated engineering judgments, and lead integrated project teams sets Professional Engineers apart from their non-licensed counterparts. Construction Engineering programs teach at the intersection between design and construction management. These programs integrate civil and structural engineering principles with construction management practices such as project planning, scheduling, and cost control to ensure that construction projects are built efficiently and safely. Despite the industry’s growing reliance on W. Collins, A. Perrenoud and J. Posillico (eds.), ASC 2026 (EPiC Series in Built Environment, vol. 7), Preparation for PE Licensure in Construction Engineering Zoz, Sturgill and Shane licensed engineers, there remains a limited understanding of the Construction Engineering programs'preparation of their students for the licensure process. This study examines the effectiveness of U.S. Construction Engineering programs in preparing students to obtain Professional Engineering Licensure. Specifically, it evaluates the relationship between ABET-accredited Construction Engineering Curricula and the content set forth by NCEES in the FE and PE exams, which are most closely aligned with the Construction Engineering Programs. The prevailing theory is that Con

FAQs

How does the study assess Construction Engineering program preparation for PE licensure?

It compares required coursework and exam-specified topic areas by using public curriculum data from ABET-accredited Construction Engineering bachelor’s degrees and mapping alignment with FE and PE exam content.

Why might Construction Engineering graduates be less prepared for the FE/PE exams?

The programs may not be aligned with the technical content emphasized in the FE and PE exams, and Construction Engineering students typically must choose between the Civil Engineering and Other Disciplines FE exams rather than a dedicated Construction Engineering FE exam.

What key conclusion does the study reach about program strengths and improvements?

Construction Engineering programs provide adequate engineering problem-solving and managerial skills, but adding more emphasis on FE/PE-aligned fundamentals could strengthen licensure readiness and career outcomes.

Sep 19, 2026

Uploaded by Emma Wilson