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Which California Engineer Certificate Do You Need to Apply to Get an Electrical Engineer Job?

February 01, 2023 · 3 min read

In California, electrical engineers must be licensed by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG). To become licensed, individuals must meet the following requirements:

  1. Education: A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  2. Examination: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the first step in the two-part licensing process. After passing the FE exam, individuals must gain four years of engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer.
  3. Professional Engineering (PE) Exam: After obtaining the required engineering experience, individuals must pass the PE exam in electrical engineering.
  4. Experience: Complete an additional four years of experience in electrical engineering.
  5. Application: Submit an application to the BPELSG and provide verification of education, examination scores, and experience.
  6. Continuing Education: Maintain a valid license by completing continuing education requirements set by the BPELSG.

This is a general overview of the steps to become licensed as an electrical engineer in California. Specific requirements and steps may vary based on changes to state regulations, so it is important to check the BPELSG website for the most up-to-date information.


What is the BPELSG?

The California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG) is a state agency responsible for regulating the practice of engineering, land surveying, and geology in California. The BPELSG's mission is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the practice of these professions and enforcing the relevant laws and regulations.

Some of the key responsibilities of the BPELSG include:

  • Licensing: The BPELSG is responsible for issuing and renewing licenses for professional engineers, land surveyors, and geologists in California. This involves verifying applicants' education, examination scores, and professional experience to ensure they meet the qualifications for licensure.
  • Discipline: The BPELSG is responsible for enforcing the relevant laws and regulations that govern the practice of engineering, land surveying, and geology in California. This involves investigating complaints against licensees, imposing penalties and sanctions for violations, and revoking licenses when necessary.
  • Education: The BPELSG is responsible for setting continuing education requirements for licensed engineers, land surveyors, and geologists in California. This helps ensure that licensees maintain their competence and stay up-to-date with the latest developments and practices in their respective fields.
  • Rulemaking: The BPELSG is responsible for developing and enforcing rules and regulations that govern the practice of engineering, land surveying, and geology in California. These rules help ensure that these professions are practiced in a manner that protects public health, safety, and welfare.

The BPELSG is an important state agency that plays a critical role in regulating and promoting the professions of engineering, land surveying, and geology in California. It is responsible for setting and enforcing the standards of practice, protecting the public, and ensuring that licensees maintain their competence and expertise.

by Liza Sushko

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