How To Become An Electrical Engineer

Step 1: Study Electronics in High School

High school students who are interested in Electrical Engineering should take classes in physics and math, including calculus, algebra, and trigonometry. If electronics courses are not available, students can study electronics through various extracurricular programs, such as Engineering Summer Camps.

These camps provide more insight into an Electrical Engineering career while helping students learn more about the required skills. Attending a camp may also improve your college application.

Step 2: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

Electrical Engineers require at least a Bachelor’s degree. The most common major is Electrical Engineering. However, some Engineers choose to major in Engineering Technology or a related field.

The programs typically last four years and include courses in digital system design, electrical circuit theory, and differential equations.

Students should only look for Engineering programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). States require the completion of an ABET-accredited program to obtain an Engineering license.

Many Engineering programs provide access to cooperative programs and internships. These opportunities provide practical experience while completing your education.

Step 3: Earn a Master’s Degree to Specialize in a Subfield

Earning a Master’s degree is not a requirement for becoming an Electrical Engineer. However, it does provide the technical skills and knowledge needed to specialize in specific fields of Electrical Engineering such as:

• Energy Systems
• Data Networks
• Quantum Computing
• Wireless Communications
• Photonics
• Telecommunications
• Microelectronics

A Master’s degree is also necessary for those who plan to seek careers in teaching or research. Most Master’s programs will add two years to your education. However, some schools offer five-year Engineering programs that lead to the completion of a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree.

Step 4: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

Entry-level Electrical Engineering jobs will require you to have a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The FE exam is for recent graduates and students who have almost completed their Engineering degrees.

The exam is available year-round through NCEES-approved testing centers. You have six hours to complete 110 questions.

Step 5: Obtain Entry-Level Work as an Electrical Engineer

After passing the FE exam, you look for entry-level positions as an Electrical Engineer or Electronics Engineer. Engineers who pass the FE exam are called Engineer Interns (EIs) or Engineers in Training (EITs). Some states also refer to the FE exam as the EIT exam.

You may continue to work as an EI or EIT. However, advancing in this career requires a Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Step 6: Pass the Professional Engineering (PE) Exam

The requirements for earning the PE license include a degree from an accredited Engineering program, a passing score on the FE exam, and four years of work experience as an EI or EIT.

If you meet the requirements, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The exam contains fewer questions compared to the FE exam with a total of 80 questions. However, it takes eight hours to complete instead of six. Unlike the FE exam, the PE exam is not held year-round. You must apply to take the exam in April or October.

Step 7: Obtain a State License to Work as a Professional Engineer

A Professional Engineer license allows you to accept higher positions. A PE license is needed to oversee the work of other Engineers and sign off on projects. You also need a PE license to offer services to the public. Each state issues its own licenses. However, most states accept licenses from other states.’

You may also need to continue your education to keep your license. The continuing education requirements typically involve the completion of a specific number of credit hours of college courses or lectures.

Step 8: Join a Professional Organization for Electrical Engineers

As with many technical fields, there are many professional organizations dedicated to Electrical Engineering. Joining a professional organization provides access to resources, networking, and continuing education opportunities.

One of the largest professional associations is the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Many Electrical Engineers also join the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). There are also professional associations for subfields of Electrical Engineering, such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Audio Engineering Society (AES).