An Englishman that needs your help!

[aruss]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking at moving to California to live with my wife (so I'll be able to get a green card) but I'm finding it really difficult to figure out what I am able to do within the California and US system. I don't have a degree as I was offered a permanent role while completing a year in industry after my first year of an aerospace engineering degree. I'm currently working as a setting out engineer/surveyor (some site engineering too) and have 2.5 years experience. I understand that not having a degree is a problem but I'm unsure of how to proceed? Do I even qualify to become an EIT/LSIT? Is there a way to take the FE/FS exam from the UK? I could really use guidance. I don't mind taking a step backwards in order to make the move but I just need to know if it's possible!

Thanks in advance!

 

[RBHeadge PE]

Generally speaking the first step in becoming a PE or PLS is getting an engineering degree, specifically from an ABET accredited program. There are many other paths but they take longer and require much more experience than you currently have.

I'm not in surveying so I can't speak to if an ABET degree or LSIT is required for an entry/early level position. I'm fairly sure that it isn't required but I could be wrong.

If getting a licensed is desired and required then you will either have to go back to school and get an ABET-accredited degree, or work in industry long enough to satisfy the the no-degree requirement for an EIT or LSIT.

It does not appear that NCEES offers exams in the UK or anywhere else in Europe.
https://ncees.org/engineering/engineering-licensure/international-engineering/
I'm tagging @CAPLS , as they will know more specific information about California and PLS.

 

[CAPLS]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking at moving to California to live with my wife (so I'll be able to get a green card) but I'm finding it really difficult to figure out what I am able to do within the California and US system. I don't have a degree as I was offered a permanent role while completing a year in industry after my first year of an aerospace engineering degree. I'm currently working as a setting out engineer/surveyor (some site engineering too) and have 2.5 years experience. I understand that not having a degree is a problem but I'm unsure of how to proceed? Do I even qualify to become an EIT/LSIT? Is there a way to take the FE/FS exam from the UK? I could really use guidance. I don't mind taking a step backwards in order to make the move but I just need to know if it's possible!

Thanks in advance!

Yeah, it is correct that NCEES exams are not currently offered in the UK. Most states in the US require an engineering or surveying degree as a requirement of licensure. California does note require a degree for either discipline and you will need a minimum of 72 months of engineering experience. If you are able to secure a trip to CA, you can register at Log into MyNCEES, your source for all NCEES services for the FE or FS exam by choosing the CA Board during the exam registration. There are some other states that allow for this also. You do not need to apply to the CA Board for the EIT or LSIT until after you gained the required experience or education and have already passed the FE or FS exam.

 

[EBAT75]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking at moving to California to live with my wife (so I'll be able to get a green card) but I'm finding it really difficult to figure out what I am able to do within the California and US system. I don't have a degree as I was offered a permanent role while completing a year in industry after my first year of an aerospace engineering degree. I'm currently working as a setting out engineer/surveyor (some site engineering too) and have 2.5 years experience. I understand that not having a degree is a problem but I'm unsure of how to proceed? Do I even qualify to become an EIT/LSIT? Is there a way to take the FE/FS exam from the UK? I could really use guidance. I don't mind taking a step backwards in order to make the move but I just need to know if it's possible!

Thanks in advance!

Looking at your posting, I will offer my opinion. But take it only an opinion.

It appears you are at a fork on the street. As Yogi Bera said “If you come to fork, take it”. While it is more than an amusing wisecrack, if the fork is EIT/LSIT, it is not an easy decision.

If your heart is in Land Surveying, the links below will give you enough to chew on. It is more difficult to go into civil engineering career later from a land surveyor path than the other way around.

The good thing about a surveyor apprentice program is that it is structured for progression to Professional Land Surveyor exams. They hire from time to time. Union wages and benefits.

http://www.calapprenticeship.org/programs/surveyors_apprenticeship.phphttps://scsurveyjac.org/https://teapprenticeship.org/surveyor/https://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das/results_aiglist.asp?varCounty=%&varType=66https://teapprenticeship.org/
After a long time in civil engineering with a PE Civil in California also, I thought of becoming a Professional Land Surveyor, took and passed the FS, got my LSIT in California. But due to being a “senior”, I could not get the two years of field & office experience. So, being a glutton for punishment, I am taking the NCEES 16-hour SE exam in 3 weeks.

The reason I am saying some of this is not to brag, but to impress on you some barriers to switching. As you appear to be young and mobile, you have options.

Good luck.