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1: Why You Need References and What They Will Do

As part of your PE application process, you’ll need to enlist references to do a couple of things:

• Sign off on your Experience Record.
• Complete a reference form on your behalf which the board will use to determine whether you have acquired the appropriate experience to be able to sit for the exam.

1.0.1 How Many References Do I Need?

All states require at least 3 references.  Some states require more, up to 5. The number of references can also be a function of how many of your references are licensed engineers. If all of your references are not licensed engineers, then you may be required to have more.

1.0.2 Who Qualifies As A Reference?

Generally your references must be licensed engineers in the discipline you are applying for.  They don’t necessarily have to be a direct supervisor, but they should also be familiar with you, your work and your character.  

Some states allow references from non-licensed PEs and some don’t allow them at all.  Most of the time, they require at least 1-2 licensed engineer reference.  The other required references can generally be non-licensed.  When allowing non-licensed engineers, the reference number requirement is often more.

1.0.3 How To Select References

Since your references will play such an important role in your application process, it’s critical that you choose the right people.  You need to find at least three people that fit the following profile:

• Has worked with you before and can vouch for you and your abilities
• Will provide a positive review of your competency, judgement and character
• Reliable enough to be handed a reference letter and be able to remember to submit it in time for the deadline without involvement from you, other than a friendly reminder or two. (Some people are simply too busy to be reliable enough for such an important task)

2: The Ideal Reference

The ideal reference would possess the following characteristics:

• Is a professional engineer licensed in your state (required in some states but not all)
• Someone inside your firm
• Good command of the English language
• Older engineer who has been licensed for years
• Has completed a PE application reference form before.

3: What You Don’t Want in a Reference

Things you don’t want in a reference:

• No intimate knowledge about your work history
• Does not know you that well
• Someone you don’t know but has a PE license
• A person that you paid to provide you a reference
• Someone you have known less than a year.

How well you know your reference will determine how you approach them.  It could be as simple as approaching them and asking if they would be a reference for you.  If they are a senior member or principal at the firm, you may want to be a bit more formal.  In that case, you may want to ask for a 5 minute meeting and ask them face to face.  You may write them an email asking them to be a reference for you and then follow it up with a face to face interaction.  

If you work in a smaller firm and don’t have access to three PEs that you already know, then you will have to reach outside your firm to colleagues that you have worked with on past projects.  Obviously, you’ll want to consider projects that went well and choose people that you have a good level of personal and professional interaction with. For you young engineers, this is one of many great reasons to form rapport and relationships with other people in your industry early on.  Especially if you work at a smaller firm, you should be thinking now about who you could use as a reference so when that time comes you’ll be ready.

4: R-E-S-P-E-C-T

An important point to remember is to show your references the proper respect they deserve.  If you think highly enough of them to ask them in the first place, make sure and show them that respect.  It’s usually as simple as speaking with them face-to-face, working around their schedule, making it as easy on them as possible by printing everything out for them, and writing them a thank you note and/or giving them a small thank you gift.

Also, have a backup or two in mind.  Most people that you ask will be honored and happily serve as a reference for you, but you never know so it’s best to have a backup option or two just in case.

5: Guiding Them Across The Finish Line

Ultimately the PE application process is your responsibility so you’ll want to make sure you are checking in with your references to make sure they get their work done and submitted to the board on time.  They, like everyone else, will be busy with work and life.  A gentle reminder or two should be enough to nudge them in the right direction.  Shoot for a reminder at about the halfway point between when you gave them the form and the due date.  A second follow up should occur about two weeks from the application date.  If the board recommends a mailing deadline, let them know that as well.

The references will also sign off on the appropriate pages of your Experience Record.  Be sure and provide those pages which apply to them so that it’s easy for them to sign off on.  They will return these pages to you.  Some states require two references to sign off on each page of your Experience Record.  Be sure that all pages of your ER are signed off on by the correct number of references.  

6: Thanking Your References

Your references are playing an important role for you in obtaining your PE license.  They are advocating on your behalf and taking the time out of their busy lives to do you a favor.  It would be appropriate to thank them for their help.  

A simple “thank you” in person may be enough, or a small gift may be more appropriate.  Use your best judgement, considering your relationship, your personal style and their personality.  For example, one of my references was more of a peer than a supervisor and was a big Batman fan, so I found him a cool piece of Batman memorabilia and gave it to him in his office after I found out I passed.  It doesn’t have to be big or elaborate.  The old saying “it’s the thought that counts” is certainly true in this case.

No matter what, I would suggest you give them each a handwritten thank you note.  Handwritten notes are so rare these days and means alot when received.  At the very least, send them an email with a big and heartfelt “Thank you!”.

7: The Complete Guide to PE Application References – The Bottom Line

It’s important to keep references in mind early on in your career and your application process.  Choose people you know well and know you and your work well.  Take charge of every aspect of your PE application, including your references, and make sure everything is complete and submitted on time.  Be sure to thank your references for going out of their way to help you out.  

And when you get your license, you can do the same for someone else one day.