Frequently Asked Questions
About the application process
1. What are the deadlines for filing an application to take an exam?
There are no application deadlines for the computer-based exams, which include the FE, FS, PE, and PS exams.
2. How do I know if you received my application?
Your payment receipt or cleared check serves as documentation that your application was submitted and / or received successfully. The Board has 30 days from the time your application is complete to review and approve your application. Please allow up to 10 business days after your payment has cleared before contacting the Board regarding you application. Please submit all inquiries via Email at information@pepls.state.ms.us.
3. How can I find out the status of my application?
To find out the status of your application, send an email inquiry to information@pepls.state.ms.us. Include your name and the date your application was submitted online or mailed to the agency. Also note your application type (i.e., initial, comity, or comity with an NCEES record or if a COA).
4. Is a credential evaluation from NCEES required for my foreign BS degree if I have a MS or PhD degree from a U.S. ABET program?
No, not if you also have a Master’s or a PhD from an engineering curriculum that is ABET accredited at the undergraduate or graduate level.
5. Can I count engineering experience gained before obtaining my BS degree?
The Board may allow up to six months of co-op experience obtained through a completed college or university-sponsored co-op program as part of a four-year ABET accredited engineering program. The completion of this co-op program must be verified by the co-op office at the college or university directly to our office.
6. May I have the FE exam waived?
No, regardless of advanced education or experience or a waiver granted by another state, Mississippi law requires that all applicants for PE licensure, both initial applicants and community applicants, pass both the FE exam and the PE exam.
7. If I take an exam; when will I receive my exam results?
Please refer to NCEES for the availability of national exam results.
8. If I am applying with an NCEES record, what other documents am I required to submit for review?
You must submit our electronic application and the application fee and arrange to send your NCEES Record directly to our office. Other documents may be required if the NCEES Record doesn’t fulfill all of Mississippi’s requirements: two examples are at least one reference must be dated within the past 6 months and PE supervisor verification of experience for comity applicants with less than ten years of licensure. Portions of the application are not required if you apply with the NCEES Record; follow the instructions.
9. How long will it take to process my application?
The Agency attempts to process all applications promptly, but usually within 30 days of receipt of the application or all supporting documents.
10. What is needed for an application to be considered COMPLETE?
Typically, this means that the application and all supporting information and/or documents have been received and there are no missing documents or information needs.
11. Can I get a temporary license?
Mississippi law does not allow for temporary licensure or “one-project-only licensure”.
12. What are the requirements for registration or licensure in Mississippi?
Please see the Board’s website (https://www.pepls.ms.gov/requirements) under the Licensure tab.
13. I passed the Fundamentals of Engineering examination while I was in college. When will I receive my certification as an Engineer Intern?
Upon graduation, please request an official copy of your college transcripts showing the engineering degree and date conferred and arrange to have it sent directly to our office. Be sure we have your CURRENT mailing address, and send it to the agency via E-mail to information@pepls.state.ms.us.
14. I’m an Engineer Intern (EIT) in another jurisdiction, but I am now located in Mississippi. Do I need to apply for Engineer Intern certification in Mississippi?
No. Engineer Intern certification signifies that you have passed the national Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination. Mississippi does not have a process to transfer EI status from another state into Mississippi; it is unnecessary.
15. How can I be listed as a Structural Engineer?
Mississippi doesn’t license by discipline or areas of practice; the license title is Professional Engineer. The Code of Conduct requires the PE to restrict his practice to his area(s) of expertise, which he obtained through education, experience, or both.
16. I have moved since my last communication with the Board. How can I update my contact information?
Log in to your account in our online system via our website. To change your personal information, click on General Information (on the left side) and then click on “Edit Personal Detail.”
Alternatively, you can download the address change form and Email it to information@pepls.state.ms.us, and we will make the change for you.
17. Why am I receiving a RED message that states I'm not compliant after I have completed my renewal?
Please ignore that message. You can check your license status from the "Licensee Search" on our website.
18. The system does not accept my CPC’s or PDH’s.
Check the category section to make sure that you are choosing “Hours of professional development in course work” for all hours entered except for ethics. If that doesn’t work, try changing your search engine.
19. How can I move to “Retired” status?
Please send a check or money order for $20, along with your name and license number, to process your “retired” status. You will have to repeat this process biannually.
20. The system is not taking my D.O.B.
Make sure you are entering your DOB as 01/01/0000. You must add the forward slash.
About Continuing Education
Continuing Education
Please return to the home page of our website (www.pepls.ms.gov) and click on Continuing Education under the Laws, Rules & Requirements tab. You will find the pertinent rule and the forms for reporting if you are chosen for audit.
About Complaints
How do I file a complaint?
Complaints must be submitted using the Board’s complaint form. You can access the complaint form at the following link or by visiting the Complaint page on our website at this link: https://www.pepls.ms.gov/how-file-complaint
Is disciplinary action available to the public?
Yes. You may request copies following the law on public records. The Board also posts formal disciplinary actions on its website and in its newsletters.
Can I withdraw a complaint after filing it with the Board?
Complaints may not be withdrawn after being filed. Once a complaint is received in the Board office, it becomes the State’s case, and only the Board can dispose of it. However, the Board may consider a request to withdraw a complaint to determine the appropriate action. Complainants are advised to bear these facts in mind before filing a complaint.
About Licensees
How can I search for licensed individuals or firms?
You can search for licensed individuals or firms on our home page (www.pepls.ms.gov). Look for the following (Licensee Search function) and proceed accordingly. If licensed, you will find the individual or firm name, contact information, date of initial licensure, and their current license expiration date.
You can also search for professional engineers or surveyors by county location.
