Professional Engineer (PE) / South Carolina
2026 data South Carolina board official source

South Carolina Professional Engineer (PE) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides engineering services to the public. Requires FE + PE exams.

What the South Carolina data shows for Professional Engineer (PE)s

To practice as a professional engineer (pe) in South Carolina, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on FE Exam then PE Exam, and 4 years of supervised work experience. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under South Carolina's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree in Engineering".

Budget $167 to get started, plus $145 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, professional engineer (pe)s should know: NCEES model law: recognized in most states.

Licensing Requirements in South Carolina

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree in Engineering
Not specified
Exam Requirement
FE Exam then PE Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$167
Renewal Fee
$145
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Not Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
4 years

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Compare all states for Professional Engineer (PE) All South Carolina licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with South Carolina licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Professional Engineer (PE) in South Carolina? ▼
South Carolina's requirements cover, the FE Exam then PE Exam exam, and an initial fee of $167.
How do I get certified as a Professional Engineer (PE) in South Carolina? ▼
South Carolina licenses professional engineer (pe)s who complete its requirements (4 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the South Carolina licensing board.
Can I transfer my Professional Engineer (PE) license to South Carolina from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for professional engineer (pe)s nationally works like this: NCEES model law: recognized in most states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into South Carolina. Verify the specifics with the South Carolina licensing board.
Does South Carolina require a background check for Professional Engineer (PE) licensing? ▼
There's no state-level background-check requirement for professional engineer (pe) licensing in South Carolina; some employers choose to screen candidates anyway.
What are the continuing education requirements for Professional Engineer (PE) in South Carolina? ▼
South Carolina ties continued professional engineer (pe) licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $145 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.