What is a Professional Engineer defined as?

A Professional Engineer is defined as an individual who has successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. This exam is a critical step in the process of becoming licensed as a professional engineer, which involves additional requirements such as gaining practical experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer and passing a second exam known as the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.

The significance of this definition lies in the level of expertise and training required to qualify as a Professional Engineer. It indicates a deep understanding of engineering principles, ethics, and standards necessary to ensure public safety and welfare in engineering practices. This definition is distinct from the roles of construction managers or architects, as those professions have their own separate qualifications and licensing requirements which do not necessarily include the passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.