In Illinois, engineers must be licensed as registered professional engineers by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and meet the following minimum standards:

  • be a graduate of an approved engineering curriculum of at least four years and have an additional four years or more of experience in engineering work; or,
  • be a graduate of a four year non-approved college curriculum with a degree in basic engineering or related science and have an additional eight years or more of satisfactory engineering experience after receiving a baccalaureate degree; and,
  • pass an exam.

Engineering intern certification is available from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for those who:

  • are graduates of an approved engineering curriculum of at least four years; or,
  • have completed a four year college curriculum at a non-approved college with a baccalaureate degree in basic engineering or related science; and,
  • four years or more of progressive engineering experience after receiving a baccalaureate degree; and,
  • pass an exam.

Licenses must be renewed every two years.

All states require architects to be licensed before they can contract for their services. Requirements vary by state. In Illinois, architects must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Applicants for an architect's license must:

  • have a professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB); or
  • have a pre-professional 4-year baccalaureate degree from a NAAB accredited program;
  • complete a period of practical training or internship; and
  • pass the Architect Registration Examination.

Licensure must be renewed every two years and requires 24 hours of continuing education.

For additional information, contact:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: 217.785.0800, Fax: 217.782.7645