Non-Accredited & Foreign Degrees

Required Documentation

The following additional documentation is required from applicants who graduated from non-accredited or foreign degree programs:

1. TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL)

Applicants for a professional engineer license must speak and write the English language. Proficiency in English may be evidenced by possession of an accredited Bachelor's degree [as defined by 133.21(c)] taught exclusively in English, or passage of the TOEFL. This is not required for the Engineer in Training Certification. The TOEFL representative is:

TOEFL Services (Agency Code: 9653)
Website: https://www.ets.org/
Phone: 609-771-7100

The TOEFL code for this agency is 9653. Applicants requesting a waiver from the TOEFL requirement must submit a written request and supporting reasoning to the Executive Director. A waiver from the TOEFL requirement may be granted by the Executive Director upon receipt of one of the following:
a) A letter from the applicant's employer which verifies the applicant's proficiency in the written and oral communication of the English language; or
b) Transcripts which verify six full-time semesters (6 credit hours per semester) toward an advanced engineering degree in the United States.

2. DEGREE EVALUATION

Applicants possessing degrees from non-accredited programs must furnish, at their own expense, a detailed evaluation of course work completed. The degree evaluation must include an "Equivalency Transcript" (a detailed evaluation of coursework with grades) and be sent directly to the Board office by the evaluation service. If an NCEES Record is desired, applicants must use the NCEES Credentials Evaluation service.

Foreign Educational Credential Evaluators

NCEES - National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying

If an NCEES Record is desired, choose this option.
NCEES Credential Evaluation

TEC: The Evaluation Company (formerly SpanTran)

TEC/SpanTran created a custom application for TBPELS which includes a discounted rate.
TBPELS Specific Credentials Evaluation

Applicants requesting a waiver from evaluation of a degree must submit a written request and supporting reasoning to the Executive Director. See rule 133.33(b).

3. ENGLISH TRANSLATION

All documents supporting an application which are written in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

4. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED

Per Board Rule 133.33(a), the applicant must have the school furnish an official transcript directly to the board.