Final answer:
A person can refer to themselves as a professional engineer after completing an ABET-accredited program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, obtaining necessary work experience, and passing the Professional Engineering exam.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person can call themselves a professional engineer (PE) after completing several steps beyond just graduating from an engineering program. One becomes a PE by graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE), gaining required experience through employment, and finally passing the Professional Engineering examination. Licensure as a PE is an important credential, as it allows the engineer to legally offer their services to the public and to sign and seal engineering plans. This official recognition is not only crucial for those who wish to directly serve the public but also serves to set an engineer apart in the job market, often providing enhanced career opportunities.