Well, the exam for Electrical Engineers doesn't have them build a circuit either. I assume you're forgetting that you also have to apply to the State Board, documenting your entire Engineering career, which will be the most substantial part of the licensing process. I guarantee you that you'll have plenty of opportunity at this time to demonstrate your programming experiences.
When individuals ask me for a PE recommendation, I am often reminded in particular of one of the questions from the PPI2PASS FAQ [1]:
Q: I have been in supervision since graduation. I have never performed a single calculation.
I'll always remember the words of one my professors when practicing for the EIT/FE. He said, "The EIT doesn't test to see if you know Engineering, it tests to see if you know how to read." I have found that statement to be quite true, and the difference between those who pass and those who don't are more a function of how well you read and comprehend exactly what the question is asking for more than anything else (e.g., the "closest answer" is often a different Engineering requirement than the "best answer").
So, which language should they use? Java? C#? Knuth's MIX?
What if the job requires a different language -- does the Engineer's professional certification suddenly become invalid, thus denying him work because of a technicality, even though he otherwise has tons of experience in that language?
Also - that would really fragment the hiring scene. But a bonanza for the testing company.
