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Demystifying Professional Engineering Licensure

Learn about the importance of professional engineering licensure and how to navigate the licensure process. Discover the benefits of being a licensed professional engineer and the resources available through the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). Get insights on licensure requirements, exemptions, engineering experience, and the NCEES record.

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Demystifying Professional Engineering Licensure

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  1. Demystifying Professional Engineering Licensure and How to Put it to Work for you Michael Aitken, PE, F.NSPE, 2018-2019 NSPE President Kodi Jean Verhalen, PE, Esq. F. NSPE 2016-2017 NSPE President

  2. Who/What is NSPE?

  3. The National Society of Professional Engineers • Formed in 1934 • Dedicated to the non-technical concerns of all licensed PEs and those aspiring to be PEs • Membership of approximately 31,000 • Headquartered in Alexandria, VA

  4. NSPE Champions the PE License NSPE protects the integrity of the PE license in a changing world and promotes a constant focus on the public health, safety, and welfare. • Action on professional engineering issues • Latest legislative and regulatory news • Licensure resources, policies, and documents • Integrated network of state and national advocacy champions

  5. NSPE Stands as theEthical Guide to the Profession NSPE gives voice and impact to the practice of ethical engineering and serves as the profession’s most respected ethics authority. • Engineers’ Creed • Code of Ethics • Board of Ethical Review • Ethics case studies and tools • On-demand courses

  6. NSPE Powers Professional Advancement NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers. • 15 free PDHs • Professional Engineers Conference • Professional practice resources • NSPE-produced content such as PE magazine, NSPE Update, PE Scope, and Daily Designs • Career Center and Job Board • NICET certifications and programs to strengthen the engineering team

  7. NSPE Unites the PE Community NSPE connects like-minded professionals at all stages of their careers. • Online connection through NSPE Communities and social media • Interest Groups • State Societies and Local Chapters • Coalitions and collaboration with licensing boards and educators • Founder and active supporter of Engineers Week and MATHCOUNTS

  8. Licensure

  9. Why License Professions?

  10. NSPE’s View on PE Licensure • Being a licensed professional engineer means more than just holding a certificate and possessing technical competence. • It is a commitment to hold the public health, safety, and welfare above all other considerations. • NSPE is the only society focusing exclusively on this core principle, which professional engineers in all disciplines and practice areas hold in common. • By defining, promotion, and protecting the PE license, NSPE improves the lives of both the public and the PEs that serve it.

  11. Licensure Needed for Engineering, Most of All

  12. Licensure Needed for Engineering, Most of All

  13. A More Enlightened Approach … • No “national license” • State law establishes the legally recognized standard of practice based on: • Education • Experience • Examination • Continuing Education • Uniformity of standards and license mobility • NCEES and State Boards of Licensure • Comity

  14. “Practice of Engineering” • Defined by each state • Various nuances, but generally: • Professional service or creative work . . . public or private . . . which requires the specialized knowledge of applied mathematics and engineering sciences . . . wherein the public welfare or the safeguarding of life, health, or property is concerned or involved.

  15. Exemptions to Licensure • Varies by state • Some have no exemptions (Oklahoma) and some list out multiple exemptions by other regulation (e.g. Alabama), by business/industry (e.g. Illinois), or a combination (e.g. South Carolina) • Subject to change: Massachusetts Example • Merrimack Valley Gas Line Explosions (September 2018) • National Transportation Safety Board recommended that Massachusetts eliminate PE license exemption for public utilities • Governor signed law on December 31, 2018 requiring a PE license for all natural gas infrastructure

  16. Engineering Experience • Prior to the mid-2000s: • Obtain 4 years of progressive engineering experience • Apply for and sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam • Now: • Some states have adopted early taking of the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam • Some states allow taking as early as passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam/immediately after graduation • Some states require some experience before taking the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam • Can make comity more challenging if taken “early”

  17. After Initial Licensure: • Periodic renewal of license • May have continuing education requirements • Code of Conduct for professional engineers • Responsibilities and duties outlined in state law

  18. NCEES Record • For professional engineers and surveyors looking to simplify the process of licensure in multiple jurisdictions (all 50 states, territories, and DC) • Eliminate having to resubmit your: • College transcripts • Exam results • Employment verifications • Professional references • Requires active updating by the licensee to ensure it is current and accurate Available at https://bit.ly/2FmF4zi

  19. Licensed in Multiple Jurisdictions – Now What?

  20. NSPE Maintains State-By State Summaries On: • Defining the Practice of Engineering • Education and Experience Requirements for Professional Engineers • Continuing Education Requirements • Engineering Technology Graduates and Licensure • Exemptions to Engineering Licensure Law Available at: https://bit.ly/2UA0m1H

  21. NSPE Maintains State-By-State Summaries On: • State Licensing Fees for Professional Engineers • Digital Signing and Sealing of Engineering Documents • Violations and Enforcement of Engineering Licensing Laws • Timing of Sitting for the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam • Disciplinary Self-Reporting • Regulation of Structural Engineering Practice and Titles Available at: https://bit.ly/2UA0m1H

  22. Key Considerations for International Licensees • Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering exams are offered in the following countries: • Japan, Korea, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Turkey. • If engineering education was not obtained from an ABET-Accredited program, additional review and verification of coursework by NCEES will be necessary prior to sitting for exams. (https://ncees.org/records/ncees-credentials-evaluations/) • 2018 NSPE Future of Professional Engineering Report: • NSPE must continue to promote mobility of a PE license to accommodate the needs of a more mobile society. • The efficient mobility of PEs in national and international markets is critical.

  23. We Need You • If you are not a member: Join • If you are a member: Engage and share • Join a committee • Teach a seminar • Write an article or post on NSPE Communities • Write to your members of Congress • Bring a co-worker to a meeting

  24. Join us in building the conversation at community.nspe.org

  25. www.nspe.org : memserv@nspe.org : @NSPE, @PEMag, @NSPENextGen : @nspe_hq, @nspenextgen : www.facebook.com/NSPEonFB : www.youtube.com/NSPEVideo : www.linkedin.com/company/national-society-of-professional-engineers

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