Regulation and licensure in engineering

A Professional Engineer or Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer is an engineer who is registered or licensed within certain jurisdictions to offer professional services directly to the public.

The professional status and the actual practice of professional engineering is legally defined and protected by a government body. In some jurisdictions only registered or licensed engineers are permitted to use the title, or to practice professional engineering. The earmark that distinguishes a licensed or registered engineer is the authority to sign and seal or "stamp" engineering documents (reports, drawings, and calculations) for a study, estimate, design or analysis, thus taking legal responsibility for it.

Registration and regulation

Each region, country, state or province has specific procedures and requirements for the license or registration.

United States

In the United States, registration or licensure of Professional Engineers is performed by the individual states. Each registration or license is valid only in the state in which it is granted. Many Professional Engineers maintain licenses in several states for this reason, and comity between states can make it easy to obtain a license in one state based on licensure in another state without going through the full application process. The licensing procedure varies but the general process is:

1. Graduate with a degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accredited four-year university program in engineering.
2. Complete a standard Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) written examination, which tests applicants on breadth of understanding of basic engineering principles, and optionally some elements of an engineering specialty. Completion of the first two steps typically qualifies for certification in the U.S. as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT), sometimes also called an Engineer Intern (EI).
3. Accumulate a certain amount of engineering experience. In most states the requirement is four years, but in others the requirement is lower.
4. Complete a written Principles and Practice in Engineering ('PE') examination, testing the applicant's knowledge and skills in a chosen engineering discipline (civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, etc.), as well as engineering ethics.

For standardization, the EIT and PE exams are written and graded by a central organization, NCEES. However each state's Board of Professional Engineers individually sets the requirements needed to be allowed to take the tests, as well as the passing scores. For example, in some states applicants must provide professional references from several PEs before they can take the PE test.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have engineering boards that are represented by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), which administers both the FE and PE examinations.

Degree requirements in the United States are evolving. Effective 1 January 2020, the NCEES model will require additional credits beyond a bachelor of science in engineering. The type of creditable activities that will satisfy the additional educational requirement are under development by NCEES. This has received some support from civil engineers.

There is a fairly large range in exam pass rates for these exams (FE and PE), but the pass rate for repeat test takers is significantly lower.

In a few states it is still possible for an individual to bypass Step 1, and apply to take the registration examinations as long as a P.E. will sponsor the applicant, and work experience can be substituted for academic experience. The years of experience may also vary; for instance, in California it is possible to take a Principles and Practice in Engineering examination with only two years of experience after a bachelor's degree, or one year of experience after graduate school. In Nevada, college graduates are eligible to take the Principles and Practice exam immediately after graduation and passing the EIT, before acquiring the required experience. Some states also have state-specific examinations, most notably California where there is a state-specific structural engineering exam and two additional exams in land surveying and earthquake engineering for civil engineering candidates.

Some states issue generic Professional Engineering licenses. Others, known as "discipline states", issue licenses for specific disciplines of engineering, such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. In all cases, however, engineers are ethically required to limit their practice to their area of competency, which is usually a small portion of a discipline. While licensing boards do not often enforce this limitation, it can be a factor in negligence lawsuits. In a few states, licensed Civil Engineers may also perform land surveys.

In addition to the person's licensure, most states require that firms engaged in providing engineering services are authorized to do so. For instance, the State of Florida issues a Certificate of Authorization to firms that are owned by a Professional Engineer.

Civil engineers account for a large portion of licensed Professional Engineers. In Texas, for example, about one-third of licenses are for civil engineers, and civil exams make up over half of the exams taken. Many of the remainder are mechanical, electrical, and structural engineers whose practice involves areas that states regulate, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems for buildings or public infrastructure. However, some engineers in other fields obtain licenses for the ability to serve as professional witnesses, or just for prestige, even though they may never actually sign and seal design documents.

Since regulation of the practice of engineering is performed by the individual states in the U.S., areas of engineering involved in interstate commerce are essentially unregulated. These areas include much of Mechanical Engineering, such as Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Chemical Engineering, and may be specifically exempted from regulation under an "Industrial Exemption". An industrial exemption covers engineers who design products such as automobiles that are sold (or have the potential to be sold) outside the state in which they are produced, as well as the equipment used to produce the product. Structures subject to building codes are not covered by an industrial exemption, though small residential buildings often do not require an engineer's seal. In many jurisdictions, the role of architects and structural engineers overlap.

Many private companies employ non-degreed workers in technical positions with engineering titles such as "test engineer" or "field engineer". Such position may not require an engineering degree at the discretion of the company. It is important however, to make a distinction between a "graduate engineer" and a "professional (or licensed) engineer". A "graduate engineer" is anyone holding a degree in engineering from an accredited four-year university.

Canada

In Canada, regulation and registration are accomplished through a self governing body, that is given the power to register and discipline engineers as well as regulate the field of engineering in their province, such as Professional Engineers Ontario. Many of these associations are also responsible for regulating other related professions. The process for registration is generally as follows:

1. Graduate with a degree from an accredited program in engineering or applied science,
2. Complete an Engineer in Training program under the direction of a P.Eng. (This is a minimum four-year program)
3. Review of work experience by the Association,
4. Pass a Professional Practice Exam (essentially an engineering ethics and law exam).

Engineers are not registered in a specific discipline but are prohibited by the Code of Ethics from practicing beyond their training and experience. Breaches of the code are often sufficient grounds for enforcement, which may include the suspension or loss of license, as well as financial penalties and now, through recent changes to Canadian law, could also result in jail time should negligence be shown to have played a part in any incident in which there is loss of human life.

Engineers are not tested on technical knowledge during the licensing process; however, the accreditation of schools and their accredited degree granting status are tightly monitored and controlled. The Canadian system thus ensures that a specific and regimented curriculum is offered and tested with strict accordance to set national standards. This streamlines the overall licensing process and ensures a firm national standard on the quality of engineering in Canada. This accreditation process is governed by the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers through their active group the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board. The accreditation process is continuous and enforced through regular accreditation reviews of each school. These reviews typically include the review of the school's curriculum (including marked final exams and assignments), interviews of current students, extra curricular activities and teaching staff as well additional areas the visiting board may feel need addressing. The specific areas considered are Curriculum Content, Program Environment, and General Criteria. The associations are granted both an exclusive right to title and an exclusive right to practice.

There are only a few exceptions specifically noted in the acts and it does not include any "industrial exemptions". Therefore, a practicing engineer is legally required to be registered. The level of enforcement varies depending on the specific industry. The federal government is exempt from provincial laws, but in general the federal government will only give the title "engineer" to their employees who as part of their job requirements are able to be registered as a licensed Professional Engineer.

The engineer's licence is only valid in the province of delivery. There are however agreements between the associations to ease mobility. In 2009 the Professional Engineers Ontario led an initiative to develop a national engineering licensing framework.

United Kingdom

Main article: Chartered Engineer (UK)

The Engineering Council UK is the regulatory authority for registration of professional engineers in the United Kingdom. The Chartered Engineer is recognized as the professional title for engineers under the Washington Accord, while the Sydney Accord recognizes the Incorporated Engineer as the designated title for engineering technologists. The Engineering Council of the United Kingdom has a broad definition of Professional Engineers which includes Incorporated Engineers.

A Chartered Engineer is a professional engineer registered with Engineering Council UK (the British regulatory body for engineers). Contemporary Chartered Engineers are master's degree-qualified and have gained professional competencies through training and experience. The formation process (academic + internship / apprenticeship / graduate training + peer reviewed professional practice) of a Chartered Engineer spans a minimum of 8–12 years. The title Chartered Engineer is protected by civil law.

For registration, it is necessary for candidates to demonstrate that they are professionally competent through education, training and professional practice. Although many Chartered Engineers have honours degrees in engineering, science or mathematics, since 1997 it has been necessary to demonstrate masters level knowledge and understanding, most commonly by completion of the four-year integrated MEng degree, or by gaining an appropriate masters degree following completion of a three-year bachelor degree in engineering or a cognate subject.

The Incorporated Engineer is not recognized by the Washington Accord; it is instead considered to be a title for engineering technologists and is covered under the Sydney Accord. Only the Chartered Engineer is entitled to register through the European Federation of National Engineering Associations as a European Engineer and use the pre-nominal of Eur Ing. The Incorporated Engineer is a professional qualification that acknowledge engineers independent of the Washington Accord which may use the pre-nominal of MIET if appropriately registered with the accrediting institution. The Incorporated Engineer is a professional qualification that is acknowledged as an Engineer through the Engineering Council of the United Kingdom and the European definition of title under 2005/36/EC.

Europe

Main article: European Engineer

The European Engineer (Eur Ing, EUR ING) is an international professional qualification for engineers used in many European countries. The title is granted after successful application to a national member of the European Federation of National Engineering Associations (FEANI) which includes representation from many European countries, including much of the European Union. It allows a person who has an engineering degree and usually an engineering professional qualification in one of the member countries to use the qualification in others, but this depends on local legislation.

The title Eur Ing is "pre-nominal", i.e. it is placed before rather than after the name as in the case of a post-nominal title such as that for academic degrees (however, in some EU countries, academic degrees are also pre-nominal). Names are also placed on the FEANI Register maintained by FEANI in additional to national member registers.

India

In India, a Chartered Engineer is a life corporate member of the Institution of Engineers (India) and Institution of Mechanical Engineers (India), Mumbai, India. fuuk

Titles

Post-nominal letters used vary by location:

Africa

• Ing. in Ghana (for engineers holding a B.Sc. or higher with relevant engineering experience) and a registered member of the Ghana Institute of Engineers (GhIE)
• Pr.Eng. or Pr.Ing is used as a post-nominal in South Africa (for engineers holding a B.Eng., B.Sc. or B.Sc.Eng. with relevant experience). Pr.Tech.Eng. is used as a post-nominal in South Africa (for engineers holding a B.Tech. with relevant experience and three years of practicing in the engineering field)"Pr.Tech.Eng" standing for Professional Engineering Technologist; see Engineering Council of South Africa "Pr.Cert.Eng" standing for Professional Certificated Engineer is used as a post-nominal for Engineers who have registered with the Engineering Council South Africa after passing the Engineers Certificate of Competence Examinations.
• R.Eng standing for Registered Engineer in Kenya (Holders of Four years post-secondary Engineering Education and four years of work experience)
• Eng. is used for engineers holding B. Eng (5 years degree) in Egypt and must be a member in the Egyptian Syndicate of Engineers.
• Engr is used as a pre-nominal in Nigeria (for holders of bachelor or higher degree in engineering with relevant experience and having successfully passed the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Professional Exams and fulfill other NSE and Council For Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria(COREN)requirements)" Please refer to http://www.corenng.org/ for more information.
• R.Eng or CEng is used as post-nominal for registered engineers in Nigeria after fulfilling both NSE and COREN requirements.Please refer to http://www.corenng.org/ for more information.
• Eng is used as a pre-nominal in Uganda for registered engineers. In Uganda, a registered Engineer must as a prerequisite be a member of the Uganda Institution of professional Engineers (UIPE) and must have a B.Sc. or higher in Engineering together with relevant engineering experience which must be documented, supported by 2-registered engineers and defended by the applicant in an interview with the Engineers' Registration Board (ERB) which has the power to confirm one as a Registered Engineer. Annual fees must be paid to the ERB by all registered engineers.The following links may provide more information on Uganda's engineering profession. UIPE: http://www.ugandaengineers.org/; UACE: http://www.uace.or.ug/

Asia

• P.E. is used in Korea
• Mohandess Payeh 1 and Mohandess Payeh 2 are titles used respectively for Professional Engineer and Engineer in Training in Iran
• Ir is used as a pre-nominal in Hong Kong , Malaysia and Indonesia
• P.E.Jp as a pre-nominal in Japan
• P.Eng. is used in Bangladesh
• Er. is used as a pre-nominal in India , Nepal and Singapore
• P.E. or Professional Engineer is used as a pre-nominal (similar to Dr. or Prof.) in Pakistan
• Mohandes is used as a pre-nominal in Arab countries like iraq, syria and lebanon
• Eng. or .م as a pre-nominal in Jordan (for engineers holding a university degree in engineering after five years of studies).
• Engr. or Engineer is used as a pre-nominal in the Philippines for individuals passing the government regulated professional licensure examination, which is only given for certain fields of engineering.
• CEng (Sri Lanka) is used in Sri Lanka as a post-nominal abbreviation by Corporate Members of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL).
• IEng. Incorporated Engineers offered by the Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Sri Lanka.

Europe

• Eur Ing, (EUR ING) (European Engineer) in Europe, used as a pre-nominal (similar to Dr. or Prof) after being suitably registered in their own country and then accepted by FEANI.
• Ing.P.Eur (European Professional Engineer) in Europe, used as a pre-nominal
• Ing. (Ingeniero) in Spain, used as a pre-nominal, for the engineers who have the equivalent to a master's degree as they studied five or six courses in a Engineering Superior School. Also exists the Ingeniero Técnico (I.T.), who is a professional that holds a Degree and a minimum formation of three courses in an engineering official college. Both types of engineers have full competency in their respective professional field of engineering, being the difference that the three year Engineers have competence only in their speciality (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, etc.)and the "Engineering Superior School" Engineers have wider competences. The Bologna process will change this structure into a different one. The Degree will need four courses and the Superior Engineering School Engineers wil be equaled to the ones that hold a Master in Engineering.
• Eng. (Engenheiro) in Portugal, used as a pre-nominal. An Engenheiro is a full chartered professional in engineering who was awarded a masters' degree (2nd study cycle according to the Bologna process system) by an accredited engineering school. In Portugal there is also the Engenheiro Técnico who is a professional with a bachelor's degree (1st study cycle) in engineering or engineering sciences. Accredited masters' degrees in engineering are regulated and certified by the Ordem dos Engenheiros (Order of Engineers), and every professional full chartered engineer is registered at the Ordem.
• In Germany the Dipl.-Ing. (Diplom-Ingenieur, Diploma Engineer) is awarded by the educational ministries of the federal states (the Länder) after having completing an academic engineering education according to the German Engineer's Law (Ingenieurgesetz). The degrees Ing. grad. (Graduierter Ingenieur, Graduate Engineer) and Obering. (Oberingenieur, Supervisor Engineer) are not awarded any more. (pre-nominal letters)
• Ing. EurEta - used as a pre-nominal (similar to Dr. or Prof). An engineer registered with EurEta "European Higher Engineering and Technical Professionals Association" is called an "EurEta Registered Engineer", and has the right to use this title in Europe, [www.eureta.org/html/startframe.htm] .
• State-certified Engineer BVT. These titles are the respective translations, authorised by the German Federal Government, of "Staatlich geprüfter Techniker", in Europe.
• Ir. in the Netherlands (for engineers holding a Master's degree from a university) or Ing. (for engineers holding a Bachelor's degree from a professional school). (pre-nominal letters)
• Ir. in Belgium (for engineers holding a Master's degree in engineering/bio-engineering sciences from a university) or Ing. (for engineers holding a Master's degree in applied engineering from other institutes of higher education). (pre-nominal letters)
• Ing. in Italy (for engineers holding a Master's degree) or Ing.jr (Bachelor's) or Periti Industriali (from institutes of secondary education). A state exam is required. (pre-nominal letters)
• Siv. Ing. (Sivilingeniør, M.Sc) and ing. (Høyskoleingeniør, B.Sc) in Norway. The titled is used by persons holding degrees from accredited engineering colleges and universities.
• CEng (Chartered Engineer) and IEng (Incorporated Engineer) in the UK & Republic of Ireland. UK and Irish engineers may also carry post-nominal letters specific to their specialist engineering institute, such as MIET (professional engineers and graduate professionals registered with the Institution of Engineering and Technology). In the UK these are recognised as regulated professions.
• Civ. Ing. in Denmark and Sweden (for engineers holding a Master's degree in Engineering, also M.Sc. Eng, master of science in engineering)and Högskoleingenjör in Sweden (for engineers holding a B.Sc degree).
• Ing. in Romania, used as a pre-nominal (similar to Dr. or Prof.).
• Ing. for engineers holding a Master's degree in Czech Republic and Slovak republic, used as a pre-nominal (similar to Dr. or Prof.).
• inż. and mgr inż in Poland, in Poland inż. is the title obtained after 4 years of studies (similar to B.Sc. degree); inżynier who obtain M.Sc. level use mgr inż (magister inżynier). The mgr level can be obtained through post-bachelor education usually 2 years of studies, or through integrated B.Sc/M.Sc. program that usually is 1 year shorter than the non-integrated program. Some (particularly in the USA) mistakenly believe that "mgr inż" is a separate title, while in fact it is two titles one "inż." indicating technical science 4 year education and the "mgr" indicating the advanced eductaion of 2 cycle regardless of how it was obtained. The degree in general includes license to practice, although some regulation may require additional registration to perform specific tasks. (pre-nominal letters)
• маг. инж. (Mag. Inzh. from Magister (Master) Engineer) in Bulgaria (for engineers holding a Master's (Magister) degree) or инж. (for engineers holding a Bachelor's degree). (pre-nominal letters)
• "Inġ." in Malta (for engineers holding a university degree and at least 3 years of experience)
• "PEng(UK) in UK (for Engineers members of Society of Professional Engineers UK)

Latin America

• Ing. in most Spanish speaking countries (pre-nominal letters) (similar to Dr. or Prof). Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, México, Perú, Uruguay, Venezuela.
• In Chile customary practice consists in placing the post-nominal word Ingeniero plus the specialty area, such as Ingeniero Civil, Ingeniero Electricista or Ingeniero Comercial.
• Eng. (Engenheiro) in Brazil.

North America

• P.E. or PE is used in the U.S. Every state grants PE registration which can be endorsed by other States. Requires passing a written competency examination. There are a few exceptions. In some cases, part of the formal education can be replaced by self-education and experience, although the access for no-degree candidates is being limited. (post-nominal)
• P.Eng. is used in Canada (as a post-nominal), except in the province of Quebec. Granted to specified technical educational degree holder residing in Canada upon application.
• Eng. (French: ing.) is used in Quebec.

Oceania

• RPEQ is used as a post nominal in Queensland for Registered Professional Engineers of Queensland and is subject to CPD requirements to maintain status. Registration is performed by the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland.
• MIEAust is used as a post nomial to designate a member of Engineers Australia. This indicates at least three years experience beyond graduation, but does not imply chartered membership by itself.
• CPEng is used as a post nomial in Australia and New Zealand for Chartered Professional Engineers, and subject to a rigorous comptence assessment and ongoing CPD requirements to maintain status.
• FIEAust is used to designate a Fellow (highest membership category) of Engineers Australia.

Restrictions on use of engineer title

Main article: Controversies over the term Engineer

In many countries such as Canada, South Africa and the United States, laws exist that limit the use of job titles containing the word "engineer".

Canada

In Canada, it is considered illegal to practice engineering, or use the title "Engineer", without a Professional engineers license. The use of the term "engineer" was an ongoing issue between several professional licensing bodies, where companies typically issue certification titles with word "engineer" as part of the title (such as Certified Novell Engineer, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer & Security Engineer).

United States

In the United States, most states prohibit unlicensed persons from calling themselves an "engineer" or indicating branches or specialties not covered by the licensing acts.

The title "Engineer" is legally protected in many states, meaning that it is unlawful to use it to offer engineering services to the public unless permission is specifically granted by that state, through a Professional Engineering license, an "industrial exemption", or certain other non-engineering titles such as "operating engineer". Employees of state or federal agencies may also call themselves engineers if that term appears in their official job title. The IEEE's formal position on this is as follows: "The title, Engineer, and its derivatives should be reserved for those individuals whose education and experience qualify them to practice in a manner that protects public safety. Strict use of the title serves the interest of both the IEEE-USA and the public by providing a recognized designation by which those qualified to practice engineering may be identified." It is generally a requirement in the United States to have at least a Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science to be considered an engineer and practice as such.

A business generally cannot offer engineering services to the public or have a name that implies that it does so unless it employs at least one Professional Engineer.

Due to industrial exemption many professionals are titled as engineering. Examples are Production Engineers, Test Engineers, Integration Engineers, Network Engineers, Project Engineers, Systems Engineers, Sales Engineers etc.

This is seen in engineering job advertisements on line and in news papers, most of the advertisements and the employers don't require licensing due to the industrial exemption.

United Kingdom

In general, there is no restriction on the right to practice as an engineer in the UK. In the UK, the term "engineer" can be applied to non-degreed vocations such as technologists, technicians, draftsmen, machinists, mechanics, plumbers, electricians, repair people, and semi-skilled occupations. There are a few fields of practice, generally safety related, which are reserved by statute to licensed persons. The Engineering Council UK grants the titles Chartered or Incorporated Engineer, and declares them to be "professional engineers." The Incorporated Engineer is an Engineer as declared by the Engineering Council of the United Kingdom and the European definition of title under 2005/36/EC.

Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET). This category is open to professional engineers with suitable qualifications and involvement in areas relevant to the interests of the Institution (Engineering and Technology). MIET is a regulated professional title recognized in Europe by the Directive 2005/36. MIET is listed on the part 2 professions regulated by professional bodies incorporated by Royal Charter-Statutory Instruments 2007 No. 2781 Professional Qualifications-The European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 2007.

Europe and Latin America

In Germany and some other European and Latin American countries, the term Diplom Engineer (Diplom-Ingenieur) implies that the person has completed academic work corresponding to that of a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in engineering. A major academic thesis is also required. Diplom-Ingenieur is therefore a university degree, not a professional registration or license.

In Germany the usage of the term engineer (Ingenieur) as such, not just the Diplom-Ingenieur, is protected by various Länder (States of Germany) laws, since education matters fall into the legislation of the Länder, not the federal government. Although the details of the laws vary, they all properly restrict the usage of the term. Examples of such laws are

See also

• Engineering education
• Engineering ethics
• Licensure
• Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge

External links

• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

• Links to seven specialty institutes

• Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE)

• Links to all provincial associations

• Colegio Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico (CIAPR) Organization which registers engineers in Puerto Rico (US)
• Engineering Council (ECUK) UK Authority for the registration of the CEng, IEng, Eng Tech
• Society of Operations Engineers UK membership organisation licensed by the ECUK to register engineers at CEng, IEng and Eng Tech level.
• Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)

• Links to all Registered Professional Engineers (CEng, 'Engr') in Nigeria

• Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
• The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE)
• The Institution of Engineers Australia (IEAust)
• The Institution of Engineers India (IEI)
• The Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB)
• The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM)
• The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) UK
• The Institution of Professional Engineers, Japan (IPEJ) Template:Ja icon
• The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ)
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) US Inter-disciplinary Professional Society

• — "What is a Professional Engineer?"

• National Council of Examiners of Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
• Nezam Mohandesie Iran Template:Fa icon
• Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC)
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) United Kingdom's qualifying body for Chartered and Incorporated mechanical engineers
• Professional Engineering magazine website UK
• Professional Engineer website Korea
• http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualifications/regprof/index.cfm?fuseaction=profession.regProfs&profId=6000 Professional Engineers in Europe