Professional Engineer, PEng - BPB Business Podium Boards: Offshore, Firmengründungen, Beruf & Karriere

jedi · #1 (**permalink**) 24.09.2006, 12:56

Professional Engineer is the term for registered or licensed engineers in some countries, including the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.

The term Professional Engineer is a legally protected title in the U.S. and Canada; the practice of professional engineering is protected in both Canada and the United States, and—by state or provincial law—only registered Professional Engineers are permitted to use the title or carry out the work of Professional Engineering.

The earmark that distinguishes a licensed/registered Professional Engineer is the authority to sign and seal or "stamp" engineering documents (drawings and calculations) for a design or a structure, thus taking legal responsibility for it.

Titles

Post-nominal letters used vary by location:
P.E. or PE is used in the U.S.
P.Eng. or P.Eng (UK). used in the UK for Professional Engineers belonging to the Society of Professional Engineers UK (SPE)
P.Eng. is used in Canada, except the province of Quebec.
Eng. (French:ing.) is used in Quebec.
CEng (Chartered Engineer) and IEng (Incorporated Engineer) in the UK & Republic of Ireland.
CPEng in Australia and New Zealand
Dott.Ing. in Italy(5 years) (pre-nominal letters)
Ing.junior in Italy(3 years)
Ing. in Germany (pre-nominal letters)
Inz. in Poland (pre-nominal letters)
C.Eng in India Institution of Engineering under Royal Charter
EurIng (European Engineer) in Europe, used as a pre-nominal (similar to Dr. or Prof).
Ing.P.Eur (European Professional Engineer) in Europe, used as a pre-nominal

jedi · #2 (**permalink**) 24.09.2006, 13:05

ECUK
NSPE
SPE
SNIPF
CCPE
IEAust
IPENZ
IET
IBE
UIDIP
PRENG

jedi · #3 (**permalink**) 24.09.2006, 13:16

Registration and regulation

Each country or state/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. [1] The licensing procedure varies but the general process is:
Graduate with a degree from an accredited four-year university program in engineering.
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).[2]
Accumulate a certain amount of engineering experience under the supervision of a P.E. In most states the requirement is four years, but in others the requirement is lower.
Complete a written Professional Engineering examination, testing the applicant's knowledge and skills in a chosen engineering discipline (mechanical, electrical, civil, for example), as well as engineering ethics.

In a few states, it is still possible for an individual to bypass steps 1 and 2, and apply to take the Professional Engineering examination, 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 the Professional Engineering examination with only two years of experience after a bachelor's degree, or one year of experience after graduate school.

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 limited to practicing in 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.

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 and Aerospace Engineering, and Chemical Engineering, and may be specificly 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.

Civil Engineers account for a large majority of licensed Professional Engineers, and many of the remainder are Mechanical and Electrical Engineers whose practice involves areas that states regulate, such as HVAC systems and power engineering. However, some engineers in other fields obtain licenses for prestige even though they are never required to sign and seal design documents.

The title "Engineer" is legally protected in many states, meaning that it is unlawful to use it unless permission is specifically granted by a state, through a Professional Engineering license, an industrial exemption, or certain other non-Professional Engineering licenses such as Operating Engineer. Employees of state or federal agencies may also call themselves engineers if that term appears in their official job title. These laws are not frequently enforced unless the individual is explicitly offering engineering services to the public. Likewise, a business 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.

Most states limit the practice of Civil Engineering and other branches of engineering not exempt from regulation to holders of the appropriate license, or to people working under the supervision of a licensed engineer.

In many states, Professional Land Surveyors are regulated in a similar manner, often by the same state board as engineers or architects: Land Surveyors are required to pass a Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, perform a period of internship and then pass a Practices of Surveying (PS) Exam. A four-year degree in engineering or land surveying may also be required. In a few states, licensed Civil Engineers may also perform land surveys.

Canada

In Canada, regulation and registration are accomplished through a self governing body, called the Association of Professional Engineers, that is given the power to register and discipline engineers as well as regulate the field of engineering in their province. Many of these associations are also responsible for regulating other related professions. The process for registration is generally as follows:
Graduate with a degree from an accredited program in engineering or applied science,
Complete an Engineer in Training program under the direction of a P.Eng. (This is normally a four-year program)
Review of work experience by the Association,
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.

United Kingdom

In general, there is no restriction on the right to practice as an engineer in the UK. There are a few fields of practice, generally safety related, which are reserved by statute to licensed persons.[3]

The UK has Professional Engineering titles registered via the Engineering Council (UK) (ECUK): Incorporated Engineer (IEeng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng).[4] Incorporated Engineer is a first-cycle qualification for Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science degree holders. Chartered Engineer is a second-cycle qualification usually reserved for holders of integrated Master of Engineering degrees or Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science plus Master of Science degrees. Both IEng and CEng require substantial professional experience, a professional review and interview.

It is illegal in the UK to hold that one is a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer unless so registered with the ECUK. The title of "engineer" by itself is not regulated in the UK.

While ECUK is the primary body registering Engineers in UK, there are other professional societies that register engineers as well. Under its Royal Charter, the Engineering Council UK grants licences to engineering institutions allowing them to assess candidates for inclusion on its Register of Professional Engineers and Technicians, and to accredit academic programmes and professional development schemes. There are over 30 institutions licensed to register professional engineers with EC UK.

Other not EC UK licensed societies that register Professional Engineers in UK are Society of Professional Engineers UK (SPE) and the Institute of British Engineers UK (IBE).

jedi · #4 (**permalink**) 11.11.2006, 22:06

Die Equivalenzen sind für UK und USA auch kurz beschrieben:

Because of changing requirements for registration in the UK, the title of Incorporated Engineer is generally considered equivalent to the UK SPE P.Eng. and Canadian P.Eng. or Ing. or American P.E..citation needed

jedi · #5 (**permalink**) 15.12.2006, 20:06

Das ganze steht auf den folgenden Seiten noch einmal drin.

-www.answers.com/topic/professional-engineer
-www.engc.org.uk/International/About_International_Register.aspx
-www.usciep.org/what_is.shtml

jedi · #6 (**permalink**) 21.12.2006, 21:57

Auf der VDI-Webseite steht auch noch einmal einiges zu Europäischen Ländern und deren Ingenieurregister drin. Dabei geht es u.a. um Frankreich, Großbritannien, Italien und der Schweiz. Zusätzlich wird auf die Veränderungen nach Bologna und deren Konsequenzen hingewiesen.

-www.vdi.de/imperia/md/images/hauptgruppe/bg/Ingenieurregister_in_europaeischen_Laendern.pdf

In Deutschland ist ein Ingenieurregister geplant. Dabei soll auch der Professional Engineer eingeführt werden. Es geht auch um die Anerkennung in anderen Ländern Europas.

jedi · #7 (**permalink**) 24.12.2006, 02:26

Licensure for Engineers

Engineering licensure - what is it?

One of the most important decisions you can make early in your engineering career is to place yourself on a professional course and become licensed as a professional engineer (P.E.).

The profession regulates itself by setting high standards for professional engineers, and by law, many jurisdictions require engineers to be licensed in order to practice. These requirements and high standards help protect the public's safety and welfare.

Licensure is the mark of a professional. It demonstrates accomplishment of the high standards of professionalism to which the engineering profession subscribes. Consider the following:

Licensure…

• Demonstrates that you've accomplished a recognized standard
• Sets you apart from others in your profession
• Provides career options and opportunities that might not have been available otherwise
• Serves as a protection of public health, safety, and welfare

How do I get licensed?

Each state and territory varies slightly, but in general, there is a four-step process required to obtain engineering licensure (see below).

Step 1: Graduation

The first step is graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program at a college or university. ABET stands for Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the nationally recognized accrediting organization for engineering and technology curricula.

Step 2: FE Exam

The first exam in the licensure process is the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE). This exam is offered in April and October every year. Most students take the exam right before graduation or soon after while the technical information they've studied is still fresh in their minds. Once you pass the exam, you are classified as an intern, also known as Engineering Intern (EI) or Engineer-in-Training (EIT).

Step 3: Work Experience

After passing the FE exam, you will continue your journey toward professional licensure by gaining engineering experience. Many jurisdictions have specific requirements about the type of experience you need to gain. Most require that you gain experience under the supervision of someone who is already licensed, and that your experience involve increasing levels of responsibility. Once you begin work, contact your licensing board to find out what experience is needed and talk with professional engineers in your company to find out how you can gain this experience.

Step 4: PE Exam

Once you have gained the appropriate experience required, you can take the second exam in the licensure process, the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). This exam is given in a variety of engineering disciplines. Most disciplines are offered in both April and October, but some are offered only in October.

After completing all the steps in the engineering licensure process—education, experience, and examinations—you are eligible for licensure by your licensing board. Once you are granted licensure, you may use the distinguished designation "professional engineer," or P.E.

For more information, contact the appropriate jurisdiction licensing board.

Are there any special requirements for foreign applicants?

You may be instructed to have your education credentials evaluated by the Center for Professional Engineering Education Services or another evaluation service.

Explanatory note: In the United States, a license is required before an engineer may practice before the public. The licensure of engineers is the responsibility of each individual state and territory, rather than the federal government. Engineers who wish to obtain their license to practice must apply to the licensing board in the state or territory in which they plan to practice. In order to become licensed, the engineer must meet the requirements of that licensing board with respect to education and experience and by taking and passing licensing examinations.

Why bother with licensure?

Think about it. Your career could last 40 years or more. One never knows how a career path will change, especially in today's marketplace. Consider the following situations that you are likely to encounter in a career spanning a lifetime:

• You change places of employment.
• Your company is forced to make layoffs, and you receive a notice.
• Your company reorganizes or merges with another company.
• Your company decides to bring design and engineering services in-house.
• You decide to "switch gears" after working in a particular area of engineering for several years.
• You decide to start your own company.
• You decide to be a consultant.

In all of the above cases, licensure is a designation that sets you apart from other engineers, enhances your career potential, and frees you to make important career decisions such as starting your own business or consulting. (Only licensed professionals are allowed to offer their services to the public and sign and seal plans for the public.)

Regardless of the career path you choose to take, consider that what is standard and accepted today in the engineering field may not be the same in the future. While today various practice niches have been granted exemption from licensure, these exemptions vary among jurisdictions, and there is no guarantee that these exemptions are permanent. In fact, many jurisdictions are actively working to eliminate some exemptions.

Licensure is a sign of commitment to your profession. Obtaining a professional license enhances your potential for salary increases and promotions. Make your decision today and follow the path to licensure. This path will lead you to higher wages, a wider range of career opportunities, and a higher level of respect and credibility among your engineering peers.

-www.ncees.org/licensure/licensure_for_engineers

jedi · #8 (**permalink**) 24.12.2006, 02:31

What is licensure and why is it important?

Licensure is the mark of a professional. It demonstrates a commitment to the high standards of professionalism to which the engineering profession subscribes.

Licensure is important because it demonstrates the accomplishment of a set of standards to which all engineering professionals recognize. Consider the following:

• It serves as a protection of public health, safety, and welfare. It demonstrates that you've accomplished a recognized standard.

• In most cases, it provides a "portable" credential, which means once you've received your P.E., you can carry the P.E. credential with you throughout your career. True, you will need to register with the states in which you want to use the P.E. credential, and some states may have additional requirements, but the P.E. credential itself is very portable.

• It sets you apart from others in your profession.

• It gives you career options and opportunities that might not have been available to you without the licensed professional engineer designation.

The History of Licensure

The first regulation to control a profession was established in Europe in the 12th century. In 1140 A.D., King Roger of Normandy decreed that doctors must present proof of competency before being allowed to practice medicine. These doctors were required to be examined and certified by their peers before they were allowed to offer their services to the public.

In the United States, licensure of professionals experienced a slow start. The first profession requiring licensure was dentistry in 1883. Later, medical doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, accountants, and other professionals were regulated and licensed.

The first licensing law governing the practice of engineering and surveying was passed by Wyoming in 1907. The creation of this law was generated because of the many non-professionals practicing engineering and surveying. To end the abuse, a bill was introduced in the Wyoming legislature requiring the licensure of all engineers and surveyors.

Despite opposition, the bill passed and a new era in the regulation of engineering and surveying began. In a slow but steady progression, other states followed, adding licensing laws to their statutes. By 1950, all states, plus Alaska, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico had adopted licensing laws of some kind.

Today, all U.S. states and jurisdictions have laws regulating the practice of engineering and surveying. Each state and jurisdiction has a licensing board. The NCEES role is to assist the licensing boards.

What is the FE exam?

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a measure of minimum competency to enter the profession. Many colleges and universities encourage students to take the FE exam as an outcomes assessment tool upon the completion of the education coursework.

Employers hiring recent engineering graduates often look to see if the applicant has successfully passed the FE exam. Passing the exam also demonstrates how serious you are about your engineering career.

Most jurisdictions evaluate education and experience as a prerequisite to an applicant's acceptance to take the FE exam. For example, state requirements may vary regarding the specific point in your academic training that you can sit for the FE exam. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing board for information about their requirements. You will take the FE exam in the state in which your college or university is located.

The NCEES prepares the national FE exam for all licensing boards. This exam is a valid measure of minimum competency related to the educational training received in an engineering degree program.

History of the FE exam

NCEES first administered the FE exam in 1965 to reflect the engineering educational training found in engineering degree programs. The FE exam content in 1965 differed in most states and territories. In 1984, all Members Boards adopted a uniform national FE exam. In 1996, the NCEES offered the discipline-specific FE exam for the afternoon portion of the exam in order to test upper-level knowledge obtained in the last two years of school.

What is the PE exam?

The first national Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam was administered in 1966, and by 1984, each state and U.S territory had adopted the uniform national PE exam.

Today, the NCEES offers PE exams for many disciplines. State licensing boards offer the larger disciplines twice each year, while offering the other more specialized disciplines once per year. Click here for a complete exam schedule.

Why is it important?

One of the most important decisions you can make early in your engineering career is to place yourself on a course to become a licensed professional engineer. The profession is regulated through the licensing boards in each U.S. state and territory. The high standards set by the licensing boards help protect the public by requiring that professional engineers demonstrate their competence to practice in a manner that will safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare.