Regulation and licensure in engineering: Difference between revisions

Content deleted Content added
Rescuing 0 sources and tagging 1 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5
 
(36 intermediate revisions by 23 users not shown)
Line 1:
{{Short description|Overviewnone}} of<!-- regulation"none" andis licensurepreferred inwhen engineering}}the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
 
'''Regulation and licensure in engineering''' is established by various jurisdictions of the world to encourage life, public welfare, safety, well-being, then environment and other interests of the general public<ref>Ontario Professional Engineers Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 28 and R.R.O. Regulation 941: General</ref> and to define the [[licensure]] process through which an [[engineer]] becomes licensed to practice [[engineering]] and to provide [[professional services]] and products to the public.
Line 8:
 
== Legislative intent ==
It is often illegal for a practicing engineer to jeopardize public safety in any way.<ref>California Professional Engineers Act, Article 2, 6710.1</ref> This means that an engineer must hold herself or himselfadhere to the highest level of technical and moral conduct reasonable or suffer litigation if an engineering system fails causing harm to the public, including maintenance technicians. Breaches of engineering law are often sufficient grounds for enforcement measures, which may include the suspension or loss of license and financial penalties. They may also include imprisonment, should [[gross negligence]] be shown to have playedbeen a partfactor in loss of human life.
 
An engineering licence provides the public with the assurance that qualified persons are doing or overseeing engineering work. An unlicensed worker or manager has no specific liability, as this is borne by the employer through tort law or engineering legislation, and there is no regulatory authority to enforce acceptable engineering practice in relation to the work.<ref>No Author Listed, FINAL REPORT Repeal of the Industrial Exception Data Gathering and Analysis Research Project, Professional Engineers Ontario, January 2017.</ref>
Line 27:
Under the "Occupation Qualification" system,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mohrss.gov.cn/SYrlzyhshbzb/SYgundongxinwen/201710/t20171024_280005.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317095004/http://www.mohrss.gov.cn/SYrlzyhshbzb/SYgundongxinwen/201710/t20171024_280005.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-03-17 |title=国家职业资格目录 }}</ref> engineers are classified by their specific profession, such as "Registered Architect," "Registered Structural Engineer," "Registered Civil Engineer," "Registered Electrical Engineer," "Registered Public Equipment Engineer," etc. To obtain a registered engineer title, in addition to having a certain amount of work experience in a specific profession, one must pass a series of specific exams organized by the government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cpta.mohrss.gov.cn/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023151903/http://cpta.mohrss.gov.cn/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2021-10-23 |title=中国人事考试网 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pqrc.org.cn/EnglishEdition_Form.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327021104/https://www.pqrc.org.cn/EnglishEdition_Form.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=2023-03-27 |title=English }}</ref>
 
Registered engineers must pass two levels of rigorous exams. Whether design documents or drawings need to be signed by registered engineers depends on provinces or cities.
The registered engineers in the "Occupation Qualification" system in China are considered to be of higher value, as those who obtain it are required to pass notoriously difficult exams, with a pass rate typically below 10% per year. Depending on the province, some design drawings in certain professions must be signed by registered engineers.
 
To qualify, candidates must complete two levels of exams. The first level is an 8-hour close-book basic knowledge exam, covering coures of undergraduate engineering degrees. After passing this exam, participants can take the second-level professional exam the following year. This professional exam is divided into multiple disciplines, such as structural, architectural, electrical, and mechanical. It tests candidates' ability to understand and apply relevant codes and standards. The exam is conducted over a weekend, with each day featuring a 6-hour session. The first day's exam focuses on code requirements, while the second day's exam involves questions about actual engineering cases, requiring references to equations and performing calculations. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsj.sh.gov.cn/xxzsp/ksy/kwap/202406/t20240619_1312142.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714192646/https://www.rsj.sh.gov.cn/xxzsp/ksy/kwap/202406/t20240619_1312142.shtml |archive-date=2024-07-14 |title=上海市2024年度全国中级注册安全工程师职业资格考试考务工作安排 }}</ref>
=== India ===
In India, engineers with a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or technology from a university are allowed to practice as consulting engineers—They must be licensed or registered with municipalities in order to submit public plans, designs or drawings for approval and record. The [[Institution of Engineers (India)]] was granted British Royal Charter in 1935 and admits engineers holding the above degrees as a corporate member (AMIE) or chartered engineer [India]: CEng [India].
 
IE(India) also offers registration as a professional engineer (PE [India]) and international professional engineer (PE [Int'l]) to member-engineers having seven years of active practical engineering experience after achieving their degrees. IE(India) is a member of IPEA (International Professional Engineers Agreement) with bilateral agreements with many national, foreign and international engineering institutions. Many municipalities exempt chartered engineers (PE[India] or PE [Int'l]) from their licenser or registration, by reciprocity ([[comity]]). All such consulting engineers must be licensed, registered or chartered regardless of their discipline or area of practice.
 
=== Iran ===
Line 43 ⟶ 40:
 
=== Pakistan ===
In [[Pakistan]], engineering education and profession is regulated by the [[Pakistan Engineering Council]] (PEC) via PEC Act 1976.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pec.org.pk/downloads/pec_act/PEC%20Act%20(UPDATED%20VERSION%20DEC%202016).pdf |title=PEC Act, 1976 |website=Pakistan Engineering Council. |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=20 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820130626/https://pec.org.pk/downloads/pec_act/PEC%20Act%20(UPDATED%20VERSION%20DEC%202016).pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> PEC is a federal government organization. Any person with an engineering degree ([[B.E.|BE/BS/BSc Engineering]]) from PEC accredited universities/institutes is legally allowed to register with the [[Pakistan Engineering Council]] (PEC) as a Registered engineer (RE). Previously, every engineering graduate registered with the PEC and at least five years of relevant work experience was eligible for the title of professional engineer (PE) without any exam. To improve the quality of engineering profession, this two-tier system has been enhanced via PEC CPD Bye-Laws 2008.<ref name="PEC_CPD">{{Cite web |url=https://pec.org.pk/downloads/cpd/PEC_CPD%20_ByeLaws.pdf |title=PEC CPD Bye-Laws |website=Pakistan Engineering Council. |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=27 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727110646/https://www.pec.org.pk/downloads/cpd/PEC_CPD%20_ByeLaws.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> This system was realistically implemented starting 10 July 2010. Graduate engineers now enroll and practice as registered engineer (RE) in their general discipline of work. After at least five years of relevant work experience and accumulation of at least 17 CPD (Continued Professional Development) points, they may attempt the Engineering Practice Examination (EPE) conducted by the PEC. EPE is held by PEC biennially in major cities across the country. Those who pass the EPE are given the prestigious title of professional engineer (PE) in their specialized discipline of work.
 
To improve the quality of engineering services, engineers with professional engineer (PE) status are also required to engage in CPD activities in order to be able to retain their PE license. CPD points are awarded for various developmental activities such as formal education (e.g. [[Postgraduate diploma]], master or PhD), on-job experience, participating in conferences/workshops as audience, speaker or organizer, publications in technical journals, part-time teaching activities, serving as guest lecturer (other than full-time teaching) and serving as external examiner for master/PhD thesis.
Line 57 ⟶ 54:
[[Washington Accord (credentials)|Washington Accord]]: Pakistan gained Observer status in Washington Accord in 2009, Provisional member in 2010 and became Full signatory on 21 June 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://accords.pec.org.pk/HEI.html |title=Appreciation and Acknowledgment by Chairman PEC for HEIs towards attainment of signatory status of Washington Accord (WA) |publisher=Pakistan Engineering Council |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=4 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204054416/https://accords.pec.org.pk/HEI.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Pakistan was the 19th signatory ever to achieve this status.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://accords.pec.org.pk/chairman-message.html |title=Pakistan has become the full signatory of Washington Accord |website=Pakistan Engineering Council. |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418131300/https://accords.pec.org.pk/chairman-message.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/4850/pakistan-declared-full-signatory-of-washington-accord/ |title=Pakistan declared full signatory of Washington Accord |website=Daily Times. |date=25 June 2017 |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126063501/https://dailytimes.com.pk/4850/pakistan-declared-full-signatory-of-washington-accord/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/213229-PEC-enters-into-Washington-Accord |title=PEC enters into Washington Accord |website=The News. |date=29 June 2017 |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126063500/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/213229-PEC-enters-into-Washington-Accord |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
IPEA & IntPE: Through clause 13 (h) of PEC CPD Bye-laws 2008, PEC was unilaterally honoring the Engineers Mobility Forum (EMF)/International Professional Engineers Agreement (IPEA) since 10 July 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |urlname=https://pec.org.pk/downloads/cpd/"PEC_CPD%20_ByeLaws.pdf |title=PEC Bye-Laws |website=Pakistan Engineering Council. |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=27 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727110646/https://www.pec.org.pk/downloads/cpd/PEC_CPD%20_ByeLaws.pdf |url-status=live }}<"/ref> An engineer already registered as a professional engineer with EMF/IPEA would be exempt from EPE & CPD points requirement and will be awarded professional engineer (PE) title on submission of application. On 29 June 2018, International Engineering Alliance (IEA) bestowed on PEC the authority to award IPE (IntPE) status to qualifying candidates.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pec.org.pk/IPE.aspx |title=International Professional Engineer |website=Pakistan Engineering Council. |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418132311/https://www.pec.org.pk/IPE.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> PEC developed the application framework and, since September 2020, began accepting applications through a dedicated IPEA portal on the PEC website.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ipea.pec.org.pk/ |title=Apply for IPEA |website=Pakistan Engineering Council. |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420135754/https://ipea.pec.org.pk/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
=== Sri Lanka ===
Line 63 ⟶ 60:
 
== Europe ==
The designation ''[[European Engineer]]'' (Eur Ing, EUR ING) is an international certificateprofessional qualification and title for engineers used in many European countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engineerseurope.com/what-eur-ing-certificate|work=engineerseurope.com|title=What Is The Eur Ing Certificate}}</ref> The certificate for this is granted after successful application to a national member of ''Engineers Europe'' (previously named the European Federation of National Engineering Associations (FEANI)).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engineerseurope.com/|work= engineerseurope.com|title=Engineers Europe}}</ref> ''Engineers Europe'' includes representation from many European countries, including much of the [[European Union]].
 
''Engineers Europe'' lobbies and strives to establish the EUR ING as a guarantee of competence for professional engineers. It is not a government or supranational (European Union) authority, but recognized by the EU as an example of self-regulation.
Line 69 ⟶ 66:
Because of that it can be problematic to add EUR ING to ones name in some states. Especially those who regulate the use of the term ''Engineer'', abbreviations of it, and translations. And where the title Engineer can only be granted by recognized institutions (like universities). Of which ''Engineers Europe'' is none. The title EUR ING, if used, is supposed to be "[[pre-nominal]]," i.e., it is placed before rather than after the name as in the case of a post-nominal title such as those for academic degrees. However, this clashes with the practice in some EU countries where academic degrees are also pre-nominal.
 
Ultimately national law, not the EUR ING certificate from ''Engineers Europe'', defines if an engineering degree and usually an engineering professional qualification from one member country is recognized by another. For EU membersmember the EU directivestates, [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32005L0036 [Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications]] providesis the legal framework and needs tomust be implemented in national law.
 
Another association in Europe is the [[Eureta]]. The professional title "Ing. EurEta" is 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eureta.org/What-is-Eureta.9.0.html |title=What-is-Eureta |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130414203043/http://www.eureta.org/What-is-Eureta.9.0.html |archive-date=2013-04-14 }}</ref>
 
=== India Austria===
Austria's nationally-based [[seat (legal entity)|seat]] requirements for architects and engineers were criticised by the [[European Commission]] in 2016, as the Commission believed the requirements were not consistent with the EU's [[Services Directive]] of 2006.<ref>European Commission, [https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/cs/memo_16_3644/memo_16_3644_en.pdf November <nowiki>[</nowiki>2016<nowiki>]</nowiki> infringements package: key decisions], section 4, published on 17 November 2016, accessed on 5 February 2025</ref>
 
=== Germany ===
Line 78:
From that point on the typical ways to be allowed to use the job title engineer were to obtain the academic title of a diploma engineer ''Diplom-Ingenieur'' (abbreviated ''Dipl.-Ing.'') or doctor engineer (Phd, ''Dr.-Ing.'') from an academic institutions, or to obtain a graduated engineer title (''Ingenieur (grad.)'') from an engineering school or engineering academy. Earlier graduates from engineering schools or academies could continue to use the title or in some cases could change their title to ''Ingenieur (grad.)''. Mining schools were granting some engineer titles, too.
 
In the 1970th1970s German converted its engineering schools and academies into universities of applied sciences and founded new such universities. With this change the ''Ingenieur (grad.)'' was no longer granted. Instead universities of applied sciences awarded the academic title of diploma engineer ''Diplom-Ingenieur'', too. Over time, and depending on the actual state of the infighting between universities and universities of applied sciences, universities of applied sciences granted the title with a suffix ''Diplom-Ingenieur (FH)''.
 
Around the same time the federal states (''Bundesländer'') established their own engineer laws, because in Germany education is a matter of regulation for the federal states, not the federal government. These laws are all very similar and describe who is allowed to use the job title of an engineer.
Line 88:
Further, the laws of the states contain provisions for the authorities to grant persons who obtained their engineering degree or title from a foreign institution or otherwise the right to use the job title. With special provisions for EU member states.
 
The state laws typically regard the unauthorized use of the job title engineer as a misdemeanor. § 132a of the criminal code of Germany makes the unauthorized use of an academic degree title a criminal offense. Punishablepunishable by up to one year of imprisonment or a fine.
 
==== Engineering chambers ====
Engineers offering certain engineering services need to be a member of an engineering chamber (''Ingenieurkammer'') by law. This is most commonly the case for freelance consulting (''Beratender Ingenieur'') activities in construction, but can also be required for other engineering work. A voluntaryVoluntary membership is also possible.
 
Engineering chambers are self-governedgoverning and provide services for their members.
 
==== ''Techniker'' ====
Line 100:
The certificate is granted to engineering technologists upon successful completion of a technical college and it is also granted by an international organization with headquarters in Germany, the "''BVT''", Federal Association of Higher Professions for Technology, Economy and Design (''Bundesverband höherer Berufe der Technik, Wirtschaft und Gestaltung e.V.'').
 
''Techniker'' certificates have been grouped on the same level as academic bachelor's degrees in national (DFQ) and EU[[European qualificationQualifications frameworksFramework]] (EFQ).
 
'''EU Directive 2005L0036-EN 01.01.2007'''
 
ANNEX III List of regulated education and training referred to in the third subparagraph of Article 13(2)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/53286830/Directive-2005-36-EC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929234628/http://www.scribd.com/doc/53286830/Directive-2005-36-EC|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 September 2013|title=Directive 2005-36-EC|date=29 September 2013}}</ref>
 
A member of the BVT is entitled to use the initials "BVT" after his name. To achieve this qualification, it is required to complete a 42-month apprenticeship program, a minimum 2,400 hour college diploma in engineering or technology, two years of relevant experience and pass the state examination. The academic requirement to be a state-certified engineer is a degree equivalent to ''level 6 on EQF = bachelor'' on the European Qualification Framework. A bachelor's (honours) degree in engineering or engineering technology from an accredited university is also equated to level 6 on EQF. A state-certified engineer is not required to complete a university degree. Before Jan. 31, 2012, a state-certified engineer certificate usually qualified the holder to proceed to bachelor's level education at a university of applied science. In the past, this led to wide and controversial discussions between bachelor's and master's degrees engineers and state-certified engineers.
 
Today, this is on the same level as a bachelor's degree. One can continue to study to a master's degree withlevel theto achieve SCE qualification. The academic requirements for qualification are similar to incorporated engineer qualification/registration by EC UK. State-certified engineers now assist engineers with only a diploma or master's degree. They are also holding full engineering positions as systems engineers, integration engineers, test engineers, QA engineers, etc.
 
State-certified engineer, business manager and designer levels are now a level 6–Bachelor on DQF and EQF, as of Jan. 31, 2012.
Line 116 ⟶ 112:
{{main|Chartered Engineer (UK)}}
 
"''In general there is no restriction on the right to practise as an engineer in the UK. However there are a small number of areas of work, generally safety related, which are reserved by statute, regulations or industry standards to licensed or otherwise approved persons.''"<ref name=EngC>[http://www.engc.org.uk/glossary-faqs/frequently-asked-questions/international-activity/european-directive-on-recognition-of-professional-qualifications/ Engineering Council] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921082757/http://engc.org.uk/glossary-faqs/frequently-asked-questions/international-activity/european-directive-on-recognition-of-professional-qualifications/ |date=2017-09-21 }} European Directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications.</ref> The title "engineer" is not regulated, but certain engineering titles are. There is no system for licensing, but registers are held of qualified persons. The [[Engineering Council]] is the UK regulatory body for its engineering profession. It holds the national registers of 235,000 engineers registered as EngTech (engineering technicians), ICTTech (information and communications technology technicians), IEng (incorporated engineers) and CEng (chartered engineers). These titles are fully protected under law by means of the Engineering Council's Royalroyal Chartercharter and By-Lawsbylaws. In order to protect these titles, action is taken through the courts against their unauthorized use.
 
To receive designation as a CEng, it is required to have approved education (typically to Master's level) and also demonstrate significant technical and commercial leadership and management competencies.<ref name=CEng>[http://www.engc.org.uk/professional-registration/the-professional-titles/chartered-engineer/ Engineering Council] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430165624/http://www.engc.org.uk/professional-registration/the-professional-titles/chartered-engineer |date=2016-04-30 }} Chartered Engineer (CEng)</ref>
 
A chartered engineer is entitled to register through the [[European Federation of National Engineering Associations|Engineers Europe]] (formerly FEANI) as a [[European Engineer]] and use the pre-nominal designation: EurEUR IngING.<ref>{{cite nameweb|url=EngChttps://www.engc.org.uk/international-activity/european-recognition/eur-ing/european-engineer-eur-ing-registration/|title=European Engineer (EUR ING) registration|website=Engineering Council|access-date=7 October 2024}}</ref>
 
== North America ==
Line 129 ⟶ 125:
## Graduate with a degree from an accredited program in engineering or applied science, accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).
## Graduate from a non-CEAB program with a minimum of two years education in engineering or a related study area plus the completion of a technical examination program.
# Complete an engineer-in-training (EIT) or engineering internship program under the direction of a professional engineer. With the exception of Quebec, this is a minimum four-year program.<ref>{{citeCite web |url=http://www.oiq.qc.ca/documents/255/A-Cheminement_permis_sept.2010.pdf |title=A Cheminement permis }}{{deadDead link|date=DecemberAugust 20172025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
# Review of work experience by the association.
# Pass a professional practice exam,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peo.on.ca/registration/ppe.html |title=Professional Practice Examinations |access-date=2011-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430221110/http://peo.on.ca/registration/ppe.html |archive-date=2011-04-30 }}</ref> on [[engineering law]] the content and format of which differs by province.
Line 163 ⟶ 159:
Degree requirements in the United States are evolving. Effective January 1, 2020, the NCEES model will require additional credits beyond a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree. NCEES is developing the types of creditable activities that will satisfy the additional educational requirement. This has received some support from civil engineers.<ref name="ASCE MOE">[[American Society of Civil Engineers]] (ASCE) (2001) ''Academic Prerequisites for Licensure and Professional Practice''. Policy Statement [http://sections.asce.org/indiana/ASCE_%20Pol_Stat_465.pdf 465] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061028183357/http://sections.asce.org/indiana/ASCE_%20Pol_Stat_465.pdf |date=2006-10-28 }}.</ref><ref name="ACEC">{{cite web |url=http://www.acec-nh.org/pdfs/2007_12_4_15_43.pdf |title=White Paper on Implementation of Additional Engineering Education Requirements as a Prerequisite for Licensure |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903052229/http://www.acec-nh.org/pdfs/2007_12_4_15_43.pdf |archive-date=2011-09-03 |url-status=dead |publisher=American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) |date=2007 |access-date=2011-03-22}}</ref>
 
As of 2023, it is still possible for an individual to bypass Steps No. 2 and 4. In Texas, for example, FE exam waivers are still available to individuals with several years of creditable experience.<ref>{{cite web |year=2023 |title=Exam Waiver Requirements |url=https://pels.texas.gov/lic_waiver.htm |archive-date= |access-date=2023-09-26 |publisher=Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors}}</ref>
 
In a few states, it is still possible for an individual to bypass Step No. 1 and apply to take the registration examinations—as long as a PE sponsors the applicant—because work experience can be substituted for academic experience. The requirement for years of experience may also vary. For example, in California it is possible to take a PE examination with only two years of experience after a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree or one year of experience after a Master of Engineering. In other states candidates may take one of the PE exams directly through NCEES, in some cases immediately after graduation, but they still must wait until obtaining the required experience before obtaining a license. Some states also have state-specific examinations. California requires two additional exams in [[land surveying]] and [[earthquake engineering]] for civil engineering candidates and many states have exams based on their individual laws and ethics requirements.
Line 216 ⟶ 212:
 
===Europe===
* '''''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[[Engineers Europe]].
* '''''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 an engineering superior school. There also exists an ''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 specialty (mechanical, electrical, chemical, etc.) and the "engineering superior school" engineers have wider competences. The [[Bologna process]] changes this structure. The degree will require four courses and the superior engineering school engineers will equal the ones that hold a master's in engineering.
Line 250 ⟶ 246:
* ''PE'' or ''P.E.'' is used in the United States. Individual states grant PE registration, which can sometimes be endorsed by other states.
* ''P.Eng.'' is used in Canada, including the province of [[Quebec]]. This is a regulated title, and requires licensing.
* ''Eng.'' ({{lang-langx|fr|link=no|ing.}}) is used in [[Quebec]] (professional engineers in Quebec may use either Eng., P.Eng. or ing., which are all equivalent).
 
==Title usage==
Line 268 ⟶ 264:
# The IT industry has used the term engineer since the dawn of the computing industry in the 60s.<ref>Andronache, Tatiana, [http://www.galtglobalreview.com/infotech/being_engineer.html The Importance of "Being Engineer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040918004227/http://www.galtglobalreview.com/infotech/being_engineer.html |date=2004-09-18 }}.</ref>
 
Court rulings regarding the usage of the term engineer have been mixed. For example, after complaints were lodged by the [[Canadian Council of Professional Engineers]], a court in [[Quebec]] fined Microsoft Canada $1,000 for misusing the "engineer" title by referring to MCSE graduates as engineers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ccpe.ca/e/files/microsoftmay04.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051024000824/http://www.ccpe.ca/e/files/microsoftmay04.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2005-10-24 |title=Engineers Canada }}</ref> Conversely an Alberta court dismissed the lawsuit filed by The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) against Raymond Merhej for using the title "system engineer," claiming that, 'The respondent's situation is such that it cannot be contended that the public is likely to be deceived, confused or jeopardized by his use of the term...'"<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.apegga.org/Members/Publications/peggs/Web05-02/titles.htm |title=APEGGA website |access-date=2011-04-10 |archive-date=2011-07-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719184746/http://www.apegga.org/Members/Publications/peggs/Web05-02/titles.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> APEGGA also lost the appeal to this decision.<ref>[{{Cite web|url=http://www.aset.ab.ca/Content_Files/Files/TAB/TAB_v21n01.pdf ASET Technology Alberta, p. 2] {{webarchive|urlarchiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706163716/http://www.aset.ab.ca/Content_Files/Files/TAB/TAB_v21n01.pdf|url-status=dead|title=ASET Technology Alberta, p. 2|datearchivedate=2011-07-06July 6, 2011}}</ref>
 
The Canadian Information Processing Society,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cips.ca/ |title=CIPS National&nbsp;– Canada's Association of Information Technology Professionals |access-date=2011-04-10 |archive-date=2011-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410190723/http://www.cips.ca/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and in particular CIPS Ontario,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cipsontario.ca/ |title=CIPS Ontario&nbsp;– Home |access-date=2011-04-10 |archive-date=2011-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906091336/http://cipsontario.ca/ |url-status=live }}</ref> have attempted to strike a balance between the professional engineering licensing bodies and the IT industry over the use of the term engineer in the software industry, but so far no major agreements or decisions have been announced.
Line 293 ⟶ 289:
In the United States, the practice of professional engineering is highly regulated and the title "professional engineer" is legally protected, meaning that it is unlawful to use it to offer engineering services to the public unless permission, certification or other official endorsement is specifically granted by that state through a professional engineering license. Also, many states prohibit unlicensed persons from calling themselves an "engineer" or indicating branches or specialties not covered by the licensing acts.<ref name="tex eng pdf1">{{Cite web |title=Texas Engineering Practice Act and Rules Concerning the Practice of Engineering and Professional Engineering Licensure |url=https://engineers.texas.gov/downloads/lawrules.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613235036/https://engineers.texas.gov/downloads/lawrules.pdf |publisher=The State of Texas |archive-date=13 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chapter 471: Engineering |url=https://fbpe.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Chapter-471-04.13.15.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012101229/https://fbpe.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Chapter-471-04.13.15.pdf |archive-date=12 October 2017 |date=12 July 2015 |department=Title XXXII: Regulation of Professions and Occupations |work=The 2015 Florida Statutes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chapter 15. Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors |url=http://sos.ga.gov/plb/acrobat/Laws/09_Professional_Engineers_and_Land_Surveyors.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223001350/http://sos.ga.gov/plb/acrobat/Laws/09_Professional_Engineers_and_Land_Surveyors.pdf |archive-date=2016-12-23 |url-status=dead |department=Title 43. Professions and Businesses |publisher=State of Georgia |access-date=2017-10-12}}</ref> 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."
 
Every state regulates the practice of engineering to ensure public safety by granting only Professional Engineers (PEs) the authority to sign and seal engineering plans and offer their services to the public.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nspe.org/resources/licensure/what-pe|title=What is a PE?|website=nspe.org|access-date=2018-05-17|archive-date=2018-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618125743/https://www.nspe.org/resources/licensure/what-pe|url-status=live}}</ref> There are additional requirements to include at least one professional engineer within the firm for these typetypes of companies to include the word engineering in the title of the business, although these requirements are not universal.
 
In the United States an "industrial exemption" allows businesses to employ employees and call them an "engineer", as long as such individuals are under the direct supervision and control of the business entity and function internally related to manufacturing (manufactured parts) related to the business entity or work internally within an exempt organization. Such person does not have the final authority to approve or the ultimate responsibility for, engineering designs, plans or specifications that are to be: (A) incorporated into fixed works, systems or facilities on the property of others; or (B) made available to the public. These individuals are prohibited from representing an ability or willingness to perform engineering services or make an engineering judgment requiring a licensed professional engineer, engage in practice of engineering, offer engineering services directly to the public and/or other businesses; unless the business entity is registered with the state's board of engineering and the practice is carried on/supervised directly only by engineers licensed to engage in the practice of engineering.<ref name="tex eng pdf1"/> Examples are [[sanitation engineer]], [[production engineer]], [[test engineer]], [[network engineer]], [[project engineer]], [[systems engineer]] and [[sales engineer]]. These are often seen in engineering job advertisements online and in news papers. Most of the advertisements and employers do not require licensing because these positions do not pose a direct threat to public health or pose a liability danger.
Line 309 ⟶ 305:
 
== Disciplinary committees ==
California law dictates disciplinary proceedings by the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists against a licensed engineer who has committed deceit, misrepresentation, negligence, or a contract violation of contract.<ref>California Professional Engineers Act, Article 5</ref> The Professional Engineers of Ontario have a disciplinary committee that hears complaints of professional misconduct and incompetence.<ref>Ontario Professional Engineers Act, Section 28</ref>
A discipline committee may suspend a certificate of authorization (firm license) for an engineering corporation, or an engineering license or issue a fine for violations of the local engineering legislation, forsuch as professional misconduct, deceit, misrepresentation, negligence, or violation of a contract.
 
==Cost engineering==