Legislative intent and consequences of engineering regulation and licensure
– Engineering work must not jeopardize public safety.
– Engineers are legally responsible for their work.
– Breaches of engineering law can result in license suspension or loss.
– Unlicensed workers have no specific liability for engineering work.
– Engineering firms may not be held vicariously liable for individual engineers’ offenses.
– Protection of titles through the courts against unauthorized use.
– Negligence leading to loss of human life can result in jail time.
– Breaches of the code can result in enforcement measures, including license suspension or loss, and financial penalties.
Requirements and procedures for becoming a licensed engineer
– Becoming a licensed engineer requires an engineering degree and experience.
– Some regions regulate the use of the term ‘engineer.’
– Specific procedures and requirements exist for obtaining a license.
– Voluntary certification programs are available for various engineering disciplines.
– Licensed engineers have significant influence over their regulation.
– Designation as a Chartered Engineer requires approved education and leadership competencies.
– Qualify academically through an accredited program in engineering or applied science.
– Graduate from a non-CEAB program with two years education in engineering or related study area plus completion of a technical examination program.
– Complete an engineer-in-training (EIT) or engineering internship program.
– Undergo a review of work experience by the association.
– Pass a professional practice exam on engineering law.
Regulation and licensure in Asia
3.1 China
– China has two systems for evaluating professional engineers: Professional Title and Occupation Qualification.
– Professional titles are awarded based on education, experience, performance, training, and awards.
– Occupation Qualification classifies engineers by specific professions and requires passing government exams.
– Registered engineers in China’s Occupation Qualification system are highly valued.
– Some design drawings must be signed by registered engineers.
3.2 India
– Engineers with a degree in engineering or technology can practice as consulting engineers in India.
– Licensing or registration with municipalities is required for submitting public plans or designs.
– The Institution of Engineers (India) grants corporate membership and chartered engineer status.
– Professional engineer and international professional engineer registrations are available.
– Chartered engineers may be exempt from licensure or registration by reciprocity.
3.3 Iran
– Professional engineers and engineering practice in Iran are governed by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.
– Licensing requirements include a degree in engineering, FE and PE exams, engineering experience, and ethics examination.
– Exams are written and graded by the National Organization for Examination and Training.
– Iran has specific requirements for engineering licensure.
– Ministry of Science, Research and Technology oversees engineering standardization.
3.4 Pakistan
– Engineering education and profession in Pakistan are regulated by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC).
– PEC is a federal government organization.
– PEC Act 1976 governs engineering in Pakistan.
– PEC ensures the competence and ethical conduct of engineers.
– PEC plays a crucial role in regulating engineering in Pakistan.
Regulation and licensure in Sri Lanka and Europe
4.1 Sri Lanka
– The title engineer is not regulated in Sri Lanka.
– All engineering practitioners in Sri Lanka need to be registered with the engineering council to practice.
– Failing to register is an offense and can result in imprisonment or a fine.
– Regulation is governed by the Engineering Council Act No 4 of 2017.
– Registration ensures compliance with professional standards.
4.2 Europe
– European Engineer (Eur Ing, EUR ING) is an international certificate for engineers used in many European countries.
– The certificate is granted through application to a national member of Engineers Europe.
– Engineers Europe strives to establish EUR ING as a guarantee of competence for professional engineers.
– The use of EUR ING as a title can be problematic in some states due to regulations on the use of the term ‘Engineer.’
– Recognition of engineering degrees and professional qualifications varies among EU member countries.
Regulation and licensure in the UK and Canada
5.1 UK
– In the UK, the title engineer is not regulated, but certain engineering titles are.
– Engineering Council holds national registers of qualified engineers.
5.2 Canada
– Engineering practice is highly regulated under licensing administered by self-regulated engineering associations in each province.
– Accreditation of schools and degree granting status are monitored by Engineers Canada.
– Continuous accreditation process enforced through regular reviews of each school.
– Reviews include curriculum review, interviews with students and teaching staff, and assessment of extracurricular activities. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartered_Engineer
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 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.
As with many other professions and activities, engineering is often a restricted activity. Relatedly, jurisdictions that license according to particular engineering discipline define the boundaries of each discipline carefully so that practitioners understand what they are competent to do.
A licensed engineer takes legal responsibility for engineering work, product or projects (typically via a seal or stamp on the relevant design documentation) as far as the local engineering legislation is concerned. Regulations require that only a licensed engineer can sign, seal or stamp technical documentation such as reports, plans, engineering drawings and calculations for study estimate or valuation or carry out design analysis, repair, servicing, maintenance or supervision of engineering work, process or project. In cases where public safety, property or welfare is concerned, licensed engineers are trusted by the government and the public to perform the task in a competent manner. In various parts of the world, licensed engineers may use a protected title such as professional engineer, chartered engineer, or simply engineer.
