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If you are a faithful reader of The Credential, you may remember an article in 2013 titled "Forget the Sizzle Here's the Stake on Licensure". This article focused on Architect licensure. To kick off 2014, we feature Engineer Licensure with an article written by guest author, Clint Mason, PE, President, Western Chapter MSPE. Clint is a professional engineer with ten years of structural design experience.
These days when everyone's schedule is filled to the brim, if not overflowing, and we are all working hard to balance our careers and families, I sometimes hear the question "What's in it for me?" Many engineers ask this question about professional licensure. Taking two intense exams separated by four years of professional experience, all after having graduated with an accredited college degree, can seem like a lot to go through to get an engineering license. I would argue that the benefits make it worth the effort for the professional licensure and registration.
The most obvious reason is professional licensure is required by law for engineers responsible for most design and plans prepared for public and private clients. In private practice, plans must be signed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer according to state laws in all fifty states. Those practicing engineering without a license can be prosecuted for doing so. Principals of consulting engineering firms must also be licensed professionals.
However, even if your current position and responsibilities do not require licensure, it can be a valuable tool for the future of your career. Graduating from college, going to work for one employer and remaining with them for an entire career is now the exception rather than the rule. Licensure can provide a competitive edge to engineers in many phases along their career paths. Whether looking for a promotion, a new opportunity with a different company, a new opportunity in a different sector of engineering or just competing with other employees at your current employer during an economic downturn; a professional license can provide a competitive advantage. It demonstrates competency as an engineer, initiative in obtaining a license and a commitment to the ethical practices of engineering, as agreed to when one becomes licensed.
Licensure is also becoming more important in federal government and education. Licensure is often not required for engineering positions in these sectors; however, licensure is being emphasized more and more by both the government and in higher education. The industry and education exemptions are being challenged in several states and no one can predict what the future might bring in these areas.
In addition to ensuring the public safety, which is why professional licensure was first enacted in Wyoming in 1907 and subsequently spread to all fifty states over the next forty years, there are many potential individual benefits for engineers who spend the time and exert the energy required to become licensed professionals.
After achieving many of your licensure goals, don't jeopardize your most important assets, your credentials, by mismanagement or neglect. Let us help you by reducing your time, energy and costs spent managing the complexities of the credentials management process. Visit us at www.AECredentialing.com.
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