Do Structural Engineers Need to be Licensed?

For 65 years, the health, safety and well-being of all Americans have been safeguarded by the licensing of professional engineers. In the majority of states, structural engineers also require a license. The Institution of Structural Engineers (iStructe) is a professional body based in the United Kingdom that sets qualifications and standards for structural engineering. It is governed by the Royal Charter, Statutes, Regulations and Standing Orders, and its board of directors consists of twelve members, including the president, vice presidents, up to three previous presidents and council members.

Unlicensed engineers usually work as employees of a company or as professors in engineering colleges, where they are governed by the industrial exemption clause.

Buildings

subject to building codes are not covered by an industrial exemption, although small residential buildings often do not require an engineer's seal. The term engineer is often used vaguely in some sectors of Canadian industry to describe people who work in the field of engineering technology, not professional engineering such as engineering technologists or engineering technicians and trade names such as stationary engineer. In order to become a licensed civil engineer, it is necessary to complete a 42-month apprenticeship program, a minimum 2,400-hour university diploma in engineering or technology, two years of relevant experience and pass the state exam.

California requires two additional examinations in surveying and seismic engineering for civil engineering candidates, and many states have tests based on their individual laws and ethical requirements. When engineering is a regulated profession, there are specific procedures and requirements for obtaining a registration, statute or license to practice engineering. These are obtained from the government or from an authority that grants the charter acting on their behalf and engineers are subject to regulation by these bodies. A bachelor's degree (with honors) in engineering or engineering technology from an accredited university is also equated to level 6 in the EQF.

After at least five years of relevant work experience and the accumulation of at least 17 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points, they can attempt the Engineering Practice Exam (EPE) conducted by the PEC. Cost engineering professionals should share a common understanding based on scientific principles and techniques with engineering or other creative professional roles. Invited lectures, publication of research, creation of a book and social work for engineers in recognized engineering associations are all important aspects of becoming a qualified engineer. It is essential for structural engineers to be licensed in order to protect public safety.

The requirements for licensure vary from state to state but typically include completing an apprenticeship program, obtaining a university diploma in engineering or technology, having two years of relevant experience and passing the state exam. In conclusion, it is clear that structural engineers must be licensed in order to ensure public safety. Licensure requires completing an apprenticeship program, obtaining a university diploma in engineering or technology, having two years of relevant experience and passing the state exam.