Higher Learning: Many states require engineers to complete mandatory continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses

摘要

Only about 400,000 out of 2 million practicing engineers in the United States are actually licensed by the state in which they practice, says Al Gray, executive director of Alexandria, Va.-based National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). The organization that oversees the standards for licensing, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), Clemson, S.C., would prefer these engineers work toward their P.E. status - only licensed professionals are allowed to offer their services to the public and sign and seal plans - but the council encourages unlicensed and licensed engineers alike to participate in continuing education. "In order to practice the profession, we feel that continuing education is a critical component of the engineer's background," Gray says." We have always recommended continuing education and lifelong learning, given the complexity and the growing body of knowledge that engineers have to work with. Continuing education is a critical component of professional practice."