Items of Interest from the Disk of Knowledge
posted by Larry J Smith on 07/02/06
Don't Use After Expiration Date
In the "May 06 Items of Interest column " I pointed out the importance of construction engineers in the Engineering Profession. Licensure has become more important with the growing complexity and diversity of modern construction process and techniques. In the June 06 Edition of PE Magazine I was suprised to read that each year numerous professional engineers miss their license renewal dates resulting in major consequences including job suspensions and firings.
The article pointed out that PE license renewal tardiness in not close to being a rampant problem but its not uncommon to see more disciplinary actions against PEs who have been caught practicing with an expired license.
Having been a licensed professional engineer for over thirty years I'll never forget the excitement and proud feeling upon receiving notice of registration. I can't imagine not maintaining licensure as a professional engineer because I simple forget to renew or for making a decision that fees have simply increased too much to maintain my license. In most Corporations and Corps of Engineers Districts reimbursement for Professional Registration is now the norm. If your company or business does not promote professional registration or renewal they are missing the ability for all of us to make our mark as professionals.
Perhaps a simple reminder as to why we should be licensed can be a constant reminder to renew and keep your license current:
Why Should You Get Licensed?
Licensure, first of all, is the mark of a professional. The licensure process demands an extra measure of competence and dedication. While not all engineers find licensure mandatory for their chosen career paths, the PE initials after their names can provide many advantages.
Employers in all disciplines indicate that they find licensed professional engineer employees to be more dedicated, with enhanced leadership and management skills. These employers look to licensure in evaluating the advancement potential of employees.
Licensed engineers also achieve an enhanced status in the eyes of the public, which equates the engineer with professionals licensed in other fields.
Licensure is an indicator of dedication to integrity, hard work, and creativity, and an assurance that the individual engineer has passed at least a minimum screen of competence. Of course, licensure is just a starting point for professional growth and development, and participation in professional activities is part of the ongoing activities of a true professional .