The Origins of the PE Designation
The Professional Engineer (PE) designation is a key certification for engineers that grants them the authority to legally approve engineering plans, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. The roots of the PE designation trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when engineering was becoming an increasingly important field, particularly with the rise of industrialization and large-scale infrastructure projects.
In the 1800s, anyone could claim to be an engineer, as there were no formal standards or regulations governing the profession. This lack of oversight led to various engineering failures, which resulted in dangerous situations and even loss of life. One notable example was the catastrophic collapse of the South Fork Dam in Pennsylvania in 1889, which led to the Johnstown Flood, killing over 2,200 people. These kinds of disasters prompted discussions about the need for professional standards and qualifications for engineers.
The First Licensing Laws: 1907
The first significant step toward the modern PE designation occurred in 1907 in Wyoming. Wyoming passed the first engineering licensure law in the United States, requiring engineers to be licensed to ensure their competence. This law was implemented to protect public safety by ensuring that only qualified individuals could approve engineering designs. The law also introduced the idea that engineers should be held to ethical standards, which has remained a key component of the profession today.
Wyoming’s licensure law set a precedent for other states to follow. Over the next several decades, many states adopted similar regulations, and by the 1930s, professional engineering licensure had become widespread across the United States. However, the specifics of licensure requirements varied from state to state, leading to the need for a more standardized system.
Why the PE Designation Is Required to Stamp Plans
The requirement for a PE to stamp and approve plans stems from the idea that only individuals with a certain level of expertise should be responsible for projects that can impact public safety. Infrastructure projects like bridges, buildings, and roads require precise planning and design to ensure they are structurally sound and safe for public use. By requiring a PE stamp, governing bodies could ensure that those approving plans had demonstrated competency through rigorous testing and experience.
Stamping engineering plans is more than just a formality; it is a legal responsibility. Engineers with a PE designation are bound by both state and national codes of ethics to prioritize public safety and welfare in their work. Should an approved project fail due to negligence or errors, the PE who stamped the plans could face legal repercussions, including the loss of licensure, fines, or other penalties.
Determining Eligibility for PE Certification
The process to become a Professional Engineer typically involves several key steps:
- Education: Engineers must first earn a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program. This ensures that candidates have a strong foundation in the necessary technical skills.
- FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering): After obtaining a degree, aspiring PEs must pass the FE exam, which tests basic engineering principles and practices. Passing this exam allows them to become Engineers in Training (EIT) or Engineer Interns (EI).
- Work Experience: After passing the FE exam, candidates must gain relevant work experience under the supervision of a licensed PE. Typically, four years of professional experience are required, though the exact length may vary by jurisdiction.
- PE Exam: After fulfilling the work experience requirement, candidates are eligible to take the PE exam. This exam is discipline-specific and tests advanced engineering knowledge in a particular field (e.g., civil, mechanical, electrical).
- Licensure: Upon passing the PE exam, the candidate becomes a licensed Professional Engineer, allowing them to sign and stamp engineering plans.
The development of these requirements took several decades, as different states implemented their own systems. Today, the licensure process is managed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), which provides standard exams and helps ensure uniformity across states.
Important Events in PE History
Several key events contributed to the widespread adoption of the PE designation and the standards we use today:
- The Johnstown Flood (1889): As mentioned earlier, this disaster highlighted the need for engineering oversight and regulation. Many believed that with more stringent standards, such disasters could have been avoided.
- Formation of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) in 1934: The NSPE was founded to advocate for the interests of professional engineers and to promote licensure across all states. It has since become one of the most important organizations for engineers in the United States.
- Introduction of the Model Law (1960s): The NCEES introduced a model law to help standardize the PE licensure process across states. This model law included provisions for education, exams, and experience, making it easier for engineers to become licensed in multiple states.
- Engineering Disasters of the 20th Century: Events like the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940 and the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse in 1981 led to greater scrutiny of engineering standards. These incidents reinforced the importance of having qualified engineers approve and oversee complex projects.
Conclusion
The PE designation is the culmination of decades of efforts to ensure public safety and professional competency in engineering. From the early disasters that sparked the need for regulation to the creation of national standards, the PE licensure process has evolved to become a rigorous and respected certification. Today, engineers with the PE designation play a critical role in ensuring the safety and success of infrastructure projects around the world.
This certification not only signifies technical knowledge but also serves as a commitment to ethical responsibility and public safety, reinforcing the crucial role that licensed engineers play in shaping the built environment.