A Win-Win-Win for Texas Engineers
Take this for what it is, the opinion of one person who is not from Texas, and for what little it may be worth because of that.
Texas engineers are currently discussing an initiative of structural engineers in Texas to establish discipline-specific licensure for structural engineers. Texas has historically licensed engineers only as professional engineers. PEs in Texas, as in most states, are obligated to use their professional judgment to ensure that they practice only within their area of expertise. The structural engineers in Texas propose to change that by establishing an SE license for structural engineers. This proposal is controversial among engineers in Texas, with some in favor and some against such a change. Establishing a formal discipline-specific license would require a change in the Texas engineering statute through the legislature.
NSPE’s long-standing policy has been to advocate that engineers be licensed as professional engineers. The NSPE policy is clear and simple, as follows: NSPE endorses and supports the concept of licensure of engineers only as a "professional engineer" and opposes licensure status by designated branches or specialties. (NSPE Position Statement No. 1737—Licensure and Qualifications for Practice).
A recent article in PE magazine describes the nature of this issue. In 2010, structural engineering organizations are making overtures to establish discipline specific licensure in eight states, including Texas.
There is another alternative that merits careful consideration by all parties in Texas. The Texas Board of Professional Engineers maintains an excellent online roster where the primary discipline or disciplines of each licensed engineer is/are listed adjacent to their name. An engineer who has education and experience as a structural engineer is listed as “STR” on that roster. The TBPE could change its policy on assigning those disciplines going forward to only indicate “STR” for those engineers who have education and experience in structural engineering AND have passed either the Structural I and II exams in the past, or the new 16-hour structural engineering exam in the future. Simple. No statute change required. Engineers licensed prior to the date of the change could be listed as STR*, unless they had passed the Structural I and II exams.
This is a simple and elegant solution to what is otherwise a controversial issue. And it is a win-win-win.
It is a “win” for TBPE because it provides a way for structural engineers to demonstrate advanced qualifications by passing the rigorous two-day structural engineering exams. And the board can do so without a statute change, and probably without a rules change. Simple.
It is a “win” for Texas structural engineers because this simple change accomplishes the same objectives as would the establishment of a new “Title Act” in Texas. Structural engineers could point out to clients and among themselves the clear indication of advanced qualifications presented online.
And it is a “win” for the Texas Society of Professional Engineers because this alternative accomplishes everyone’s objectives in a manner that is fully consistent with NSPE’s policy, and with the views of most or all professional engineers.
This is a “win-win-win.” Simple. Easy to do. And, consistent with everyone’s objectives. Since this is the personal opinion of someone who is not from Texas, take it for what little it may be worth. But this concept merits consideration by all parties.