Licensure is the mark of a professional. It demonstrates a commitment to the high standards of professionalism to which the engineering profession subscribes.

Licensure is important because it demonstrates the accomplishment of a set of standards to which all engineering professionals recognize. Consider the following:

• It serves as a protection of public health, safety, and welfare. It demonstrates that you've accomplished a recognized standard.

• In most cases, it provides a "portable" credential, which means once you've received your P.E., you can carry the P.E. credential with you throughout your career. True, you will need to register with the states in which you want to use the P.E. credential, and some states may have additional requirements, but the P.E. credential itself is very portable.

• It sets you apart from others in your profession.

• It gives you career options and opportunities that might not have been available to you without the licensed professional engineer designation.
The History of Licensure

The first regulation to control a profession was established in Europe in the 12th century. In 1140 A.D., King Roger of Normandy decreed that doctors must present proof of competency before being allowed to practice ********. These doctors were required to be examined and certified by their peers before they were allowed to offer their services to the public.

In the United States, licensure of professionals experienced a slow start. The first profession requiring licensure was dentistry in 1883. Later, medical doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, accountants, and other professionals were regulated and licensed.

The first licensing law governing the practice of engineering and surveying was passed by Wyoming in 1907. The creation of this law was generated because of the many non-professionals practicing engineering and surveying. To end the abuse, a bill was introduced in the Wyoming legislature requiring the licensure of all engineers and surveyors.

Despite opposition, the bill passed and a new era in the regulation of engineering and surveying began. In a slow but steady progression, other states followed, adding licensing laws to their statutes. By 1950, all states, plus Alaska, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico had adopted licensing laws of some kind.

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