Policy statement 524 - Advanced credentialing within the civil engineering profession

Approved by the Committee on Licensure on July 16, 2017
Approved by the Committee on Advancing the Profession on November 6, 2017
Approved by the Public Policy Committee on March 13, 2018
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 13, 2018

Policy

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) to demonstrate an individual's competency in the breadth of the civil engineering practice. ASCE also supports post-PE credentialing that attests to a Professional Engineer's expertise in a civil engineering specialty area. Obtaining a post-PE credential should require the engineer to demonstrate attainment of an appropriate body of knowledge in that specialty area. ASCE advocates that an individual should first obtain a license as a professional engineer, followed, if desired, by subsequent post-PE credentials such as licenses, licensing board designations, specialty certifications, and/or titles.

Issue

While the practice of civil engineering may require in-depth knowledge within specialty areas, the successful completion of civil engineering projects requires comprehensive knowledge, experience, and judgment in a variety of related areas within the profession. Furthermore, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Model Law requires that licensees must demonstrate by education, experience, and examination that they are competent in their field. Therefore, licensure conveys to the public the Professional Engineer's qualifications. Additionally, following licensure as a Professional Engineer there is a desire to recognize those with engineering expertise in specialized areas of civil engineering. Post-PE credentialing helps achieve this goal. Credentialing is a generic term defining the granting of a credential; for example, licenses, licensing board designations, specialty certifications, and/or titles.

Rationale

The NCEES Model Law is intended to provide greater uniformity of qualifications for licensure, simplify interstate licensing procedures and enhance mobility, and establish levels of qualifications for professional licensure that protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. The process of attaining a license as a Professional Engineer is the initial step as recognition of competency to practice civil engineering. Engineers who exhibit advanced expertise within a specialty area of civil engineering should be identified through post-PE credentialing programs.

ASCE Policy Statement 524
First Approved in 2008