Approved by the Committee on Licensure Innovation on August 26, 2026
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on September 2, 2026
Adopted by the Board of Direction on October 16, 2026
Policy
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports competency-based pathways to professional licensure, including for engineering graduates with four-year ABET-accredited Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) degrees who meet all requirements for licensure. The requirements should include additional years of progressive engineering experience, and other provisions deemed appropriate by the licensing jurisdiction, to address the fact that the standards for accreditation of ETAC degree programs are not comparable to those of an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) accredited degree in engineering, which is the historical educational standard for licensure.
Issue
Professional licensure establishes the minimum legal standard to serve in responsible charge of engineering services. The traditional pathway is an ABET/EAC-accredited degree in engineering, four years of progressive engineering experience, and successful passage of examinations to establish that an individual is competent for licensure. Most jurisdictions permit licensure for ETAC degree-holders through additional requirements.
The gap between EAC and ETAC degree programs is evident when comparing degree curricula as well as ABET accreditation criteria. The gap is significant enough to warrant the requirement of additional years of relevant and progressive experience prior to licensure to ensure that those licensees with Engineering Technology degrees have gained the requisite experience to help address the gap in education.
Rationale
ASCE recognizes that traditional EAC/ABET-accredited engineering degrees represent one established pathway toward competency and licensure, but not necessarily the only pathway. While the educational requirements of a four-year ETAC-accredited degree program are not equivalent to an EAC-accredited degree program, having a reasonable pathway for those with an Engineering Technology degree to practice in responsible charge of engineering work serves the purpose of professional licensure: to protect and advance the health, safety and welfare of the public.
ASCE Policy 578
First Approved 2026