May 2014

NSPE TODAY
Tennessee Bill Targets Additional Certifications for PEs

The Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers wants state law to protect licensed design professionals from being required to have additional licenses and certifications to practice in their field.

Legislation (H.B. 1517) introduced in January clarifies licensure requirements to ensure that a licensed engineer or architect who is providing design services within the scope of practice and area of competence will not have to obtain an additional license, certification, or registration to perform these services.

TSPE and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee have explained to the bill’s sponsors that state law requires PEs to practice only in those areas in which they are competent. PEs’ competence to practice in specific areas is based on education, examination, and experience, and their code of ethics and professional conduct prohibits them from practicing outside of their area of expertise.

NSPE believes that professional engineers may voluntarily have their expertise in a specified field of engineering recognized through an appropriate specialty certification program (NSPE Position Statement No. 1737, “Licensure and Qualifications for Practice”). The certifications, however, shouldn’t imply that other licensed engineers are less qualified to practice engineering.

NSPE and state societies actively oppose attempts to enact any local, state, or federal legislation or rule that mandates certification in lieu of or beyond licensure as a legal requirement for the performance of engineering services.