Many engineers start with a bachelor’s degree, and not all require professional degrees. However, licensed engineering is a redefined field. To be a licensed engineer, one must attain a certain level of education. Requirements for licensing depend entirely on the type of field an engineer chooses, and continuing education is essential for professionals. Staying current with knowledge is essential for people working in the engineering field.
Professional engineering is based on practical studies and can sometimes get challenging without a higher degree. The pressure to seek higher education is increasing day by day for the younger generation because it leads to an increase in income and opportunities. Fortunately, there are various methods through which people can receive education and an accompanying degree for their jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Continuing Education?
Continuing Education (CE) is a requirement that engineering state licensing boards implement for an engineer to maintain a valid license. An engineer requires Professional Development Hours (PDH) to work officially in their field. It allows them to broaden their spectrum of knowledge as well as keep the public safety measures by ensuring that the person is trained adequately.
This can be done by obtaining PDH (both online and offline) credits or attending PDH seminars and conferences. This also prevents unethical or unqualified professionals from entering the engineering field.
How Does It Help?
This educational training for professional engineers is vital to stay up-to-date with the latest technological developments. The professionals are responsible to the public to keep them safe with their inventions and constructions. They must follow specific safety measures to arrange anything for public safety and convenience. For this purpose, PDH imparts them the confidence to evolve in their field with time.
It helps the opportunistic and financial growth of the people working actively in this area. Surveys by various magazines show that licensed engineers get higher salaries and better opportunities.
Is It Time Consuming?
The process of completing 15 PDH may seem daunting and challenging. It takes time and effort to complete and simultaneously work in the field. But continuing education is beneficial in terms of time and effort spent on self-study, attending various workshops, and getting a professional engineering license.
How To Pursue It?
Each state or professional company has different requirements for the credits per year. The content of CE is to be self-administered with the syllabus and acquitted with the latest developments in the field. For example, getting yourself to know how drones operate can be your self-designed CE syllabus by attending seminars, workshops, lectures, webinars, and learning courses. You can access on-demand courses on several websites that provide online classes at flexible timings according to engineers’ schedules.
How to Change the “Inactive Status”?
An engineer with inactive status can take up PDH to obtain an active status. The PDH hours can be completed, demonstrating compliance with administrations and associations. This practice will renew your status as an active member of the engineering associations.
Conclusion
The key to continuing professional competency for engineers is addressing the skill-set gaps between the current set of talents and the future set of skills. This can be possible via a flexible-scheduling approach which will help strengthen the engineering force and protect people from property damage.
