On June 28, 2024, Governor Shapiro signed Act 32 of 2024, a significant piece of legislation that streamlines the licensing process for engineers in Pennsylvania. This act removes a previous requirement for Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate holders to demonstrate four years of experience after obtaining their certification.
Four years of progressive experience is still required, but it can now be earned prior to taking the FE exam. This change aims to accelerate the licensing process without compromising the high standards of the PE license.
PSPE recognizes the overwhelming need for more Professional Engineers in the workforce and is honored to have initiated and shepherded this legislation from start to finish.
Act 32 made additional revisions to the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law.
The “practice of engineering” is now defined in law as “the application of the mathematical and physical sciences for the design or analysis of public or private buildings structures, machines, equipment, processes, works or engineering systems, and the consultation, investigation, evaluation or surveys, construction management, modification and alteration, planning and inspection in connection therewith …”
An opinion of the Commonwealth Court (SOUTHEASTERN REPROGRAPHICS INC v. BUREAU OF PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL AFFAIRS) implied that the practice of engineering was established only when there was an actual “design”. PSPE pursued this change to clarify that the practice of engineering is not limited to only services that produce a design.
The title “engineer-in-training” has been updated to coincide with the title recommended by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The new title for those individuals who have passed the fundamentals of engineering exam is “engineer intern”.
Distance learning intended to qualify for Professional Development Hours (PDH) must be verifiable and measurable by the actual hours of instruction. This change was made to assist the Registration Board in determining the applicability of activities intended to meet the continuing professional competency requirements.
These changes became effective August 27th, 2024.
For more information on becoming a licensed engineer in Pennsylvania, please visit:
Pennsylvania Department of State – Licensing Information: Engineers, Land Surveyors, Geologists | Department of State | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
