61G15-20
EFFECTIVE DATE: 12/29/2019
61G15-20.001 Definitions
61G15-20.002 Experience
61G15-20.006 Educational Requirements
61G15-20.100 Certificates of Authorization
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the rule amendments is to implement the statutory changes in Sections 5 and 6, Chapter 2019-86, Laws of Florida, which establishes a pathway for applicants holding engineering technology degrees to establish eligibility for licensure in Florida.
SUMMARY: Implement statutory changes to rule text.
61G15-20.001 Definitions.
As used hereinafter in this chapter the following words or phrases shall be defined as follows:
(1) No change.
(2) “Board approved engineering programs” shall mean:
(a) Engineering programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (EAC/ABET or EAC/M-ABET)., The Term “engineering program” is synonymous with the term “engineering science” used in section 471.013(1)(a)1. and “engineering degree,” as used elsewhere in this Chapter; or
(b) No change.
(c) Engineering technology programs accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ETAC/ABET); or
(d) In the case of an applicant who did not graduate from an approved program as set forth in paragraph (2)(a), or (2)(b), or (2)(c), above, and who:
- Holds a baccalaureate degree from an engineering program that is not accredited by EAC/ABET, provided the applicant meets the educational requirements set forth in subsection 61G15-20.007(1), F.A.C., or
- Holds a baccalaureate degree from an engineering technology program that is not accredited by ETAC/ABET, provided the applicant meets the educational requirements set forth in subsection 61G15-20.008(1), F.A.C., or
(e)(d) In the case of an applicant who holds a non-engineering baccalaureate degree coupled with a master’s and/or doctoral degree in engineering, provided the applicant meets the educational requirements set forth in subsection 61G15-20.007(1), F.A.C. or subsection 61G15-20.008(1), F.A.C., respectively; or
(f)(e) No change.
61G15-20.002 Experience.
(1)(a) In order to qualify for licensure meet the prerequisites for entry into the engineering examination, an applicant is required to have the requisite number of four years of acceptable experience in engineering at the time of application for licensure and four years of acceptable educational qualifications. In determining whether an applicant’s experience background is sufficient to meet the requirements set forth in sections 471.015(2)3(1)(a)1. and 2., F.S., the Board has determined that an individual must have the requisite number of years of acceptable engineering experience gained through education and through the requisite amount of full-time employment in engineering. The type of employment which shall be acceptable must principally involve activities in the field of engineering as defined in section 471.005(7), F.S. The Board may accept engineering experience in foreign countries if such experience is properly verified by the Board from evidence supplied by the applicant to be equivalent to that accepted as experience by the Board as to any state or territory.
(b) Because the evaluation of experience is a complex and subjective matter, the Board establishes the following guidelines which shall be generally applicable absent extraordinary evidence and documentation supporting a departure therefrom:
- No change.
- Engineering experience obtained prior to the completion of the approved engineering program degree is usually of a subprofessional nature. If the full-time experience is obtained within the 2 years immediately preceding completion of the approved engineering program degree, and involves tasks and responsibilities consistent with the disciplines of engineering, experience credit may be awarded at 50% of actual time. In any event, the total engineering experience credit allowable for pregraduation experience shall not exceed 12 months.
- Experience credit is based on a 40 hour per week full-time employment basis. Applicants whose employer authorizes or requires less than 40 hours per week may still be determined to be employed full-time but must demonstrate sufficient hours worked to establish 40 hour per week equivalency. No additional credit is allowable for overtime work, or for part-time work experience obtained while pursuing engineering education on a full-time basis, or for the pursuit of a master’s or doctoral degree while obtaining full-time work experience.
- through 15. No change.
(2) In order to verify an applicant’s experience record, the Board will require evidence of employment from employers or supervisors who are employed in the engineering profession or are professional engineers, who shall set forth the quality and character of the applicant’s duties and responsibilities. In addition to the employer verification, an applicant must list three current personal references who are professional engineers. Should the Board find the information submitted by the applicant is insufficient or incomplete, the Board may require the applicant to supply additional references or evidence regarding the applicant’s experience and background or both so that an intelligent decision may be made on whether admittance to the examination is allowable.
The Board will accept as equivalent to one year’s experience a master’s degree in engineering from an EAC/M-ABET-accredited program or from a college or university in the U.S. that has an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering program in a related discipline at the baccalaureate level. The Board will also accept as equivalent to one year’s experience a doctorate in engineering from a college or university in the U.S. that has an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering program in a related discipline at the baccalaureate level. Experience equivalents will be given for the master’s or doctoral degree only if the applicant has earned a prior engineering or engineering technology degree from a college or university that solely meets the requirements of a Board-approved engineering program as defined in subsection 61G15-20.001(2), F.A.C. Experience equivalents shall not be given for a master’s or doctoral degree if credits earned for the degree are used to satisfy educational requirements of rules 61G15-20.007, F.A.C. or 61G15-20.008, F.A.C. The combination of experience equivalents and work experience shall not exceed the number of actual months during which the experience is claimed.
61G15-20.006 Educational Requirements.
(1) The evaluation of curricula and standards of accreditation for approval of degree programs required by section 471.013, F.S., shall be made by the Education Advisory Committee and shall be based upon an overview of engineering programs within the United States accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission or Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., (EAC/ABET or ETAC/ABET), and an evaluation of such programs and schools, following the definition of the practice of engineering set forth in section 471.005(7), F.S. Acceptable curricula requirements and degree programs shall conform to the criteria for accrediting engineering programs set forth by the Engineering Accreditation Commission or Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., (EAC/ABET or ETAC/ABET) and found in the applicable Annual Report of EAC/ABET or ETAC/ABET.
(2) A non-EAC/ABET or ETAC/ABET accredited engineering degree program (hereinafter “engineering program”) which seeks approval pursuant to section 471.013(1)(a), F.S., shall submit the following to the Board:
(a) through (b) No change.
(3) No change.
(4) The Meaning of Approval.
(a) Purpose.
- Approval of an engineering program is the responsibility of the Board and is based on standards established by the Board. The same standards as are applied in the accreditation of engineering programs by EAC/ABET or ETAC/ABET will be applied for approval of an engineering program.
- through 3. No change.
(b) No change.
(5) Objectives.
(a) An essential objective of a program in engineering education leading to a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering (BSE) or Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) degree must be to meet the standards herein described for approval that its graduates will be prepared to qualify for licensure, to provide competent engineering services and to have the educational background necessary for lifelong learning. An engineering program may establish additional objectives consistent with its available resources. Objectives must be defined in writing and made known to faculty and students. While recognizing the existence and appropriateness of diverse institutional missions and educational objectives, the Board subscribes to the proposition that local circumstances do not justify approval of a program that fails to meet the standards as set forth in this rule.
(b) No change.
(6) No change.
(7) Administration.
(a) through (b) No change.
(c) Design and Management.
- The program’s faculty must be responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of the educational program. A faculty committee should undertake this responsibility with full support of the chief academic officer and staff. The curriculum of the program leading to the professional engineering or engineering technology degree must be designed to provide a general professional education, recognizing that, this alone, is insufficient to prepare a graduate for independent, unsupervised practice throughout a professional lifetime.
- No change.
(d) Content.
- through 4. No change.
- The faculty committee responsible for curriculum should develop, and the chief academic officer should enforce, the same rigorous standards for the content of each year of the program leading to the BSE or BSET. The final year should complement and supplement the curriculum of the individual student so that each student will acquire appropriate competence in general engineering care regardless of subsequent career specialty.
- No change.
(e) No change.
(8) Resources for the Educational Program.
(a) Finances. The cost of conducting a certified educational program leading to the BSE or BSET must be supported by sufficient financial resources. Dependence upon tuition must not cause schools to seek enrollment of more students than their total resources can accommodate and provide with a sound education experience.
(b) through (c) No change.
(9) No change.
(10) Board Approval.
(a) through (c) No change.
(d) Provisional approval may be granted where deficiencies exist but are not of such magnitude to warrant denial entirely. The Board shall determine the period of provisional approval, not to exceed three (3) years, based on the nature of the deficiencies found, and an estimate of the reasonable period of time which may be necessary to remedy the deficiencies. Failure to remedy the deficiencies within the time specified by the Board may be grounds for denial of approval. The Board may, however, extend the period within which deficiencies may be remedied, if there is good cause to do so. A site visit may be required by the Board if it deems it necessary to determine whether the deficiencies have been adequately remedied and whether any other conditions may have changed during the period of provisional approval.
(e) No change.
(f) Periodic surveys and evaluations of all approved schools shall be made at least every four (4) years.
(g) No change.
(1) Pursuant to Section 471.023, F.S., the practice or offer to practice engineering or engineering services to the public through a business organization, or by a business organization or other person practicing under a fictitious name, is permitted only if the business organization is qualified by a Florida licensed professional engineer. possesses a Certificate of Authorization issued by the Board. In addition, Certificates of Authorization must be renewed every two (2) years, and each business organization issued a Certificate of Authorization A qualifying agent who is the professional engineer qualifying the business organization must notify the Board of any change in the name of the business organization or the business organization’s qualifying professional engineer within thirty (30) days of such change.
(2) Applications for an initial Certificate of Authorization or notification of the change of name of the business organization or of the qualifying Professional Engineer, shall be made on Form FBPE/030, 04/17, Application for Certificate of Authorization, which is incorporated by reference herein and may be obtained from https://fbpe.org/licensure/application-process/certificate-of-authorization/ or at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-08595. All applications must be accompanied by the fee as specified in Rule 61G15-24.001, F.A.C.
(3) Applications for renewal of a Certificate of Authorization shall be made on Form FBPE/031, 06/17, Certificate of Authorization Renewal Application And Instructions, which is incorporated by reference herein and may be obtained from https://fbpe.org/licensure/application-process/certificate-of-authorization/ or at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-08596. All renewal applications must be accompanied by the fee as specified in Rule 61G15-24.001, F.A.C.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/27/2020
61G15-20.0010 Application for Licensure as Professional Engineer
61G15-20.007 Educational Requirements for Applicants without EAC/ABET Accredited Engineering Degrees
61G15-20.008 Educational Requirements for Applicants without ETAC/ABET Accredited Engineering Technology Degrees
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the amendments is to delete unnecessary language and to add new language to update and clarify and update the incorporated application.
SUMMARY: Update rule text and incorporated application.
61G15-20.001 Application for Licensure as Professional Engineer.
(1) Any person desiring licensure as a professional engineer in Florida shall submit an application to the Board. The instructions and application Form FBPE/002 (1209/19), entitled, “Application for Licensure as Professional Engineer,” is hereby incorporated by reference, copies of which may be obtained from the Board office at 2639 North Monroe Street, Suite B-112, Tallahassee, Florida 32303; from the Board’s website at http://www.fbpe.org/licensure/application-process or at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref- 11409. The Board shall certify as eligible for licensure only those applicants who have completed the application form, remitted the application and examination fee(s) required by Chapter 61G15-24, F.A.C., and who have demonstrated to the Board that they:
(a) through (d) No change
(2) through (5) No change.
(6) No later than December 31, 2024, the Board shall review and consider amendment, modification, or repeal of this rule if review determines this rule creates barriers to entry for private business competition, is duplicative, outdated, obsolete, overly burdensome, or imposes excessive costs.
61G15-20.007 Educational Requirements for Applicants without EAC/ABET Accredited Engineering Degrees.
(1) Applicants having engineering degrees from programs that are not accredited by EAC/ABET must demonstrate:
(a) No change.
(b) 9 college semester credit hours in general education. Examples of acceptable courses include philosophy, religion, history, literature, fine arts, sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology, economics, (micro and macro), professional ethics, and social responsibility. Examples of other general education courses deemed acceptable include management (such as organizational behavior), accounting, written and oral communications, business, and law. No more than 6 credit hours can come from courses in management, accounting, business, or law. Courses in engineering economics, engineering management, construction management, systems engineering/analysis, production, or industrial engineering/management will not be counted. Up to 6 credit hours of languages other than the applicant’s native language are acceptable for credit. English and foreign language courses in literature and civilization may be considered in this area. Courses that instill cultural values are acceptable, while routine exercises of personal craft are not. Other means towards satisfying the general education requirement are as follows: Earning a doctoral degree is equivalent to 10 credit hours if the degree is from a college or university in the U.S. that has an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering program in a related discipline at the baccalaureate level.
(c) 45 college semester credit hours of engineering science and engineering design taught within the college or by the faculty of engineering. Courses in this area shall have their roots in mathematics and basic sciences but carry knowledge further toward creative application of engineering principles. Examples of approved engineering science courses are mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, electrical and electronic circuits, materials science, transport phenomena, engineering economics, and computer science (other than computer programming skills). Courses in engineering design stress the establishment of objectives and criteria, synthesis, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation. Graduate-level engineering courses may be included to fulfill curricular requirements in this area. A maximum of six credit hours will be granted for thesis, dissertation, special topics and independent study at any level. Graphics, surveying, or engineering technology courses will not be considered to meet engineering science and design requirements. Cooperative training, practicums, internships, and continuing education activities will not receive credit.
(2) An applicant whose only educational deficiency is under paragraph (1)(b), above, shall be entitled to receive conditional approval to take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination. Such an applicant shall not become eligible for the Principles and Practice examination until satisfactory completion and documentation of the necessary hours required in paragraph (1)(b), above.
(3) through (6) renumbered (2) through (5) No change .
(6) No later than December 31, 2024, the Board shall review and consider amendment, modification, or repeal of this rule if review determines this rule creates barriers to entry for private business competition, is duplicative, outdated, obsolete, overly burdensome, or imposes excessive costs.
61G15-20.008 Educational Requirements for Applicants without ETAC/ABET Accredited Engineering Technology Degrees.
(1) Applicants having a baccalaureate degree in engineering technology from programs that are not accredited by ETAC/ABET must demonstrate:
(a) No change.
(b) A minimum of 9 college semester credit hours in general education. Examples of acceptable courses include philosophy, religion, history, literature, fine arts, sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology, economics (micro and macro), professional ethics, and social responsibility. Examples of other general education courses deemed acceptable include management (such as organizational behavior), accounting, written and oral communications, business, and law. No more than 6 credit hours can come from courses in management, accounting, business, or law. Courses in engineering economics, engineering management, construction management, systems engineering/analysis, production, or industrial engineering/management will not be counted. Up to 6 credit hours of languages other than the applicant’s native language are acceptable for credit. English and foreign language courses in literature and civilization may be considered in this area. Courses that instill cultural values are acceptable, while routine exercises of personal craft are not. Other means towards satisfying the general education requirement are as follows: Earning a doctoral degree is equivalent to 10 credit hours if the degree is from a college or university in the U.S. that has an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering or ETAC/ABET engineering technology program in a related discipline at the baccalaureate level.
(c) A minimum of 40 college semester credit hours of engineering technology, engineering science, or engineering design taught within the college or by the faculty of engineering. Courses in this area shall have their roots in mathematics and basic sciences but carry knowledge further toward creative application of engineering principles. Examples of approved engineering technology courses are mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, electrical and electronic circuits, materials science, transport phenomena, engineering economics, and computer science (other than computer programming skills). Courses in engineering design stress the establishment of objectives and criteria, synthesis, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation. All engineering course work should incorporate hands-on laboratory work as described in ETAC/ABET criteria, and shall contain a sufficiently designed engineering technology program to provide minimal competency in the use of engineering algorithms and procedures. Graduate-level engineering courses may be included to fulfill curricular requirements in this area. A maximum of six credit hours will be granted for thesis, dissertation, special topics and independent study at any level. Graphics or surveying courses will not be considered to meet engineering technology, science and design requirements. Cooperative training, practicums, internships, and continuing education activities will not receive credit.
(d) Credit will also be given for other technical coursework that enhances the applicant’s ability to practice engineering as defined in Section 471.005(7), F.S.
(2) An applicant whose only educational deficiency is under paragraph (1)(b), above, shall be entitled to receive conditional approval to take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination. Such an applicant shall not become eligible for the Principles and Practice examination until satisfactory completion and documentation of the necessary hours required in paragraph (1)(b), above.
(3) through (6) renumbered (2) through (5) No change.
(6) No later than December 31, 2024, the Board shall review and consider amendment, modification, or repeal of this rule if review determines this rule creates barriers to entry for private business competition, is duplicative, outdated, obsolete, overly burdensome, or imposes excessive costs.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/18/2022
61G15-20.0017 Application for Retired Status
61G15-20.006 Educational Requirements
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the amendments are to update the rules to revise language, including proper incorporation of applications.
SUMMARY: Update and revise rule text with correct address and application.
61G15-20.0017 Application for Retired Status.
(1) A person wishing to apply for Retired Status shall submit a completed application to the Board. The instructions and application Form FBPE/005(Rev. 4/2022)(06-01), entitled “Application For Retired Status”, which is incorporated by reference at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14004 effective 9-27-01, copies of which may be obtained from the Board office at 2400 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32308 or from the Board’s website at http://www.fbpe.org/licensure/application-process. The Board shall certify as eligible for Retired Status any applicant who has completed the application form and who has chosen to relinquish or not to renew his or her license, unless disciplinary proceedings are pending against the applicant at the time of application for retired status.
(2) through (3) No change.
(4) No later than 90 days prior to December 31, 2026, the Board shall review and amend, modify, or sunset this rule if it determines this rule creates barriers to entry for private business competition, is duplicative, outdated, obsolete, overly burdensome, or imposes excessive costs. Failure by the Board to act in accordance with this provision will result in the expiration of this rule on December 31, 2026.
61G15-20.006 Educational Requirements.
(1) No change.
(2) A non-EAC/ABET accredited engineering degree program (hereinafter “engineering program”) which seeks approval pursuant to section 471.013(1)(a), F.S., shall apply in writing submit the following to the Board.:
(a) A completed application form “Request for Evaluation” [FBPE/007 (11-07)] and “Self-Study Report” [FBPE/008 (1-08)] hereby incorporated by reference (which may be obtained from the Board by writing to: Executive Director, Florida Board of Professional Engineers, 2639 North Monroe Street, Suite B-112, Tallahassee, Florida 32303);
(b) A current catalog and student and faculty handbook.
(3) The Board’s survey and evaluation of an engineering program shall consist of two elements:
(a) A review of the documents submitted by the applying engineering program applicant.
- The purpose of the review is initially to determine what documentation must be submitted by the applying engineering program, such that if the application is complete. The applicant will be notified if the application is not complete. If the application is complete, the Board can will begin the survey and evaluation of the engineering program.
- All and will provide the documents submitted will be provided to any outside consultants which the Board may retain to survey and evaluate the engineering program, at the expense of the applying engineering program.
- Documents will not be returned to the applying engineering program at the conclusion of the evaluation.
(b) No change.
(4) through (10) No change.
(11) No later than 90 days prior to December 31, 2026, the Board shall review and amend, modify, or sunset this rule if it determines this rule creates barriers to entry for private business competition, is duplicative, outdated, obsolete, overly burdensome, or imposes excessive costs. Failure by the Board to act in accordance with this provision will result in the expiration of this rule on December 31, 2026.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 8/6/2019
61G15-20.0019 Active Duty Armed Forces Member/Spouse Application for Licensure
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the rule amendment to update the application, add consolidated statutory language for qualifications, experience, expiration of time and to update the title.
SUMMARY: Update application, add consolidated statutory language and change the rule title.
61G15-20.0019 Active Duty Armed Forces Member/Spouse Application for Licensure; Qualifications; Expiration.
(1)(2) Application for Licensure. Application for licensure by United States Armed Forces members, former members or spouses of members shall be made on Form FBPE/MVL003, 04/19 04/18, Application for Professional Licensure for Active Duty Armed Forces Members, Former Members, or the Spouses of Active Duty Armed Forces Members, which is incorporated by reference herein and may be obtained from https://fbpe.org/licensure/other forms/active duty member or spouse or at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-09493.
(2) Active Duty United States Armed Forces. Pursuant to section 455.02(3)(a), F.S., the Board shall issue a license to an applicant who is or was an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States or who is or was married to an active duty member and who holds a valid license as a Professional Engineer in another jurisdiction and who meets the requirements for licensure after review of criminal history checks.
(3) Active Duty Florida National Guard / United States Armed Forces Reserves.
(a) Qualifications. Pursuant to section 250.483, F.S., upon request within six (6) months of release from active duty, a member of the Florida National Guard or United States Armed Forces Reserves is entitled to request licensure under the qualifications and criteria in effect at the time the member entered active duty and not those qualifications and criteria in effect at the time the licensure decision is made.
(b) Engineering Experience. As provided in subparagraph 61G15-20.002(1)(b)6., F.A.C., the Board will accept practical experience gained while serving in the Florida National Guard or United States Armed Forces Reserves determined by the Board to be substantially the same as the engineering experience required by the Rule.