Continuing Professional Competency

Requirements for Professional Engineers

October 23, 2013

H. C. ‘Skip’ Harclerode, P.E., F.AICHE, F.NSPE Chairman

Maryland Board for Professional Engineers

Maryland State Board for Professional Engineers

The Board for Professional Engineers qualifies and licenses persons seeking licensure to practice as a professional engineerThe Board regulates the practice of engineering under the provisions of Business Occupations and Professions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, Title 14 and the Code of Maryland Regulations, Title 9, Subtitle 23The Board investigates complaints against licensees, as well as complaints related to unlicensed practiceThe Board may issue a reprimand, suspend or revoke a license and /or impose a fine

Maryland Board for Professional Engineers

H.C. Harclerode II, P.E., Chair, Chemical EngineerSteven A. Arndt, Ph.D., P.E., Vice Chair, Mechanical EngineerDavid G. Mongan, P.E., Civil Engineer Sallye E. Perrin, P.E., Civil EngineerPastor Farinas, P.E., Electrical EngineerKarl J. Rickert, P.E., Structural EngineerRosalind L. Yee, Consumer MemberSandra J. Murphy, Consumer Member

HB 80

Supported by a number of organizations including MSPESign by Governor April 13, 2010“The Board shall adopt regulations to require a demonstration of continuing professional competency...”“The Board shall issue a retired status license…”

Demonstration of CPC§ 14-314 (f) Regulations - Continuing professional responsibility.- The Board shall adopt regulations to require a demonstration of continuing professional competency for a licensee as a condition of renewal of a license

(1) continuing professional competency requirements do not apply to the first renewal of a license; 

(2) if a license expires on or before September 30, 2012, a licensee is not required to fulfill the continuing professional competency requirements; 

(3) if a license expires between October 1, 2012, and September 30, 2013, a licensee is required to fulfill 50% of the continuing professional competency requirements…; and 

(4) if a license expires on or after October 1, 2013, a licensee is required to fulfill the full continuing professional competency requirement... 

Retired Status

§ 14-316 (a) Retired status license.- The Board may issue a retired status license to an individual who: 

(1) is currently licensed in Maryland as a professional engineer; 

(2) has been licensed as a professional engineer for at least 25 years, of which at least 5 years were in Maryland; 

(3) is not the subject of a pending disciplinary action related to the practice of engineering in this or any other state; 

(4) submits to the Board an application on the form approved by the Board; and 

(5) pays to the Board a fee as set by the Board. 

Retired Status (Cont.)

( b)  Effect of retired status license.-   (1) The holder of a retired status license issued under this section may not

engage in the practice of professional engineering.  (2) The holder of a retired status license shall be permitted to use the

designation of "Professional Engineer, Retired". 

(c)  Reactivation.- The Board may reactivate the license of the holder of a retired status license if that individual: 

(1) submits to the Board an application for reactivation on the form approved by the Board; 

(2) meets all applicable continuing competency requirements determined by the Board; 

(3) is not the subject of a pending disciplinary action related to the practice of engineering in this or any other state; and 

(4) pays to the Board a reactivation fee as set by the Board. 

Development of the Regulations

Board established a committee, Chaired by David Mongan, to draft RegulationsCommittee met several time in the fall of 2010 to develop draft RegulationsPublish draft Regulation in MD Register – March 2011Public Hearing – Spring 2011Final Regulations – Summer 2011

CPC Committee

David Mongan – CE (Board Member and Chair of Committee)Steven Arndt – ME (Board Member)Joe Spears – EEJohn Kumm – Chem EManoj Jha – Representing EducatorsEd Hubner – Representing MSPE

Draft CPC Regulations

24 PDH Units – over two year period 18 PDH Units in Category A (including 1 PDH

in ethics) 6 PDH Units in Category B

Carry Over Max 12

Category A

18 PDH Units in Category A (including 1 PDH in ethics) Technical, Research, Design Laws and Regulations Applicable to MD Standards of Practice/Care Ethics Project Management Risk Assessment/Management

Category B

6 PDH Units in Category B Business or Government Administration Communication Skills, Personal Management or Other Programs To Improve

Methods of Practice or Operation

Acceptable Programs

Maintain and enhance competencyFoster improvement, advancement skillsProvided by acceptable providersPresented by qualified individualsStated purpose, defined content and clearly stated time duration

Qualified Programs

University, College, etc CoursesProfessional WorkshopsSeminarsTechnical PresentationsSelf-DirectedDetermination of Credit ½ Hour of Contact = ½ PDH 1 CEU = 10 PDH’s

Presentation Methods

Live (classroom)TelevisedVideotapedAudiotapedSelf study including on the web

Other Source of PDHs

Publish Paper/BookActive Participation in Technical Society (Officer/Committee)Obtain PatentTeachingSupporting development of NCEES examinationsOthers

Not Acceptable Methods

Regular EmploymentMarketing/Business DevelopmentTime ManagementCADBasic Computer Software

Authorized Providers

Pre-authorized – Technical Societies, Colleges, NCEES, ACEC, ETC

Board approved after applicationLicensee determined

Maintaining of Records

Licensee is responsible for maintaining records Certificates of Participation Transcripts Description of Activity Dates attended and presenters name Etc.

CPC Reporting FormCPC Assessment Form

Other issues

Reinstatement of License Fulfill past due CPC requirements up to

48 PDH’sReactivating license after retiring it Up to 48 PDH’s For Reinstatement

Dual Licenses Special previsions for Engineers with

Professional Land or Property Line Surveyor license

QUESTIONS ?