Requirements and Prospective to Practice as Electrical Engineer in the USA

1
Requirements and Prospective to Practice as
Electrical Engineer in the USA
I Encuentro Panamericano de Colegios de
Ingeniería Santafé de Bogotá, Abril 22 23, 2004

• Juan M. Gers

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Contents

• Why to establish in the USA
• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Starting a Business / Register of a company

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Why to establish in the USA?

• Establishing in the USA as in any other country
  is worthwhile provided that the person will have
  
• Appropriate living standards
• Equal or better professional opportunities
• As far as possible, ways to support the country
  of origin.

4
Professional possibilities for engineers

• Get a position in an existing company
• Establish a new company
• Register as a free lance engineer

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Qualification requirements

• New engineering graduates need not wait until
  they have four years of experience to start the
  licensure process.
• Most state laws provide for a prelicensure
  certificate for those who do not yet have four
  years of engineering experience. These are
  generally known as "Engineers in Training" (EIT),
  although some states use other names. In New York
  it's "Intern Engineer," and in Florida it's
  "Engineer Intern."
• The requirements for an EIT are usually
  graduation from an accredited engineering
  curriculum plus the successful completion of an
  examination on fundamental engineering subjects.

6
Accreditation in the USA

• The overall accreditation in the USA is
  coordinated by the Accreditation Board of
  Engineering Technology - ABET.
• The ABET has four accreditation commissions
  which perform the accreditation function and
  determine accreditation actions. The four
  commissions are
• The Engineering Accreditation Commission is
  responsible for engineering programs
• The Technology Accreditation Commission is
  responsible for engineering technology programs
• The Computing Accreditation Commission is
  responsible for computer science programs
• The Applied Science Accreditation Commission for
  applied science programs.

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Why is a licensure required if I already have a
degree?

• It has generally been recognized that a degree in
  and of itself may not be sufficient to
  demonstrate the desired level of professional
  competency.
• There are fundamental differences between success
  in a formal education program and the ability to
  practice a profession involving the public
  health, safety, and welfare.
• This distinction has been recognized and accepted
  by the other professions, such as law and
  medicine, which also require examinations for a
  state license to practice.

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Professional Engineer (PE)

• PE is a licensure given by the state through an
  examination which prescribes the same standard
  for all, regardless of educational background,
  extent of schooling, and experience.
• Only a licensed engineer may prepare, sign and
  seal, and submit engineering plans and drawings
  to a public authority for approval, or seal
  engineering work for public and private clients.
• Licensure for individuals who wish to pursue a
  career as a consulting engineer or a private
  practitioner is not something that is merely
  desirable it is a legal requirement for those
  who are in responsible charge of work, be they
  principals or employees.

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Considerations concerning licensure

• Licensure is the mark of a professional.
• The licensure process demands an extra measure of
  competence and dedication.
• While not all engineers find licensure mandatory
  for their chosen career paths, the PE initials
  after their names can provide many advantages.
• Employers in all disciplines take into account
  whether or not a prospective employee is a
  licensed professional engineer.

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General requirements for a PE licensure

• Virtually every state law outlines a four-step
  process to be licensed as a PE
• Four-year engineering degree in a program
  approved by the state engineering licensure
  board.
• Four years of qualifying engineering experience
• Successfully completion of the eight-hour
  Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination.
• Successfully completion of the eight- hour
  Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE)
  Examination.

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Application process for a PE licensure

• Submit documentation required by an approved
  Credential Evaluation Institution. In Florida
  they are ECEI Joseph Silny Associates.
• Submit documentation required by the respective
  Board of Professional Engineers for the
  Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
• Present exam on FE examination
• Submit documentation required by the respective
  Board of Professional Engineers for the
  Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE)
  examination.
• Present exam on PE examination provided that 4
  years professional experience is demonstrated.

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Typical documentation requested by a credential
evaluation institution

• Application form completed
• Evaluation fee (typically 200 for an
  engineering course-by-course)
• Official Diplomas and Certificates in the
  original language
• Official transcripts (names of courses, grades
  and hours of instruction)
• Translations of documents presented in a language
  other than English
• Syllabus of university study for a
  course-by-course evaluation

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Requirements for a foreign engineering degree

• Mathematics Basic Sciences 32 credit hours
• Engineering Science Design 48 credit hours
• Humanities Social Sciences 16 credit hours
• Competency in English Language
• May be satisfied by receiving a score of 550 (or
  higher) on the TOEFL paper based exam, 213 (or
  higher) on the TOEFL computer based exam or a
  passing score on the GRE examination.
• Computer Skills Should satisfy computer based
  skill with Engineering applications

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The fundamentals of engineering examination

• The examination is based on the standards of the
  National Council of Examiners for Engineering -
  NCEES
• The Fundamentals of Engineering examination
  covers questions and problems on subjects
  normally included within an engineering education
  program.
• This examination is given in the morning and
  afternoon of the second day. Each session has its
  own separate test booklet and answer sheet.
• Candidates must complete both examination
  sessions to receive a grade.

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Typical documentation required for the FE
examination

• Application form completed and notarized
• Two (2) photographs
• Application and examination fees (typically 30
  and 50 respectively)
• Wall certificate address
• Verification of education release
• Evaluation of all foreign transcripts by one of
  the approved evaluators
• Translation of foreign transcripts
• Study guide questionnaire completed

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Application form of FBPE
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Laws and rules study guide
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Questionnaire sample
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Study guide answer sheet
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Format of the FE examination

• The FE examination is an eight-hour
  supplied-reference examination 120 one-point
  questions in the four-hour morning session and 60
  two -point questions in the four-hour afternoon
  session.
• The morning session is common to all disciplines.
• The afternoon session is administered in the
  following six disciplinesChemical, Civil,
  Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, and
  Mechanicalwith a general engineering section for
  all remaining disciplines.
• Examinees will work all questions in the morning
  session and all questions in the afternoon
  section they have chosen.

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FBPE schedule for the FE examination

• Application for FE examination in Florida must be
  received by the Board one hundred-sixty (160)
  days prior to the examination date and must be
  complete for Board review ninety (90) days prior
  to the actual date of the examination.
• It is advised to mail the application at least
  ten days prior to the receipt date.
• The following schedule outlines the receipt,
  completion and examination dates

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Content of FE exam
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Content of FE exam
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The principles and practice of engineering
examination

• The Principles and Practice examination tests the
  applicant's ability to apply acceptable
  engineering practice to problems that are
  representative of the candidate's discipline.
• The examination poses engineering problems to
  which the candidates must solve by answering
  multiple-choice questions.
• Candidates are only tested in their declared
  discipline.
• Candidates must select a discipline at the time
  of application for examination.
• Any change in discipline must be authorized by
  the Florida Board of Professional Engineers.
• A candidate will not be allowed to change the
  discipline in which he or she is to be examined
  at the examination site.

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Typical documentation required for the PE
examination

• Application form completed and notarized
• Three (3) current photographs
• Application fee (325.00)
• Verification of Education Release and forward to
  school
• Personal Reference and forward to 3 registered
  professional engineers references.
• Experience/Employment Verification to be
  forwarded to employers.
• Verification of Licensure to be forwarded to
  appropriate states
• Study guide questionnaire completed

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Application form of FBPE
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Format of the PE examination

• Exam length ranges from 68 hours, divided into
  morning and afternoon sessions. Examinees must
  participate in both sessions on the same day.
• Question type and count there will be 80100
  multiple-choice questions for all exams.
• All examinees must take the breadth portion and
  one depth portion of the PE Electrical and
  Computer exam
• Breadth exam (morning session) This exam
  contains questions from a broad area of
  electrical and computer engineering. Depth
  exams (afternoon session) These exams focus more
  closely on a single area of practice in
  electrical and computer engineering. Examinees
  must choose one of the following areas
  Computers Electronics, Controls and
  Communications or Power.
• All exams are open book. Rules may vary for each
  jurisdiction.

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FBPE Licensure by examination

• Application for Principles and Practice
  Professional Engineers examination in Florida
  must be received by the Board one hundred-sixty
  (160) days prior to the examination date and must
  be complete for Board review ninety (90) days
  prior to the actual date of the examination.
• It is advised to mail the application at least
  ten days prior to the receipt date.
• The following schedule outlines the receipt,
  completion and examination dates

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Content of the Breadth Exam
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Content of the Breadth Exam
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Content of the depth exam
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Content of the depth exam
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Content of the depth exam
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Bibliography

• National society of professional engineers
  http//www.nspe.org
• Florida Board of Professional engineers
  http//www.fbpe.org/
• Josef Silny Associates, Inc. International
  Educational Consultants
• http//www.jsilny.com/
• National Council of Examiners
• http//www.ncees.org

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Starting a Business

• Starting and managing a business takes motivation
  and talent. It also takes research and planning.
• Although initial mistakes are not always fatal,
  it takes extra skill, discipline, and hard work
  to regain the advantage.
• Take time beforehand to explore and evaluate
  your business and personal goals, then use this
  information to build a comprehensive and
  thoughtful business plan that will help you reach
  these goals.
• Developing a business plan will force you to
  think through some important issues that you may
  not otherwise consider.

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What business is right

• What do I like to do with my time?
• What technical skills have I learned or
  developed?
• What do others say I am good at?
• Will I have the support of my family?
• How much time do I have to run a successful
  business?
• Do I have any hobbies or interests that are
  marketable?

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Identify your business niche

• What business am I interested in starting?
• What services or products will I sell?
• Is my idea practical, and will it fill a need?
• What is my competition?
• What is my business's advantage over existing
  firms?
• Can I deliver a better quality service?
• Can I create a demand for my business?

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Pre-business checklist

• What skills and experience do I bring to the
  business?
• What legal structure will I use?
• How will my company's business records be
  maintained?
• What insurance coverage will be needed?
• What equipment or supplies will I need?
• How will I compensate myself?
• What are my resources?
• What financing will I need?
• Where will my business be located?
• What will I name my business?

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Types of Business Organizations
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Types of Business Organizations
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Taxes

• Because tax laws can be extremely complex, small
  business owners are strongly encouraged to seek
  professional assistance. A good accountant or CPA
  (Certified Public Accountant) will help navigate
  through local, state and laws and also explain
  how to minimize future tax obligations. Even if
  you retain professional tax assistance, your tax
  responsibilities are still solely your
  obligation. You should understand how the various
  tax systems impact your business. Although the
  following information is not comprehensive, it
  does provide an overview of the most common
  business tax requirements.

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Federal Income Tax

• Different business structures (sole
  proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or
  limited liability company) have different income
  tax requirements regarding filing dates, forms
  required, and tax rates and calculations.
• Federal income tax is a pay-as-you-go tax.
  Business owners generally pay income taxes in
  quarterly estimated income tax payments. For more
  information on estimated income tax payments,
  refer to IRS Publication 505, Tax Withholding and
  Estimated Tax.

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Business Plan

• A business plan precisely defines your business,
  identifies your goals, and serves as your firm's
  resume.
• The basic components include a current and pro
  forma balance sheet, an income statement, and a
  cash flow analysis. It helps you allocate
  resources properly, handle unforeseen
  complications, and make good business decisions.
• Because it provides specific and organized
  information about your company and how you will
  repay borrowed money, a good business plan is a
  crucial part of any loan application.
• Additionally, it informs sales personnel,
  suppliers, and others about your operations and
  goals.

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Business Plan

• Despite the critical importance of a business
  plan, many entrepreneurs drag their feet when it
  comes to preparing a written document.
• Before writing a business plan, consider four
  core questions
• What service or product does your business
  provide and what needs does it fill?
• Who are the potential customers for your product
  or service and why will they purchase it from
  you?
• How will you reach your potential customers?
• Where will you get the financial resources to
  start your business?

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Business Plan

• The body of the business plan can be divided
  into four distinct sections
• 1) Description of the business 2) Marketing 3)
  Finances 4) Management
• Addenda should include an executive summary,
  supporting documents, and financial projections.

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Regulations

• Business Licenses
• There are many types of licenses. You need one to
  operate legally almost everywhere. If the
  business is located within an incorporated city
  limits, a license must be obtained from the city
  if outside the city limits, then from the county.
  
• Certificate of Occupancy
• If you are planning on occupying a new or used
  building for a new business, you may have to
  apply for a Certificate of Occupancy from a city
  or county zoning department.
• Fictitious Business Name
• Businesses that use a name other than the owner's
  must register the fictitious name with the county
  as required by the Trade Name Registration Act.
  This does not apply to corporations doing
  business under their corporate name or to those
  practicing any profession under a partnership
  name.

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Regulations

• Tax Information
• Business owners are required by law to withhold
  the following from the wages paid to employees
  federal income taxes, state income taxes and FICA
  (Social Security) Insurance.
• Income taxes will also be levied by the federal
  and state governments on earnings of any
  business. Therefore, each business must file an
  income tax return with both agencies. Businesses
  may be required to file estimated tax returns and
  pay estimated taxes on a quarterly basis.
• Federal SelfEmployment Tax
• Everyone must pay Social Security Tax. If you are
  selfemployed, your Social Security contribution
  is made through the self-employment tax. You will
  need to calculate how best to report earnings and
  pay your business taxes.

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Regulations

• Sales Tax Number
• In your state there is a percent sales and use
  tax which applies to the retail purchase, retail
  site, rental, storage, use or consumption of
  tangible personal property and certain services.
  In other words, sales tax must be collected on
  just about every tangible item sold.
• Business Insurance
• Like home insurance, business insurance protects
  the contents of your business against fire, theft
  and other losses. It is prudent for any business
  to purchase a number of basic types of insurance.
  Some types of coverage are required by law, other
  simply make good business sense.

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Regulations

• Immigration Act
• The Federal Immigration Reform requires all
  employers to verify the employment eligibility of
  new employees. The law obligates an employer to
  process Employment Eligibility Verification Form
  I-9.
• Health and Safety
• The Federal Occupational Safety and Health
  Administration (OSHA) outlines specific health
  and safety standards employers must provide for
  the protection of employees.
• Workers' Compensation
• If a business employs three or more people,
  workers' compensation insurance must be carried
  to provide protection to those injured in
  onthejob accidents.

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Bibliography

• Small Business Success
• Starting your Business in Florida
• http//www.sba.gov