Updates from MA Board of Registration of PEs and PLSs - June 2017

Massachusetts Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors

At the June 22 Board meeting, the Board discussed these issues:

Recommendations regarding Jurisprudence Land Surveying Exam Test Takers: the passing grade for the spring 2017 Exam was determined to be 70%.  1 of 7 PLS candidates passed the exam in the spring.  The Board expressed concern about the low passing rate.

Board Counsel Sheila York presented her Legal Report:
The Board reviewed a draft Policy regarding Applicants with General Education Deficiency Evaluations. The Board adopted the Policy.  The policy is expected to be posted on the Board’s webpage by July 27.

Summary of policy:

• If the NCEES evaluation indicates that an applicant's only deficiency is 6 or fewer credits of general education courses, the Board will consider whether the applicant has graduated from a masters or PH.d. engineering program where the basic bachelor of science engineering curriculum for that engineering discipline at that institution is EAC/ABET accredited.  If the applicant holds an advanced degree which meets that criteria, the applicant's education will be accepted as equivalent to an ABET degree for the purpose of {b)(S) without making up the six or fewer general education courses.
• If the NCEES evaluation indicates that an applicant is missing 6 or fewer credits of general education and the applicant does not have an advanced degree that meets the criteria above, the applicant may remedy the deficiency by completing additional coursework as approved by the Board. If the applicant remedies the general education deficiency to the Board's satisfaction, the applicant's education will be accepted as equivalent to an ABET degree for the purpose of (b)(S), which requires only four years of qualifying engineering work.
• If the NCEES evaluation indicates that an applicant is missing more than six credits of general education or any amount of credit in any other category, the applicant must complete the courses and seek another NCEES credential evaluation before being reconsidered for licensure under (b)(S} by the Board. If the applicant chooses not to make up the deficiency, the applicant may seek licensure under other application classifications, such as Classification C, which do not require an ABET or a degree that is accepted as substantially  equivalent to ABET degree for licensure. Classification C requires eight years of work experience.
• If the NCEES evaluation indicates that an applicant is missing more than 12 credits, the Board will require additional courses.  This language will be clarified in the policy to be posted.

Discussion of these policies was tabled until a future meeting:

• Update on Policy regarding the use of the title Engineer
• Update on Policy regarding Early Examination Takers

Executive Director Clinton Dick presented his Report:

• Report of Licensee Discipline in Other Jurisdictions for License Numbers 46985-EN-E, 28687-EN-ST, and 40897-EN-E
• Licensees disciplined in another jurisdiction are required to notified the Massachusetts Board of this disciplinary action.

Use of AACRAO as an evaluator of International Educational Credentials

Background:
AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) is a non-profit, voluntary, professional association of more than 11,000 higher education professionals who represent approximately 2,600 institutions in more than 40 countries. Its mission is to provide professional development, guidelines, and voluntary standards to be used by higher education officials regarding the best practices in records management, admissions, enrollment management, administrative information technology, and student services. AACRAO represents institutions in every part of the higher education community, from large public institutions to small, private liberal arts colleges. as an evaluator of International Educational Credentials

NCEES provides evaluations of how an engineering or land surveying candidate compares to strict engineering standards.

If a candidate meets the NCEES evaluation standard, the candidate may be able to be licensed with 4 years of experience. 

If an international candidate with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science applies for a PE license the Board will recognize an AACRAO evaluation in some cases but may require 4 or 8 years of experience depending on the evaluation of courses.

Next Board of Registration Meeting 
The next meeting of the Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors is expected to be on July 27, 2017 at 9:30 AM.  This meeting is expected to include a discussion of the recommendations of the Continuing Professional Competency Committee regarding the potential implementation of regulations on mandatory continuing education in Massachusetts. TECET Webpage with more information.
 
Calendar of Board of Registration Meetings
 
Link to Minutes of past Board of Registration meetings
 
Posted by Abbie Goodman, agoodman@engineers.org