PE Signature
PE Signature
(OP)
For all the liscensed PE's, it is my understanding that using P.E. following your signature is typical. If a letter that will be sent to a state outside of your liscense, is it still acceptable to sign your name with the P.E. following? These are letters to clients, builders, etc. that are not to be sealed.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.






RE: PE Signature
RE: PE Signature
RE: PE Signature
So a memo ensued naturally and noted that we were to be sensitive to this issue. I asked one company lawyer who indicated that if I've been signing my letters with the P.E., S.E. for so long that I shouldn't worry about it. So I don't.
Others in our firm have taken to including pertinent states in thier signatory blocks. For example: P.E. (ME, CA, WA), S.E. (CA, IL, NV). I for one don't have the temperment nor the paper space for all such nonsense.
I feel as though, the intent is being misunderstood. If you are vying for work in a certain state and wish the client know you're licensed/registered that's one thing. If, however, your intent to let your reader know that you possess the minimum level requirements for licensure/registration that's quite another matter and shouldn't be a legal issue.
So long as PEs aren't misrepresenting themselves as SEs, Architects (RA), RLS, RG, or other I don't think it should matter. I doubt seriously that the requirements vary such that a PE in OK would have trouble obtaining a PE in RI.
And yes, I'm well aware that CA requires a special PE session on surveying/seismic.
Regards,

Qshake
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.
RE: PE Signature
John Doe
Texas PE #xxxxx
I've not heard of this being an issue with anyone, just one of those inconsistencies of varying state laws.
But then again, I never have figured out how you could practice engineering in a state without ever being there.
RE: PE Signature
I also have been asked by a supervisor to list the state of my license when writing to clients.
JStephen, I know Texas is a big state but... not being able to practice engineering in another state??
RE: PE Signature
RE: PE Signature
If you are not licensed in a state that wants to stop you, typically the most they can do is write you a nasty-gram.
Like Qshake, most of us routinely use our titles anyway.
RE: PE Signature
RE: PE Signature
One main reason for not doing it is the preponderance of local codes and conditions that each engineer who designs under them is responsible for compliance. Couple that with the litigious nature of design and construction, and you have plenty of work for the lawyers.
RE: PE Signature
RE: PE Signature
As I've noted above, If you are corresponding about work in another state or jurisdiction, repsonding to questions of a general nature in pursuit of work, but not having done work, it shouldn't matter what suffixes are used.
This only becomes an issue if you seal a report, study, shop drawings, temporary works, plans, etc in a jursidiction you're not licensed/registered in. And if you're at all ethical you wouldn't do that anyway.
Regards,

Qshake
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.
RE: PE Signature
I think that this is something that is imperative to address.
RE: PE Signature
I'm sure there are other states similar as well, but Nevada is the most restrictive in that sense that I've encountered (based on 21 states where I'm licensed).
What I do is ensure that anything SENT out to a particular location is reviewed as to whether I can put PE or SE after my name...usually, most, if not all or 99% of our correspondence deals with sites and states where I'm already licensed. For things like generic brochures or proposals with resumes included, the PE is a fact that is stated in the resume with regard to which states.
For our "static" website, we include the PE's because they aren't technically "sent out" to anyone.
We try to be careful in states like Nevada, but overall, this usually isn't a huge issue with most states...at the most you'd get a letter or phone call reprimanding you but this isn't typical.
RE: PE Signature
I agree with QShake and hopefully someone wouldn't be reprimanded in that situation, but the law is unclear.
RE: PE Signature
First, it should be noted that you do not have to be an engineer at all to propose or market engineering work in any state. However, if you are a licensed engineer doing so, you should indicate the state(s) you are licensed in so as not to mislead readers.
Second, I think too much emphasis is placed on state boundaries when it comes to licensing jurisdictions. My point is that the laws of science and engineering are no different once you cross a state line.
RE: PE Signature
Go call up Nevada's board if you don't believe me.
(775) 688-1231
http://www.boe.state.nv.us
Here's an excerpt from the Nevada law:
NRS 625.520 Unlawful practice of engineering: Penalty; injunctive relief.
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, it is unlawful for:
(a) Any person not properly licensed or exempted in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter
to:
(1) Practice, continue to
practice,solicit to practice, offer to
practice or attempt to practice engineering
or any discipline thereof;
(b) Any professional engineer to practice or offer
to practice a discipline of professional
engineering in which the Board has not qualified
him.
RE: PE Signature
RE: PE Signature
RE: PE Signature
If that is indeed the case please excuse my ignorance. I have encountered situations in dealing with numerous states where a marketing director or similar position has submitted proposals on behalf of a company that is owned and operated by licensed architects but also has licensed engineers on staff. In that case although an architect is obviously not an licensed engineer, he or she would have the resources to provide such services. Again, if such a case does not apply in the state of Nevada, I stand corrected.
RE: PE Signature
And in connection with that, note that many states also require the corporation itself to be licensed- mainly a money-making move, though.
RE: PE Signature
You missed the whole point of my post. I was highlighting a grey area of the Pennsylvania law. Iwasn't looking for a philosophical discussion on whether or not a non-PE can offer an engineering opinion.
BTW - the two best engineers I ever worked for were not PE's.
RE: PE Signature
Hardly philosophical, but thats fine.