Future Entry Into Professional Engineering Practice

Visionary leadership and achievements.

A willingness to overcome significant challenges to serve the public good.

That is the essence of engineering.

And that is why forward-thinking engineering leaders are leading a historic initiative to Raise the Bar. To protect the public's future health and safety, the minimum educational standards for engineers must encompass new knowledge, new technologies, new regulations, and new social issues, while addressing the declining credit hours of a typical undergraduate engineering degree. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying recognizes the need for change and has approved a new model state licensure law that calls for additional education beyond the bachelor’s degree as a requirement for preparing future licensed professional engineers.

The time has come to Raise the Bar for engineering.

Share your story. Add your voice!

MOVE AHEAD OR FALL BEHIND

The number of credits required for an engineering degree has effectively declined since 1900, while the requirements for other professions have increased. Learn more about why engineering must Raise the Bar.

Leaders Make the Case

Two prominent engineers – Norman Augustine and Henry Petroski – share their insights on why additional education is essential to the future of professional engineering. See other voices of support.

State Boards See the Need

When state engineering licensure board representatives voted to Raise the Bar, the result was a new model licensure law that addresses the future without affecting those already with PEs.

The Future Demands It

The National Academy of Engineering doesn’t mince words when it explains why engineers will need enhanced preparation to meet society’s challenges.

Attracting Students

Wondering how Raising the Bar would affect the future supply of engineering graduates? The experience of the accounting profession offers a clue.