April 28-29, 1988

At its meeting held in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on April 28-29, 1988 the Board adopted the following:

INTERPRETATION

ISSUED BY THE BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS

AND PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYORS

USE OF THE TITLE "ENGINEER": The following memorandum was recently sent to State agencies and was also published in the Association of Idaho Cities newsletter.

One of the responsibilities of this Board is to enforce the provisions of the Engineers and Surveyors Law as contained in the Idaho Code. Among our activities is the monitoring of the use of the title "engineer". Idaho Code defines an engineer as ". . . a person who is qualified to practice engineering by reason of his special knowledge and use of mathematical, physical and engineering sciences, and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design, acquired by professional education and engineering experience."

There appears to be a trend in both the private sector and in government agencies to use the term "engineer" or "engineering" for position titles which do not require and which are not filled by individuals with either formal engineering education or engineering experience. This Board discourages the use of the title "engineer" by individuals who are not licensed.

We would appreciate it if you would review the job titles you are using in your firm, agency or city and, if necessary, revise them to eliminate the use of the title "engineer" in those instances where the work or job description is more appropriately described by some other title such as "technician" or "designer". This practice will not only be in compliance with the Idaho Code, but should help to reduce the confusion on the part of the public as to what the title "engineer" means.