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Discussion on: What does it mean to be a Software Engineer?

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oneearedmusic profile image
Erika Wiedemann

Unfortunately it seems that the title is somewhat thrown around which is confusing but in Canada, the title of "Engineer" is protected by law.

It's my understanding that it is illegal for someone to calls themselves an engineer (practising, licensed, or professional) with the intent to mislead a client into thinking that they will practice/execute regulated engineering work. To quote Engineers Canada, an "engineer is an individual who has been issued a license to practice engineering by a provincial ... engineering regulatory body after demonstrating they have the requisite skills, knowledge and experience." This means you have to had graduated from an accredited engineering program, and then registered with APEG for your province (e.g., APEGBC). Within APEG, you start as an "Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) while you work under a superior Professional Engineer (P.Eng) who assumes responsibility for your work. After 4 years, you can apply to be a P.Eng yourself, and therefore use the title "Professional Engineer." Further, APEG is self-regulating, meaning they are able to persecute/fine engineers (potentially revoking licenses) if they don't behave ethically.

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ryanschwoerer profile image
Ryan Schwoerer

It looks like the US added a professional engineer software engineer specification in 2013.

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oneearedmusic profile image
Erika Wiedemann

Thanks for the link! I'll have to look into that to see what the US position is now.

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Svend Hansen

That's interesting. I'd like to think that it's also illegal to "call oneself an engineer" .. "with the intent to mislead a client" in Denmark and most other places. But I don't think there is such a body in charge of determining who is worthy of the title.