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| The first regulation to control a profession was established in Europe in the 12th century. In 1140 A.D., King Roger of Normandy decreed that doctors must present proof of competency before being allowed to practice medicine. These doctors were required to be examined and certified by their peers before being allowed to practice medicine. These doctors were required to be examined and certified by their peers before they were allowed to offer their services to the public. In the United States, licensure of professionals experienced a slow start. The first profession requiring licensure was dentistry in 1883. Later, medical doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, accountants, and other professionals were regulated and licensed. The first licensing law governing the practice of engineering and surveying was passed by Wyoming in 1907. The creation of this law was generated because of the many non-professionals practicing engineering and surveying. To end the abuse, a bill was introduced in the Wyoming legislature requiring the licensure of all engineers and surveyors. Despite opposition, the bill passed and a new era in the regulation of engineering and surveying began. In a slow but steady progression, other states followed, adding licensing laws to their statutes. By 1950, all states, plus Alaska, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico had adopted licensing laws of some kind. Today, all U.S. states and jurisdictions have laws regulating the practice of engineering and surveying. Each state and jurisdiction has a licensing board. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) role is to assist the licensing boards. SOURCE: National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) at www.ncees.org P.O. Box 1686 ( 280 Seneca Creek Road ); Clemson, SC 29633-1686 U.S.A. ; (800) 250-3196, (864) 654-6824 |
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