U.S. Bound?

For any professional Canadian engineers considering a move south of the border, the Washington State engineering licensing body may make the transition that much easier. The Seattle Times reports that the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors will vote this week on a provision to allow Canadian engineers to skip the an eight-hour proficiency test as part of the state’s licensing process.

As justification for the provision, George Twiss, executive director of the board, says Canadian engineers are held to a higher academic and experience standard than those in the States. In addition, approximately 80 percent of Canadian engineers pass the proficiency test on average as opposed to 60 percent of U.S. applicants.

Even if the provision is approved, prospective Canadian engineers would still be required to have graduated from an accredited engineering school, have six years experience and be evaluated by the state board.
www.dol.wa.gov/business/engineerslandsurveyors/