Technologist
Encyclopedia
An engineering technologist, is a specialist devoted to the implementation of existing technology
within a field of engineering
. Technologists often work with engineers in a wide variety of projects by applying basic engineering principles and technical skills. The work of technologists is usually focused on the portion of the technological spectrum closest to product improvement, manufacturing, construction, and engineering operational functions.
Internationally, the Sydney Accord
is an agreement signed in 2001 acknowledging the academic equivalence of accredited engineering technology programs in the signatory nations. In some countries, only individuals who have graduated from an accredited curriculum in engineering technology and have a significant amount of work experience in their field may become registered technologists. A technologist's recognition may be in the form of a certification or a professional registration.
In general, the work of engineering technologists focuses on the applied and practical application of engineering principles, whereas the work of engineer
s emphasizes the theoretical aspects of mathematical, scientific and engineering principles. The National Society of Professional Engineers
describes the difference between engineering and engineering technology:
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
describes the difference between engineering and engineering technology as:
"Engineering and technology are separate, but intimately related professions. Here are some of the ways they differ:
The engineering
graduate typically requires a period of 'internship' since engineering programs stress fundamentals. The engineering technology graduate, however, is prepared to immediately begin technical assignments since technology programs stress current industrial practices and design procedures.
and/or bachelor
degrees are offered, with some institutions also offering advanced degrees
in technology.
In general, an engineering technologist receives a broad range of applied science
and applied mathematics
training, as well as the fundamentals of engineering
in the student's area of focus. Engineering Technology programs typically include instruction in various engineering support functions for research, production, and operations, and applications to specific engineering specialties. Information technology
is primarily involved with the management, operation, and maintenance of computer systems and networks, along with an application of technology in diverse fields such as architecture
, engineering
, graphic design
, telecommunications, computer science
and network security
. A technologist is also expected to have had some coursework in ethics
.
International technology organizations from eight nations have signed a mutual recognition agreement called the Sydney Accord
. The Sydney Accord represents an understanding that the academic awards of technologists can be recognized in all signatory states. The recognition of the Sydney Accord for technologists can be compared to the Washington Accord
for engineer
s and the Dublin Accord
for engineering technician
s. The Engineering Technologist Mobility Forum
is an international forum held by signatories of the Sydney Accord to explore mutual recognition for experienced engineering technologists and to remove artificial barriers to the free movement and practice of engineering technologists amongst their countries.
Graduates acquiring an associate's degree or lower typically find careers as engineering technicians. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Many 4-year colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in engineering technology, but graduates of these programs often are hired to work as technologists or applied engineers, not technicians." Technicians typically hold a two year associates degree, while technologists usually hold bachelors degrees.
, the new occupational category of Technologist was established in the 1960s in conjunction with an emerging system of community colleges and technical institutes. It was designed to effectively bridge the gap between the increasingly theoretical nature of engineering
degrees and the predominately practical approach of technician
and trades programs. Provincial associations may certify individuals as Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.), Registered Engineering Technologist, Applied Science Technologist (AScT) or Technologue Professionel [T.P.]. These provincial associations also are constituent members of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists
(CCTT) which nationally accredits technology programs across Canada through its Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB). Nationally accredited Engineering Technology programs range from 2 to 3 years in length, depending on province, with 2 year programs leading to a C.Tech. certification and 3 year programs usually leading to a AScT, CET or RET certification.
(CHEA). The U.S Department of Education acknowledges regional and national accreditations and CHEA recognizes specialty accreditations. Two technology accreditations are currently recognized by CHEA: The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
(ABET). Specifically CHEA recognizes ABET internationally and in the U.S. for accrediting engineering technology programs at the associate and baccalaureate level. CHEA also recognizes ATMAE for accrediting associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs in technology, applied technology, engineering technology, and technology-related disciplines delivered by national or regional accredited institutions in
the United States.(2011)
ABET has been accrediting Engineering Technology programs in the United States since 1946, with a current total of over 600 programs at over 230 institutions. In response to heavy demand, ABET began accrediting Engineering Technology programs internationally in 2007. Depending on the institution, associate
and/or bachelor
degrees are offered, with a few institutions also offering advanced degrees
. The type, length, and quality of education offered can vary greatly depending on the educational institution and the specialty pursued within Engineering Technology. ATMAE-accredited programs in Engineering Technology require a management core.
The Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
was admitted as a provisional member of International Technology Accords in 2007, and it signed the Sydney Accord in 2009.
Other US Secretary of Education and CHEA recognized Accrediting Agencies in USA accredit Colleges and Universities with programs leading to Bachelor and Masters degree in Engineering and Engineering Technologies. DETC Accrediting Council and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Graduates of the Nationally Accredited programs are accepted int to Government, Civil Cervices, Military and all US Employers recognize NA degrees as equal.
is the registration of engineering technologists to assure their qualification within their countries or territories. The Sydney Accord
and the Engineering Technologist Mobility Forum
(ETMF) are two international efforts to improve cross border recognition for technologists.
A certified engineering technologist is usually required apprentice for a term before being able to apply for certification through a local governing body
. In that time the technologist must have completed tasks which directly apply to their area of study.
, the regulated title for technologists is called Certified Engineering Technologist
. Technology program accreditation is done through the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB), often in conjunction with provincial associations that are affiliated with the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists. Graduated technologists are certified by their provincial bodies.
In the United States
, technologist certification requires a bachelor's degree
in an engineering technology program accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET). One may also obtain a degree from an institution accredited through The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (formerly known as the National Association of Industrial Technology). Technologist registration in the United States is conducted by many independent societies and organizations. A government sponsored registration is opposed by the NCEES and NSPE. As a result, the profession is often not seen as an independent field separate from design engineering.
The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
(NICET) awards certification at two levels depending on work experience: the Associate Engineering Technologist (AT) and the Certified Engineering Technologist
(CT). The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) awards two levels of certification in Technology Management: (1) Certified Technology Manager (CTM) and (2) Certified Senior Technology Manager (CSTM). ATMAE also awards two levels of certification in Manufacturing Specialist: (1) Certified Manufacturing Specialist (CMS) and (2) Certified Senior Manufacturing Specialist (CSMS). While the CTM and CMS certification are obtained through examination, the CSTM and CSMS require industry experience and continuous improvement via the obtainment of professional development units (PDUs).
In the United Kingdom
, an Incorporated Engineer is accepted as a "professional engineer" registered by the Engineering Council. The title Incorporated Engineer (IEng) is protected by civil law. But there are no restrictions on practice, in fact anyone in the UK can call themselves an "Engineer" or professional engineer without any qualifications or proven competencies. This fact is also true for engineers (not professional engineers) in the USA that practice under the Industrial Exemption clause. Incorporated Engineers are recognized internationally through the Sydney Accord
academic agreement as Engineering Technologists.
One of the professional titles for engineer
s in the United Kingdom is recognized in the Washington Accord
as the Chartered Engineer
. The Incorporated Engineer is a Professional Engineer as declared by the Engineering Council of the United Kingdom and the European definition as demonstrated by the prescribed title under 2005/36/EC as an "Engineer." The Incorporated Engineer operates autonomously and directs activities independently. They do not need to support engineers because they are acknowledged as full Engineers in the UK but not in Canada or the USA. The United Kingdom Incorporated Engineer may work in designing new product and systems.
The Chartered Engineer and Incorporated Engineer are recognized as equivalent in stature but with separate functions. The Chartered and Incorporated Engineer are placed under the same directive 2005/36/EC for this reason. The Incorporated Engineer practices autonomously without the oversight of a Chartered Engineer.
Incorporated Engineers currently require an IEng accredited Bachelors or honours degree in engineering (prior to 1997 the B.Sc. and B.Eng. degrees satisfied the academic requirements for "Chartered Engineer" registration), or a Higher National Certificate or Diploma or a Foundation Degree in engineering , plus appropriate further learning to degree level or an NVQ4 or SVQ4 which has been approved for the purpose by a licensed engineering institution.
The academic requirements must be accompanied by the appropriate experience in employment. In addition to the experience and academic requirements, the engineering candidate must have three references that vouch for the performance of the individual being considered for professional recognition. There are a number of alternative ways to achieve IEng status for those that do not have the necessary qualifications for applicants that can clearly show they have achieved the same level as those with qualifications. These ways include:
certificate for professional Technologist. It is granted by a German
organisation, the Bundesverband höherer Berufe der Technik, Wirtschaft und Gestaltung e.V. ("Federal Association of higher professions for technology economy and design") or BVT. As of November 2006 the BVT has about 19,000 members in several countries.
A member of the BVT is entitled to use the initials BVT after his name. To achieve this certification a completed apprenticeship program (3.5 years) and a 2 year college diploma in engineering technology with two years relevant experience is needed.
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
within a field of engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
. Technologists often work with engineers in a wide variety of projects by applying basic engineering principles and technical skills. The work of technologists is usually focused on the portion of the technological spectrum closest to product improvement, manufacturing, construction, and engineering operational functions.
Internationally, the Sydney Accord
Sydney Accord
The Sydney Accord is an international mutual recognition agreement for qualifications in the fields of engineering technology.-Definition and background:...
is an agreement signed in 2001 acknowledging the academic equivalence of accredited engineering technology programs in the signatory nations. In some countries, only individuals who have graduated from an accredited curriculum in engineering technology and have a significant amount of work experience in their field may become registered technologists. A technologist's recognition may be in the form of a certification or a professional registration.
Nature of work
Technologists are employed in a large and wide-array of industries, including manufacturing, construction, industrial, maintenance, and management. They may be hired as managers of technology, depending on the technologist's educational emphasis on management preparation. Entry-level positions such as product design, testing, development, systems development, field engineering, technical operations, and quality control are all common positions for engineering technology graduates.In general, the work of engineering technologists focuses on the applied and practical application of engineering principles, whereas the work of engineer
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
s emphasizes the theoretical aspects of mathematical, scientific and engineering principles. The National Society of Professional Engineers
National Society of Professional Engineers
The National Society of Professional Engineers is a professional engineering organization in the United States. From their press releases:...
describes the difference between engineering and engineering technology:
- "The distinction between engineering and engineering technology emanates primarily from differences in their educational programs. Engineering programs are geared toward development of conceptual skills, and consist of a sequence of engineering fundamentals and design courses, built on a foundation of complex mathematics and science courses. Engineering technology programs are oriented toward application, and provide their students introductory mathematics and science courses, and only a qualitative introduction to engineering fundamentals. Thus, engineering programs provide their graduates a breadth and depth of knowledge that allows them to function as designers. Engineering technology programs prepare their graduates to apply others' designs."
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
ABET, Inc., formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is a non-profit organization that accredits post-secondary education programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology...
describes the difference between engineering and engineering technology as:
"Engineering and technology are separate, but intimately related professions. Here are some of the ways they differ:
- Engineering undergraduate programs include more mathematics work and higher level mathematics than technology programs.
- Engineering undergraduate programs often focus on theory, while technology programs usually focus on application.
- Once they enter the workforce, engineering graduates typically spend their time planning, while engineering technology graduates spend their time making plans work.
- At ABET, engineering and engineering technology programs are evaluated and accredited by two separate accreditation commissions using two separate sets of accreditation criteria.
- Graduates from engineering programs are called engineers, while graduates of technology programs are often called technologists.
- Graduates from engineering technology programs are often hired as engineers.
- Some U.S. state boards of professional engineering licensure will allow only graduates of engineering programs—not engineering technology programs—to become licensed engineers."
The engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
graduate typically requires a period of 'internship' since engineering programs stress fundamentals. The engineering technology graduate, however, is prepared to immediately begin technical assignments since technology programs stress current industrial practices and design procedures.
Education and accreditation
Beginning in the 1950s and 1960s, some post-secondary institutions in the USA and Canada began offering degrees in engineering technology which focused on applied study rather than the more theoretical engineering science degrees. This was to address a need within the scientific, manufacturing, and engineering communities, as well as other industries, for professionals with hands-on and applications-based engineering knowledge. Depending on the institution, associateAssociate's degree
An associate degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by community colleges, junior colleges, technical colleges, and bachelor's degree-granting colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years...
and/or bachelor
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
degrees are offered, with some institutions also offering advanced degrees
Postgraduate education
Postgraduate education involves learning and studying for degrees or other qualifications for which a first or Bachelor's degree generally is required, and is normally considered to be part of higher education...
in technology.
In general, an engineering technologist receives a broad range of applied science
Applied science
Applied science is the application of scientific knowledge transferred into a physical environment. Examples include testing a theoretical model through the use of formal science or solving a practical problem through the use of natural science....
and applied mathematics
Applied mathematics
Applied mathematics is a branch of mathematics that concerns itself with mathematical methods that are typically used in science, engineering, business, and industry. Thus, "applied mathematics" is a mathematical science with specialized knowledge...
training, as well as the fundamentals of engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
in the student's area of focus. Engineering Technology programs typically include instruction in various engineering support functions for research, production, and operations, and applications to specific engineering specialties. Information technology
Information technology
Information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications...
is primarily involved with the management, operation, and maintenance of computer systems and networks, along with an application of technology in diverse fields such as architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
, engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
, graphic design
Graphic design
Graphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form – undertaken in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience...
, telecommunications, computer science
Computer science
Computer science or computing science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems...
and network security
Network security
In the field of networking, the area of network security consists of the provisions and policies adopted by the network administrator to prevent and monitor unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of the computer network and network-accessible resources...
. A technologist is also expected to have had some coursework in ethics
Ethics
Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that addresses questions about morality—that is, concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime, etc.Major branches of ethics include:...
.
International technology organizations from eight nations have signed a mutual recognition agreement called the Sydney Accord
Sydney Accord
The Sydney Accord is an international mutual recognition agreement for qualifications in the fields of engineering technology.-Definition and background:...
. The Sydney Accord represents an understanding that the academic awards of technologists can be recognized in all signatory states. The recognition of the Sydney Accord for technologists can be compared to the Washington Accord
Washington Accord
The Washington Accord is an international accreditation agreement for professional engineering academic degrees, between the bodies responsible for accreditation in its signatory countries...
for engineer
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
s and the Dublin Accord
Dublin Accord
The Dublin Accord is an agreement for the international recognition of Engineering Technician qualifications. In May 2002 the national engineering organisations of the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa and Canada signed an agreement mutually recognising the qualifications which underpin the...
for engineering technician
Engineering technician
An engineering technician is a specialist who is trained in the skills and techniques related to a specific branch of engineering, with relatively practical understanding of the general engineering concepts...
s. The Engineering Technologist Mobility Forum
Engineering Technologist Mobility Forum
The Engineering Technologist Mobility Forum is an international forum held by signatories of the Sydney Accord to explore mutual recognition for experienced engineering technologists and to remove artificial barriers to the free movement and practice of engineering technologists amongst their...
is an international forum held by signatories of the Sydney Accord to explore mutual recognition for experienced engineering technologists and to remove artificial barriers to the free movement and practice of engineering technologists amongst their countries.
Graduates acquiring an associate's degree or lower typically find careers as engineering technicians. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Many 4-year colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in engineering technology, but graduates of these programs often are hired to work as technologists or applied engineers, not technicians." Technicians typically hold a two year associates degree, while technologists usually hold bachelors degrees.
Canada
In CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, the new occupational category of Technologist was established in the 1960s in conjunction with an emerging system of community colleges and technical institutes. It was designed to effectively bridge the gap between the increasingly theoretical nature of engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
degrees and the predominately practical approach of technician
Technician
A technician is a worker in a field of technology who is proficient in the relevant skills and techniques, with a relatively practical understanding of the theoretical principles. Experienced technicians in a specific tool domain typically have intermediate understanding of theory and expert...
and trades programs. Provincial associations may certify individuals as Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.), Registered Engineering Technologist, Applied Science Technologist (AScT) or Technologue Professionel [T.P.]. These provincial associations also are constituent members of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists
Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists
The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists is an organization in Canada that advocates for the profession of technicians and technologists, as well as certifying their respective educational programs....
(CCTT) which nationally accredits technology programs across Canada through its Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB). Nationally accredited Engineering Technology programs range from 2 to 3 years in length, depending on province, with 2 year programs leading to a C.Tech. certification and 3 year programs usually leading to a AScT, CET or RET certification.
United States
In the United States the hierarchy of educational structure and acknowledgement start at the US Department of Education or The Council for Higher Education AccreditationCouncil for Higher Education Accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation is a United States organization of degree-granting colleges and universities. It identifies its purpose as providing national advocacy for self-regulation of academic quality through accreditation in order to certify the quality of higher education...
(CHEA). The U.S Department of Education acknowledges regional and national accreditations and CHEA recognizes specialty accreditations. Two technology accreditations are currently recognized by CHEA: The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
ABET, Inc., formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is a non-profit organization that accredits post-secondary education programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology...
(ABET). Specifically CHEA recognizes ABET internationally and in the U.S. for accrediting engineering technology programs at the associate and baccalaureate level. CHEA also recognizes ATMAE for accrediting associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs in technology, applied technology, engineering technology, and technology-related disciplines delivered by national or regional accredited institutions in
the United States.(2011)
ABET has been accrediting Engineering Technology programs in the United States since 1946, with a current total of over 600 programs at over 230 institutions. In response to heavy demand, ABET began accrediting Engineering Technology programs internationally in 2007. Depending on the institution, associate
Associate's degree
An associate degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by community colleges, junior colleges, technical colleges, and bachelor's degree-granting colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years...
and/or bachelor
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
degrees are offered, with a few institutions also offering advanced degrees
Postgraduate education
Postgraduate education involves learning and studying for degrees or other qualifications for which a first or Bachelor's degree generally is required, and is normally considered to be part of higher education...
. The type, length, and quality of education offered can vary greatly depending on the educational institution and the specialty pursued within Engineering Technology. ATMAE-accredited programs in Engineering Technology require a management core.
The Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
ABET, Inc., formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is a non-profit organization that accredits post-secondary education programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology...
was admitted as a provisional member of International Technology Accords in 2007, and it signed the Sydney Accord in 2009.
Other US Secretary of Education and CHEA recognized Accrediting Agencies in USA accredit Colleges and Universities with programs leading to Bachelor and Masters degree in Engineering and Engineering Technologies. DETC Accrediting Council and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Graduates of the Nationally Accredited programs are accepted int to Government, Civil Cervices, Military and all US Employers recognize NA degrees as equal.
Certification
Professional certificationProfessional certification
Professional certification, trade certification, or professional designation, often called simply certification or qualification, is a designation earned by a person to assure qualification to perform a job or task...
is the registration of engineering technologists to assure their qualification within their countries or territories. The Sydney Accord
Sydney Accord
The Sydney Accord is an international mutual recognition agreement for qualifications in the fields of engineering technology.-Definition and background:...
and the Engineering Technologist Mobility Forum
Engineering Technologist Mobility Forum
The Engineering Technologist Mobility Forum is an international forum held by signatories of the Sydney Accord to explore mutual recognition for experienced engineering technologists and to remove artificial barriers to the free movement and practice of engineering technologists amongst their...
(ETMF) are two international efforts to improve cross border recognition for technologists.
A certified engineering technologist is usually required apprentice for a term before being able to apply for certification through a local governing body
Board of governors
Board of governors is a term sometimes applied to the board of directors of a public entity or non-profit organization.Many public institutions, such as public universities, are government-owned corporations. The British Broadcasting Corporation was managed by a board of governors, though this role...
. In that time the technologist must have completed tasks which directly apply to their area of study.
North America
In CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, the regulated title for technologists is called Certified Engineering Technologist
Certified Engineering Technologist
Certified Engineering Technologist is a Canadian professional title awarded on the basis of academic qualification and work experience. Abbreviated as C.E.T., most Canadian provincial engineering and applied science technology associations offer this certification.-Definition:The ASET website...
. Technology program accreditation is done through the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB), often in conjunction with provincial associations that are affiliated with the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists. Graduated technologists are certified by their provincial bodies.
In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, technologist certification requires a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in an engineering technology program accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET). One may also obtain a degree from an institution accredited through The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (formerly known as the National Association of Industrial Technology). Technologist registration in the United States is conducted by many independent societies and organizations. A government sponsored registration is opposed by the NCEES and NSPE. As a result, the profession is often not seen as an independent field separate from design engineering.
The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies is an organization that was established in 1961 to create a recognized certification for engineering technicians and technologist within the United States....
(NICET) awards certification at two levels depending on work experience: the Associate Engineering Technologist (AT) and the Certified Engineering Technologist
Certified Engineering Technologist
Certified Engineering Technologist is a Canadian professional title awarded on the basis of academic qualification and work experience. Abbreviated as C.E.T., most Canadian provincial engineering and applied science technology associations offer this certification.-Definition:The ASET website...
(CT). The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) awards two levels of certification in Technology Management: (1) Certified Technology Manager (CTM) and (2) Certified Senior Technology Manager (CSTM). ATMAE also awards two levels of certification in Manufacturing Specialist: (1) Certified Manufacturing Specialist (CMS) and (2) Certified Senior Manufacturing Specialist (CSMS). While the CTM and CMS certification are obtained through examination, the CSTM and CSMS require industry experience and continuous improvement via the obtainment of professional development units (PDUs).
United Kingdom
Incorporated EngineerIn the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, an Incorporated Engineer is accepted as a "professional engineer" registered by the Engineering Council. The title Incorporated Engineer (IEng) is protected by civil law. But there are no restrictions on practice, in fact anyone in the UK can call themselves an "Engineer" or professional engineer without any qualifications or proven competencies. This fact is also true for engineers (not professional engineers) in the USA that practice under the Industrial Exemption clause. Incorporated Engineers are recognized internationally through the Sydney Accord
Sydney Accord
The Sydney Accord is an international mutual recognition agreement for qualifications in the fields of engineering technology.-Definition and background:...
academic agreement as Engineering Technologists.
One of the professional titles for engineer
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
s in the United Kingdom is recognized in the Washington Accord
Washington Accord
The Washington Accord is an international accreditation agreement for professional engineering academic degrees, between the bodies responsible for accreditation in its signatory countries...
as the Chartered Engineer
Chartered Engineer (UK)
In the United Kingdom, a Chartered Engineer is an engineer registered with Engineering Council UK . Contemporary Chartered Engineers are master's degree-qualified and have gained professional competencies through training and experience...
. The Incorporated Engineer is a Professional Engineer as declared by the Engineering Council of the United Kingdom and the European definition as demonstrated by the prescribed title under 2005/36/EC as an "Engineer." The Incorporated Engineer operates autonomously and directs activities independently. They do not need to support engineers because they are acknowledged as full Engineers in the UK but not in Canada or the USA. The United Kingdom Incorporated Engineer may work in designing new product and systems.
The Chartered Engineer and Incorporated Engineer are recognized as equivalent in stature but with separate functions. The Chartered and Incorporated Engineer are placed under the same directive 2005/36/EC for this reason. The Incorporated Engineer practices autonomously without the oversight of a Chartered Engineer.
Incorporated Engineers currently require an IEng accredited Bachelors or honours degree in engineering (prior to 1997 the B.Sc. and B.Eng. degrees satisfied the academic requirements for "Chartered Engineer" registration), or a Higher National Certificate or Diploma or a Foundation Degree in engineering , plus appropriate further learning to degree level or an NVQ4 or SVQ4 which has been approved for the purpose by a licensed engineering institution.
The academic requirements must be accompanied by the appropriate experience in employment. In addition to the experience and academic requirements, the engineering candidate must have three references that vouch for the performance of the individual being considered for professional recognition. There are a number of alternative ways to achieve IEng status for those that do not have the necessary qualifications for applicants that can clearly show they have achieved the same level as those with qualifications. These ways include:
- Writing a technical report, based upon their experience, and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of engineering principles.
- Taking Engineering Council examinations through the City and Guilds of London InstituteCity and Guilds of London InstituteThe City and Guilds of London Institute is a leading United Kingdom vocational education organisation. City & Guilds offers more than 500 qualifications over the whole range of industry sectors through 8500 colleges and training providers in 81 countries worldwide...
. - Following a work-based learning programme
- Taking an academic programme specified by the institution to which they are applying.
Europe
The State-Certified Engineer BVT is a European UnionEuropean Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
certificate for professional Technologist. It is granted by a German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
organisation, the Bundesverband höherer Berufe der Technik, Wirtschaft und Gestaltung e.V. ("Federal Association of higher professions for technology economy and design") or BVT. As of November 2006 the BVT has about 19,000 members in several countries.
A member of the BVT is entitled to use the initials BVT after his name. To achieve this certification a completed apprenticeship program (3.5 years) and a 2 year college diploma in engineering technology with two years relevant experience is needed.
See also
- Applied Science TechnologistApplied Science TechnologistApplied Science Technologist is a Canadian professional title awarded on the basis of academic qualification and work experience. Abbreviated as A.Sc.T., some, but not all, Canadian provincial engineering and applied science technology associations offer this certification.-Requirements for...
- Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Prince Edward Island
- Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, or ASET,is a not-for-profit, self-governing organization in Alberta, Canada...
- Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
- Canadian Council of Technicians and TechnologistsCanadian Council of Technicians and TechnologistsThe Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists is an organization in Canada that advocates for the profession of technicians and technologists, as well as certifying their respective educational programs....
- Certified Engineering TechnologistCertified Engineering TechnologistCertified Engineering Technologist is a Canadian professional title awarded on the basis of academic qualification and work experience. Abbreviated as C.E.T., most Canadian provincial engineering and applied science technology associations offer this certification.-Definition:The ASET website...
- National Institute for Certification in Engineering TechnologiesNational Institute for Certification in Engineering TechnologiesThe National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies is an organization that was established in 1961 to create a recognized certification for engineering technicians and technologist within the United States....