About CAPE
Issue & CAPE Position
In our increasingly complex world, the challenges engineers face and the problems they must solve are requiring a greater breadth and specialization. The exploding body of science and engineering knowledge cannot be accommodated within the context of the traditional four-year degree. This problem has been recognized by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the National Council of Examiners for Engineering & Surveying (NCEES), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). To address this problem, the minimum standard for licensure as a professional engineer must be raised.
CAPE POSITION
The Coalition to Advance the Profession of Engineering (CAPE) supports the position that the appropriate qualifications for licensure in the future should include: (1) a bachelor's degree; (2) a master's degree or an additional 30 credits of coordinated graduate or upper level undergraduate courses in engineering, science, mathematics and professional practice topics; (3) approximately four years of progressive engineering experience; and (4) successful completion of the appropriate NCEES sponsored written examinations.
