Mandatory Continuing Professional Development for Relicensing of Engineers

We are in an age of continuous innovation, and engineering, like all professions, is constantly changing. Engineers need to keep abreast of these changes and expand their knowledge to maintain their professional status, both in the eyes of the public and their colleagues. Also, the Code of Ethics of most, if not all, professional/technical organizations require that the individual continue their professional development throughout their careers. Many believe that the lack of mandatory continuing professional development is the essential element that keeps engineering from being viewed as a true profession. In addition, there is a national trend toward requiring continuing professional development for maintenance of licensure. The National Society of Professional Engineers reports that 14 states have laws in place requiring continuing education of engineers or are considering enactment. Mandatory continuing education for relicensing of engineers is upon us, are we prepared to accept this requirement?