ENGINEERING AS A PROFESSION

Bachelor’s degree in engineering represents the first step towards professional certification and the degree programme itself is certified by a professional body for example COREN in Nigeria. (Council of Registered Engineers) After the completion of the certified degree programme, the engineer must satisfy a range of requirements and probably some other professional examinations. Once certified, the engineer is designated a member of COREN implicitly implied that he/she is a professional, chartered or incorporated engineer. The advantages of certification vary depending upon location. For example, in Nigeria only a COREN member is deemed a licensed engineer that can seal engineering work for public and private clients. This requirement is often endorsed by force of law.

Nevertheless, practically all certifying bodies maintain a code of conduct/ethics that guide their modus operandi/vivendi. In this manner, such organizations maintain ethical standard for the profession. Even in jurisdictions where certification has little or no legal bearing on works, engineers are subject to contract laws. In cases where there is an engineering default, the tort of negligence may be instituted and in extreme cases the charge of criminal negligence. An engineering work must also comply with regulations such as building codes and legislations relating to environment/ecology. Suffice it to note that obsolescence of technical skill is a serious concern for engineers. This is why regular seminars, lectures, training and refresher courses are organized to update membership/participants in technical skills. The regular review of periodicals in the field and a habit of continual learning are therefore essential to maintain proficiency.