The purpose of the amendment is to implement the statutory changes in Sections 5 and 6, Chapter 2019-86, Laws of Florida, which authorizes rulemaking to allow engineering technology degrees to meet the education criteria necessary to establish ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

Board of Professional Engineers

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

61G15-20.008Educational Requirements for Applicants without ETAC/ABET Accredited Engineering Technology Degrees

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the amendment is to implement the statutory changes in Sections 5 and 6, Chapter 2019-86, Laws of Florida, which authorizes rulemaking to allow engineering technology degrees to meet the education criteria necessary to establish eligibility for licensure in Florida.

SUMMARY: New rule text to implement statutory changes.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: During discussion of the economic impact of this rule at its Board meeting, the Board, based upon the expertise and experience of its members, determined that a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC) was not necessary and that the rule will not require ratification by the Legislature. No person or interested party submitted additional information regarding the economic impact at that time.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 471.008, 471.013(1) FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 471.013(1) FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Zana Raybon, Executive Director, Board of Professional Engineers, 2639 North Monroe Street, Suite B-112, Tallahassee, FL 32303; [phone].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

61G15-20.008 Educational Requirements for Applicants without ETAC/ABET Accredited Engineering Technology Degrees.

(1) Applicants having a baccalaureate degree in engineering technology from programs that are not accredited by ETAC/ABET must demonstrate:

(a) A minimum of 24 college semester credit hours of higher mathematics and basic sciences. Credit hours may be substituted with engineering science courses that are not used to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1)(c).

1. A minimum of 9 semester hours of mathematics which must be beyond algebra and trigonometry and must emphasize mathematical concepts and principles rather than computation. Courses in differential calculus and integral calculus are required. Additional courses may include differential equations, linear algebra, numerical analysis, probability and statistics, and advanced calculus. Computer skills and/or programming courses cannot be used to satisfy mathematics requirements.

2. A minimum of 12 semester hours in basic sciences, which must include at least three courses. These courses must be in general chemistry, calculus-based physics, biological sciences, or earth sciences (geology, ecology, or oceanography), but no more than two of the three courses may be in the same area. For an applicant who has earned both a baccalaureate degree in engineering technology and a graduate degree in engineering, only two courses are required. Additional courses towards the requisite 24 semester hours of mathematics and basic sciences may include physical science, natural science, and/or an advanced science. Computer skills and/or programming courses cannot be used to satisfy basic science requirements.

(b) A minimum of 9 college semester credit hours in general education. Examples of acceptable courses include philosophy, religion, history, literature, fine arts, sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology, economics, (micro and macro), professional ethics, and social responsibility. Examples of other general education courses deemed acceptable include management (such as organizational behavior), accounting, written and oral communications, business, and law. No more than 6 credit hours can come from courses in management, accounting, business, or law. Courses in engineering economics, engineering management, construction management, systems engineering/analysis, production, or industrial engineering/management will not be counted. Up to 6 credit hours of languages other than the applicant’s native language are acceptable for credit. English and foreign language courses in literature and civilization may be considered in this area. Courses that instill cultural values are acceptable, while routine exercises of personal craft are not. Other means towards satisfying the general education requirement are as follows: Earning a doctoral degree is equivalent to 10 credit hours if the degree is from a college or university in the U.S. that has an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering or ETAC/ABET engineering technology program in a related discipline at the baccalaureate level.

(c) A minimum of 40 college semester credit hours of engineering technology, engineering science, or engineering design taught within the college or by the faculty of engineering. Courses in this area shall have their roots in mathematics and basic sciences but carry knowledge further toward creative application of engineering principles. Examples of approved engineering technology courses are mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, electrical and electronic circuits, materials science, transport phenomena, engineering economics, and computer science (other than computer programming skills). Courses in engineering design stress the establishment of objectives and criteria, synthesis, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation. Course work should incorporate hands-on laboratory work as described in ETAC/ABET criteria, and shall contain a sufficiently designed engineering technology program to provide minimal competency in the use of engineering algorithms and procedures. Graduate-level engineering courses may be included to fulfill curricular requirements in this area. A maximum of six credit hours will be granted for thesis, dissertation, special topics and independent study at any level. Graphics or surveying courses will not be considered to meet engineering technology, science and design requirements. Cooperative training, practicums, internships, and continuing education activities will not receive credit.

(d) Credit will also be given for other technical coursework that enhances the applicant’s ability to practice engineering as defined in Chapter 471.005(7), F.S.

(2) An applicant whose only educational deficiency is under paragraph (1)(b), above, shall be entitled to receive conditional approval to take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination. Such an applicant shall not become eligible for the Principles and Practice examination until satisfactory completion and documentation of the necessary hours required in paragraph (1)(b), above.

(3) College Level Examination Programs (CLEP) examinations that are outlined at http://clep.collegeboard.org/exams may be recognized as satisfying education deficiencies, provided the exams are in courses that meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(b), above. CLEP exams in biology, chemistry, natural sciences, and/or calculus may be used to meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(a), above. For credit to be given, the applicant shall achieve a passing score as determined by CLEP; 3 credit hours shall be granted for each exam, unless the applicant provides evidence that a college or university with an EAC/ABET or ETAC/ABET accredited engineering program will grant more credit. College- or university-level courses can also be taken to satisfy deficiencies. Credit shall not be given for a college, university, or CLEP course if credit in a similar course has already been earned.

(4) An applicant with an engineering technology degree from a non-ETAC/ABET-accredited degree program must request an evaluation of his or her credentials through Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants, 7101 SW 102 Avenue, Miami, FL 33173.

(5) The FBPE education committee shall make the final decision regarding equivalency of education credentials and shall make recommendations to the Board as to whether an applicant shall be approved for admittance to the examination or for licensure by endorsement. The applicant requesting an equivalency determination by the Board bears the burden of presenting evidence regarding equivalency to the Board.

(6) Credit toward meeting the education requirements will only be given for coursework with a Grade of ‘C’ or better.

Rulemaking Authority 471.008, 471.013(1 FS. Law Implemented _471.013(1) FS. History–New__________.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Professional Engineers

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Professional Engineers

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: August 8, 2019

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: September 11, 2019