Recommendation:

[I endorse VSPE review comments, recommendations and justification on the Board's proposed changes to 18VAC10-20-270.]

"VSPE opposes the proposed language of section 18VAC10-20-270 Licensed by Endorsement, [Sub]section B, International Endorsement, and proposes alternative language for 18VAC10-20-270 as follows:

A. General. An applicant currently licensed as a professional engineer in another state, territory, or jurisdiction of the United States may be granted licensure by endorsement in the Commonwealth of Virginia, provided the applicant demonstrates that he or she meets or exceeds the qualifications required for licensure in Virginia at the time the application for endorsement is submitted.

B. Eligibility. To be eligible for licensure by endorsement, an applicant shall:
1. Hold a valid, active license as a professional engineer issued by another jurisdiction of the United States and be in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the applicant is licensed;
2. Have satisfied education, examination, and experience requirements that meet or exceed the requirements for licensure as a professional engineer in Virginia, as determined by the board;
3. Have successfully passed the Principles and Practice of Engineering examination or an examination determined by the board to be substantially equivalent;
4. Submit verification of licensure, examination results, education, and experience in a manner prescribed by the board; and
5. Satisfy all other applicable requirements of this chapter.

C. NCEES Records and Model Law Engineer. The board shall accept and give substantial weight to a complete National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Council Record, including recognition as a Model Law Engineer, as evidence that the applicant meets the requirements of this section. The board may rely on such records to streamline the review and approval of endorsement applications.

D. Applicants Not Meeting Endorsement Requirements. Applicants who do not meet the requirements of this section may apply for licensure through the requirements for initial licensure in effect at the time the application is submitted."

Justification:

VSPE - "The rigors of the International Engineering Alliance are suspect and not governed by any US oversight; whereas VSPE has great confidence in NCEES Records and Model Law Engineer standards and practices.

VSPE’s proposed re-write of Section 270 provides for a streamlined and well governed process to augment PE licensure across the US by eliminating International Endorsement and adding clear eligibility requirements to protect the life, health, safety, and welfare of the Commonwealth’s citizens, environment and infrastructure through support of the NCEES Records Program that is designed for currently licensed engineers and surveyors to complete the licensure process in multiple jurisdictions, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands."