re: Spinoff: engineers vs. PE's

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So if you have a bachelors of science in engineering from an accredited university you can't say you are an engineer? Guess I've been doing it wrong. What should I call myself?

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EI or EIT are what is usually used on most business cards or correspondence for people in the trade who have not gotten their license yet.

Honestly it's not very well enforced and the only entity you can get in hot water with in LA is LAPELS, which, if you have no intention of getting a license can't really do anything to you but send a cease and desist and levy a fine you'll never be forced to pay. I guess it's possible they could sue you but I think that is pretty rare.

Most states require licensure to offer Engineering services and/or use the word "Engineer" in your title. Some states that's as simple as paying a fee (TX) and other states require experience and testing.

Can you do the same calculations a licensed engineer does without a license? Of course. Is it technically illegal to do 75mph in a 70mph zone? Yes, but people do it all the time.

Where this really comes into play is if there is a problem and there is legal action or you need coverage from an E&O policy (Errors and Omissions). If you're doing Engineering work and aren't licensed and have no E&O policy you place yourself in a very risky position.

The guy who stamped off on the Hyatt Regency skywalk design did some jail time so it is the real deal. If you did the calcs, licensed or not, you'll be on the hook if things do not go well.