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Continuing Professional Development
The Idaho Society of Professional Engineers recently surveyed its members
and members of the local technical societies including ASCE, ASME, and
IEEE, to assess how people feel about a continuing professional
development (CPD) program in Idaho. Please refer to the following table
that includes a summary of perceived benefits and concerns, based on
survey responses. We currently do not have a mandatory CPD program in
Idaho for professional engineers, although we do have an established
mandatory CPD program for professional land surveyors. The subject of CPD
appears to have sparked some controversy, based on survey comments and
post-survey discussions, and respondents appear to be divided on the
issue. Approximately half of the survey respondents favor a mandatory CPD
program in Idaho. The other half favor either no action or establishing a
voluntary CPD program. ISPE has appointed a committee to address this
issue, with committee members representing different geographic locations
within the State, various engineering disciplines, and various work
sectors (education, government, industry, private practice). The committee
is considering the survey responses and attempting to identify features of
a CPD program that would be acceptable to Idaho professional engineers.
Once the committee feels comfortable with identification of the apparent
issues, we plan to open discussions with the Idaho Board of Professional
Engineers and Land Surveyors and the local technical societies towards
making further progress on this.
Continuing Professional Development
Summary of Perceived Benefits and
Concerns
Perceived benefits - mandatory CPD
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improves public image of professional engineers |
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anticipates nationwide trend of CPD program implementation |
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prevents potential future comity issues with mandatory CPD states
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improves availability of engineering courses / seminars |
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provides structure for those who would otherwise not stay current
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prevents implementation by others of less desirable CPD program |
Perceived concerns - mandatory CPD
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does not necessarily ensure professional competency or public safety
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already continuously developing professionally without mandatory CPD
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limited selection of courses / seminars, especially outside large
population centers |
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limited selection of technical courses / seminars in cutting-edge
engineering disciplines |
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poor educational quality of courses / seminars |
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time requirements, especially with out-of-town travel for courses /
seminars |
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reporting requirements / paperwork |
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financial requirements, particularly with respect to high-quality
courses, travel |
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does not necessarily improve public image |
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inconsistent with national trend to reduce PE requirements |
Suggestions for CPD program
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allow for course / PDH flexibility, availability, variety, quality,
cost |
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minimize biennial reporting or use affidavit confirming CPD
completion |
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do not require PEs to submit CPD record summary biennially |
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allow for occasional IBPEPLS audits at IBPEPLS' discretion. |
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allow limited PDH for self-study |
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allow for exemptions |
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ISPE
MATHCOUNTS
Program
National Engineers Week - Future City Competition
Board of Professional Engineers and
Professional Land Surveyors
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Idaho
Society of Professional Engineers