West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 7 - Professional Engineers
Agency Overview
Agency 7, the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, is the state-level authority that regulates the practice of engineering in West Virginia. Its mission is to protect public health, safety, property, and welfare by ensuring that only qualified and ethical individuals practice as professional engineers.
The agency establishes standards for licensure, discipline, and professional conduct in the engineering field.
Purpose and Objectives
The Board’s responsibilities are centered on:
Licensing and Regulation:
Evaluate and approve applicants for engineering licensure.
Maintain a registry of licensed professional engineers in the state.
Standards of Practice:
Define and enforce minimum standards for professional engineering work.
Establish codes of conduct and ethical responsibilities for engineers.
Public Protection:
Ensure that engineering work in West Virginia is performed only by competent professionals.
Take disciplinary action against engineers who violate standards, engage in misconduct, or demonstrate incompetence.
Examinations and Qualifications:
Administer or recognize professional engineering exams.
Set education, training, and experience requirements for licensure.
Oversight of Engineering Firms:
Regulate businesses offering engineering services in the state.
Ensure that firms operate under the supervision of licensed professional engineers.
Composition of the Board
The Board is typically composed of:
Licensed Professional Engineers:
Members who represent various engineering disciplines.
Public Representatives:
Non-engineer members to reflect the perspective of the general public.
Appointments:
Members are appointed by the Governor or designated authority.
Terms are fixed, with provisions for reappointment.
Roles and Responsibilities
Licensure of Engineers:
Review applications to verify education, professional experience, and examination results.
Issue licenses to qualified individuals.
Examinations:
Conduct or authorize standardized exams (e.g., Fundamentals of Engineering, Professional Engineer exams).
Approve continuing education requirements for maintaining licensure.
Disciplinary Authority:
Investigate complaints against engineers or engineering firms.
Hold hearings and impose penalties such as fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses.
Rulemaking:
Develop regulations that govern engineering practice in the state.
Update rules to reflect changes in technology, safety, and professional standards.
Public Outreach and Education:
Provide guidance to engineers, firms, and the public about engineering standards and ethics.
Encourage compliance through training and professional resources.
Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed professional engineer (PE) in West Virginia, applicants must typically:
Education: Earn a degree in engineering from an approved institution.
Examination: Pass required engineering exams.
Experience: Complete supervised professional engineering work experience.
Ethics and Conduct: Demonstrate good moral character and compliance with professional ethics.
Compliance and Enforcement
Engineers must practice only within their area of competence.
Licensees are required to follow ethical and professional standards set by the Board.
Violations (fraud, negligence, misconduct, or practicing without a license) are subject to investigation and disciplinary action.
Key Goals
Protect the public health, safety, and welfare through regulation of engineering practice.
Maintain high professional and ethical standards in engineering.
Ensure only qualified individuals and firms provide engineering services in West Virginia.
Provide fair and transparent licensing and disciplinary processes.
Summary
In short, West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 7 – Professional Engineers functions as the regulatory authority that licenses engineers, enforces standards of practice, oversees professional conduct, and protects the public from unsafe or unethical engineering practices. It ensures that the state’s engineering work is carried out responsibly, safely, and competently.
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