Proposal for Certification Program for Petroleum Engineers

GOAL The proposed Certification Program is a technical-professional recognition program to enhance the professional stature and welfare of petroleum engineers. The objectives of the program are:to encourage and reflect the continuing updating of skills by petroleum engineers;to identify and discern the clearly competent professional;to foster continuing recognition of the competent petroleum engineer in his professional career; andto aid the advancement of the technical and scientific disciplines associated with the profession. CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION The proposed Certification Program compliments and supplements professional registration programs. Registration means legal professional registration programs. Registration means legal license to practice in a particular geographical area; certification means recognition of an individual's continuing technical competence to engage in professional practice. In areas where no registration laws exist to cover work by petroleum engineers, the Certification Program sponsored by the Society of Petroleum Engineers could provide a form of recognition of competency Petroleum Engineers could provide a form of recognition of competency in petroleum engineering principles and practices. ELIGIBILITY To gain certification under the SPE-sponsored program, the applicant must meet the following requirements:Experience: A minimum of six years' experience in an engineering capacity related to the petroleum industry, preferably in the exploration, drilling, production, or pipelining areas. Such experience can include positions in industry, government, or in teaching at a four-year college or university. Credit of one year for a Masters degree and two years for a Doctorate degree will be provided.Registration: A current license as a Registered Professional Engineer in the state in which he practices.Education: (Applies only for those petroleum engineers who, for reason of residency, are unable to qualify for engineering registration at the time of application for certification.) A degree in engineering, engineering science, or applied science from a college or university whose engineering or scientific curricula is approved by the Engineers Council for Professional Development (ECPD) or the SPE Board of Directors.