The SELC promotes the enactment of Separate Licensure in all jurisdictions in the United States in place of the standard Branch or Roster Designation used in many jurisdictions.
Separate Licensure
Separate licensure is a provision in a jurisdiction's statutes (enacted by the legislature) or rules (established by the licensing board) that specifically recognizes structural engineering as a distinct discipline with certain special qualifications beyond, or in place of, those required for professional engineering licensure.
It exists in the following forms:
- A full practice restriction, which regulates the use of the title “structural engineer” or “SE” and the provision of structural engineering services for all structures.
- A partial practice restriction, which regulates the use of the title “structural engineer” or “SE” and the provision of structural engineering services for certain types of structures.
- A title restriction, which only regulates the use of the title "structural engineer" or "SE".
Branch or Roster Designation
Branch or roster designation, on the other hand, is a provision in a jurisdiction's statutes, rules, or licensing board procedures, that does nothing more than recognize every licensee's discipline, usually based on the specific NCEES examination that each individual has passed. It does not regulate the practice of engineering, set minimum competency or protect the public.