More Government Responses on Software License Questions

I have been covering how the Government is getting involved in writing firmware in a couple of past blogs. Two more States have responded to my questions.

• Do you have your license to write firmware?
• Government Responses on Software License Questions

The state of Idaho previously said they would send me a formal written letter with their response. I now have that in hand as you can see below. While the nostalgia of a formal letter is nice, was it really required when a email would have done?

Board of Professional Engineers and professional Land Surveyors

Dear Mr. Paddock

At its meeting on September 5 and 6, 2012 the Idaho Board of Licensre of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors reviewed the email inquiry about licensing of software engineers which you submitted to David Curtis dated August 5, 2012. You have raised some interesting question which the Board has voted to take under advisement and study. We will communicate with you further after we have had the opportunity to determine how we will handle the issues.

Please call if you have any questions

For the Board [Signed] David K. Bennion, P.E. Board Chair

DLC/DKB/dc:Paddock,Bob.2012-09 Meeting

From the state of Mississippi:

Mr. Paddock,

At this week's Board meeting, the members reviewed and discussed your email below.

Your questions about the exam should be referred to NCEES (www.ncees.org).

The requirements (education, examination and experience) are all on our website at www.pepls.state.ms.us; look at Initial PE licensure requirements. These requirements are set by both Mississippi statutes and by Board regulations.

If a person passes the NCEES Software PE exam in Mississippi, then the person would be a licensed Professional Engineer in this state. The license expires every Dec. 31; the current renewal rate is $35 and 15 hours of continuing education every year.

Regarding the use of the title "engineer", Mississippi statute 73-13-39 restricts this title to those who are licensed Professional Engineers. When it comes to the Board's attention that an unlicensed person is using this title in a public manner, such as to to solicit business, to claim credentials or to certify something, the Board is compelled by state law to direct the person to cease and desist.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

- Rosemary Brister