Can an Engineer's PE License be Revoked?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that a Professional Engineer (PE) license can indeed be revoked, although it is less common than revocations in the medical field. Engineers typically work within large teams, which mitigates individual exposure to liability. However, when catastrophic failures occur, the licensed engineer who approved designs or drawings can be held accountable. High-profile cases, such as the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse, illustrate the potential consequences of negligence in engineering.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Professional Engineer (PE) licensing requirements
  • Knowledge of engineering ethics and liability
  • Familiarity with case studies of engineering failures
  • Awareness of the differences in professional accreditation between the U.S. and the UK
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the process of revoking a Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Study the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse case for lessons on engineering accountability
  • Examine the ethical responsibilities of engineers in design approval
  • Investigate the differences in engineering licensure and professional conduct in the UK versus the U.S.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for civil engineers, engineering students, and professionals interested in understanding the implications of engineering ethics and liability in their practice.

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I have noticed in many of the medical TV shows that Dr. X in danger of getting his medical license removed is a common theme. I have also read of several times a MD has lost his/her license because of gross negligence.

That got me wondering if similar cases happen, but with an Engineer and a PE license. So is getting a PE revoked something that can happen? If so, is it more or less common then MD's getting their license revoked?
 
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It can happen, but usually it doesn't. Engineers have the advantage of working in (sometimes very large) teams of people as such they aren't as exposed as someone who operates solely on their own. When things do go catastrophically wrong it's usually the guy at the top who gave the ok who has his head on the block.

It's slightly different in the UK, because although you can lose professional accreditation, it does not bar you from working as an engineer. As such it's only in very high profile cases that people get kicked out. You can be put up for criminal negligence though.
 
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Yes it can and it has happened. Any PE that signs off on a drawing or design is liable to an extent. Look at the guys who worked on projects like the Hyatt in Kansas City. When the walkway collapsed, there were quite a few engineers that were casualties as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyatt_Regency_walkway_collapse
 
Even a U.S president can get their "license" revoked. It's called impeachment.
There are some credentials, however, that seem to be permanent.
 

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