A firm, partnership, corporation or association may be licensed and registered for the practice of Chemical Engineering.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on size
• D. Only if they are accredited

Answer: (B)

Licensure for professional engineering is granted to individuals, not to organizations. The license certifies that a person has met specific education, experience, and examination requirements and is responsible for the professional practice of engineering. While a firm, partnership, corporation, or association can be registered to operate as a business and can employ licensed engineers, the practice of engineering itself is performed by licensed individuals who must seal or sign plans and documents. In many jurisdictions a firm must designate a licensed professional engineer in charge of its engineering activities to ensure accountability and public safety, but the license does not transfer to the entity. This is why the statement is not correct. Size or accreditation of a program does not determine licensure: accreditation relates to educational programs, not to who may legally practice engineering.