The standard of care evolves. Licensees must maintain competence through continuing professional development (CPD/CPC/PDH). Most boards require documented hours for renewal. Use current adopted codes. After a long practice gap, regain competence before taking responsible charge. Ethics, law, and technical practice are all appropriate PDH topics.
PDH
Professional development hours
CPC
Continuing professional competency (boards)
Standard of care
What a prudent PE does now, not in 1980
Step-by-step solved example
A PE last designed bridges 18 years ago and has taken no structural PDH. The firm wants the PE to seal a new highway bridge. OK?
1. Competence now
Codes, seismic, and detailing practice have changed. The PE is not currently competent in that area.
2. Path
Regain competence (study, PDH, collaboration) or have a current bridge PE take responsible charge.
Answer: Not until competence is current; do not seal yet.
10 practice questions
0/10 correct
1.Licensees must
2.CPD/CPC hours are typically
3.The standard of care
4.Relevant PDH topics include
5.After a long career gap, a PE should
6.Using an obsolete code when a new adopted code governs is
7.Board CPC audits may require
8.Self-study, seminars, and technical committees can