The word 'engineer' is illegal to use in Florida now...

[Hazelip]

I just found out about this. I worked very hard to get my Windows 2000 MCSE, but now I can't claim to be an MCSE because of the word 'engineer' in the title.

I'm not even allowed to place the acronym after my name in my e-mail signature... Here's the thing, not only am I not allowed by law to use the word, if I conceal the fact that I have obtained the certification, using the word, I am also in violation of the law and subject to misdemeanor penalties.

http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=CH0471/Ch0471.HTM

Can anyone tell me how I might combat this, perhaps in a public arena, with no money to really put toward fighting it?

Oh, and to my knowledge, MS isn't doing anything about it.

[Crossbow]

To: Hazelip

I have to admit, I have wondered about that MCSE term because I am a "Professional Engineer" (I have a stamp and a certificate!).

Now then, if it is really a problem for you, then you might want to contact a lawyer about this matter to get a more researched opinion because I do not think you really have a problem.

I looked at the statute and it referred to the terms "licensed engineer" and "professional engineer", and since you are using the term MSCE it looks to me like you will be OK.

Also, I really doubt that MS would do anything much about the problem since it would mean that they would have to deal with the 50 different state governments and the legal and travel bills would cost a good deal of money (even for Bill G.).

I hope this helps!

[aerocontrols]

Edit: After skimming the statute, I tend to agree with Crossbow.

[Occasional Chemist]

Originally posted by Hazelip
I just found out about this. I worked very hard to get my Windows 2000 MCSE, but now I can't claim to be an MCSE because of the word 'engineer' in the title.


Ditto to what Crossbow says. You're reading it wrong, I think, unless you're claiming to be a licensed engineer. You're *probably* not doing this ...

[Hazelip]

Originally posted by Crossbow
I looked at the statute and it referred to the terms "licensed engineer" and "professional engineer", and since you are using the term MSCE it looks to me like you will be OK.

Also, I really doubt that MS would do anything much about the problem since it would mean that they would have to deal with the 50 different state governments and the legal and travel bills would cost a good deal of money (even for Bill G.).

I hope this helps!

I thought so too, you have the C & S reversed, by the way. The statute specifically prohibits 'systems engineer' which is what I am.

The part about MS is where I'm not so sure. If it's illegal to call yourself an engineer, and MS is selling courses and certification exams to achieve the certification of a systems engineer, aren't they violating the law by providing a certification that is illegal in Florida?

[subgenius]

From my brief perusal of the statute I think there's a question of whether it applies in your case (in particular (7) defining "engineering").
Have you, or your organization been specifically advised by a legal authority, or is this basic "scuttlebutt."?
If there is some trade organization you belong to it would be wise to get legal counsel, for your group. I think Microsoft would be interested in this issue.

[corplinx]

Beleive it or not, the first protests over the use of the term engineer came about way, way back when Novell was certifying "engineers". Engineer is a prestigious term and there were concerns that Novell was watering it down.

Then came Microsoft...... Microsoft had a glorified operator's license that claimed the holder was an "Engineer". The result is that you had non-college grads who studied braindumps running around with Engineer titles. Mind you, these people knew less than your average IT/MIS person who was not an engineer.

[Crossbow]

Originally posted by Hazelip


I thought so too, you have the C & S reversed, by the way. The statute specifically prohibits 'systems engineer' which is what I am.

The part about MS is where I'm not so sure. If it's illegal to call yourself an engineer, and MS is selling courses and certification exams to achieve the certification of a systems engineer, aren't they violating the law by providing a certification that is illegal in Florida?

Thanks for the correction!

But just to reiterate, I doubt that that there is a problem since they are not producing "Licensed Engineers" and/or "Professional Engineers".

However, please contact a lawyer in your state who is familiar with engineering ethics if you really need to resolve this issue.