Also in place, is a variety of programs to certify technicians and technologists in the many engineering disciplines. Nationally standardized, certification programs have been created to meet an identified need. As national and world technology become more complex, this need becomes increasingly acute. The nationwide acceptance of certification is demonstrated by the growing number of companies and agencies now requiring the certification of employees in certain fields of engineering, as well as by the many thousands of persons who have been certified voluntarily under the various programs. The establishment of sound personnel policies within engineering firms and governmental agencies is essential, and the encouragement of professional advancement is an important part of such policies.
Certification indicates specific levels of competency and experience in a particular discipline.
As the individual's level of competency and experience rises, so does the opportunity for advancement through the levels of certification. Establishing, maintaining, and upgrading the certification levels of each engineering team member is vital to the integrity of the profession, as well as to protect the health and safety of the public. It is often difficult for an employer to determine the qualifications of a prospective employee. A certified applicant, however, has been examined or tested by a particular certification program, and all claims for education, experience, and test scores verified prior to granting certification. Since certification is voluntary, individuals undertaking this process demonstrate their desire to achieve a greater degree of professional development.