Area of Competency vs Discipline Specific

[JHW 3d]

Don't have my PE, but wondering about how far reaching a PE licensure can be used. I have heard that with a PE in Mechancal (per se), you can stamp drawings in other areas, presuming you have significant competency in that area.

The NCEES website has information on each state board, and I was browsing CA (my state) information.

link: http://boards.ncees.org/view/index/board-1004-california/



Engineering licensure
Last updated 06/04/2012

As a discipline-specific engineer, restricted to practice in a specific field



Other state information has a different language: (for example, New York)

Engineering licensure
Last updated 06/07/2012

As a professional engineer, allowed to practice in his/her area(s) of competency



Does this suggest that in California, to work in "Controls Engineering" (for which I have significant experience), I would be required to take and pass the CSE PE exam, but in New York I would not?

Anyone else have experience with navigating this potentially restrictive scope of licensure?

TIA

 

[Joe Dirt PE]

Your interpretation is correct. I've seen states that don't pay any attention to discipline at all and a PE is a PE no matter what other than the exception of a structural engineer. It's up to your own professional judgement as to what you're competent to seal. California is pretty restrictive by comparison.