If you want to develop a mandatory continuing education program…make sure that YOU do a service to the Professional Engineers that will be impacted- Ask yourselves, “Why?” and “What is the purpose?”  This is not a rhetorical question either!!!! And then spend time developing the program… let me reiterate…spend time developing the program.

Do Your Professional Homework…Don’t Implement Blindly!!!!

Understand your end goal and the requirements for developing this program.  You need to be candid, we are not a bunch of mindless wanna-be engineering students.

And as implied in some of the other comments, it is completely impossible for me to argue against the assumption that the main reason is to generate revenue.  But on the other hand, I have to wonder if there has been a startling rise is litigation due to poor practice.  Or is Virginia falling in lock-step with other states…just because?

You need to evaluate and recognize the enormous breadth of engineering domains that will be affected: what sort of mandatory continuing education will be acceptable?  And as you design and develop the program, will you do it in a way to takes into account the financial burden some may face: individual as well as corporate?

How you design, develop and implement this program will speak volumes for your own professional integrity.  If you do it imprudently, your own professional reputation and credibility will be scrutinized…and all eyes and voices will be directed towards you.

Let me conclude by asking you to-

Work smartly, know and consider as many options as possible, understand the customer, know the requirements, and most importantly know and understand your end goal.

Regards, Mike