I understood your question perfectly. What I am saying is that the standard for the PE isn't even that rigorous anyway so I doubt that anybody who has a PE license wouldn't already have the proper knowledge to build a proper road in the first place in the absence of PE requirements.
Hey Johnny847, this comment is a bit insulting to all the PE's out there. I would expect that passing the FE exam (I cant recall, 8 hours of very technical greuling test), then the PE (another 8hour test), plus attaining the years of documented / referenced (by another PE) experience is far more grueling than most licenses. On par or more than the a CPA in my opinion.
anyway - I passed the FE, but the amount of work to get the PE was huge.
Why a PE?You need a PE to sign off on drawings, provide consulting services (e.g. advertise your expertise as an engineer and have individuals pay for and rely on your opinion and work), or work as an engineer for most state / federal governments (which is why Civil is so common to be a PE, fyi, more employers demand it).
In Canada, nearly 50% of engineering grads obtain their P.Eng licensure. in the USA it is far less. The differences are due to how companies hire and the examination requirement differences. In the US, more jobs are possible without the PE -- for example many "designers" or engineering grads are hired by consulting engineering companies, as long as their work is checked and signed off by an PE.
Other companies simply do not create work that is related to public safety, and does not require certification / sign-off. Manufacturers, for example, may send in their systems to another certifying agency, so do not need this license in-house, but still need the engineering talent to get there.
I have a friend (PE) who certifies robotics safety in the workplace, by reviewing their software and hardware controls... so some software / electrical licensure is required out there, beyond the power utilities and building systems.
PE's are also VERY useful for getting your work TN visa, to work between US /Canada / Mexico. (TN is possible without it, but the approval process is clearly defined if you have it)
Also very helpful for foreign trained engineers who want to apply for jobs in the USA, as it proves USA- level education and engineering experience / qualifications. Most hiring managers looking for engineers will not worry too much about an unknown school if you have your PE and US work experience. Without it, you bet that they are asking themselves if a degree from the Phillipines is the same as a US school.
Anyway -- the PE designation is intended to protect the public, like a licensed Dentist or Chiropractor.... obviously there are many highly skilled engineering roles that do not impact public safety / trust.
