Geotechnical Work as CE 2

[OAPE]

I have been doing geotechnical work for 10 years and I have my CE.

I recently started my own civil company and have been doing a lot of geotechnical work cause I'm known for it, so I get more of it.

I am doing geotechnical reports and stamping them with my civil stamp.

Under the current law, my understanding is that civils can practice geotechnical engineering and structural engineering if "they are competent to do so", a few restrictions on structural(school, 3 story buildings in LA county, etc.) but none for geotechnical.

The GE license is just for the ability to use the title "Geotechnical Engineer, Soil Engineer, etc." and also shows your commitment to the specialty.

However, I have a lot of clients ask why I am not a GE, as they don't understand the difference between a title act and practice act.

Because I have been on my own for a while it will be hard for me to get the 4 CE references to take the GE exam but I feel like if I'm going to do geotechnical work for the rest of my life I need it. But the pragmatic person in me is bothered cause it doesn't necessarily give me anything besides not being asked that question by my clients.

I wanted to get your guys perspective and what your experience has been. Any other CE doing soil reports?

Thank you--

 

[hokie66]

This must be location based in relation to licencing. Geotechnical engineering is part of civil engineering. The main issue is competence to practice in what you are doing.

 

[A.Alexe]

Client's questions should not bother you as long as you can treat a project / report from the perspective of a GE. On the other hand, not being licensed as a GE might disqualify you from bidding for certain project as long as there are specific requests regarding the presence of a GE. In my country there is no school that offers the title of GE, geotechnical engineering representing a module in geological and civil engineering schools, but certain entrepreneurs in EU request the presence of at least one GE in the team, and it is pretty hard to explain that although we are not entitled as GEs, we have the right of practice as GEs.

 

[Ron]

hokie66 is right. This seems to be exclusive to California. Not sure of the reason behind it, since it is likely your degree is in civil engineering as would be the case for most if not all Geotechs. Geotechnical Engineering is a subset of Civil Engineering. Talk to your state board about it. There might even be a grandfathering provision, since I think the GE designation is fairly recent.

 

[theCorkster]

The California GE has been around since the 1980's. Hospital (Office of Statewide Health Planning Department)and school projects (Division of State Architect) made this requirement to provide more consistency in geotechnical products delivered for the projects. Apparently somewhere submitted that didn't meet minimal requirements, so the problem was solved by more regulation. Structural Engineers (SE) specialty required as well.