Posted on August 12, 2024
GALVESTON, Texas — The Civil Engineering Certification, Inc. (CEC) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have formalized a cooperative relationship aimed at advancing technical excellence and collaboration in the global coastal environment. The agreement, effective July 19, 2024, outlines mutual goals and specific areas of cooperation beneficial to both organizations.
The goals of the agreement are twofold: to foster a shared commitment to technical excellence; and to collaborate on promoting knowledge, education, practice, and policy among members and the public.
Specifically, the agreement includes provisions for:
· Workforce development: Recognizing the critical need for subject matter experts, both CEC and USACE will work together to develop 5,000 new board-certified geotechnical, water resources, utility engineering and surveying, coastal, and navigation engineers by 2044.
· Professional recognition: CEC will acknowledge USACE professional experience and training as credit towards board certification, facilitating the advancement of qualified engineers within USACE.
· Support for certification: USACE will support the professional development of engineers by funding application and renewal fees for board certification among its current employees, subject to available funding.
· Promotion of board certification: USACE will advocate for the inclusion of language in architect-engineer contract vehicles that recognizes the value of board-certified engineers in selection processes.
Additionally, the agreement encourages collaboration in organizing conferences, seminars, and other initiatives aimed at furthering shared objectives.
“This cooperative agreement marks a significant step towards enhancing our capabilities in critical engineering disciplines,” said James N. Marino, CEC president. “By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to address current and future challenges in civil engineering with innovative solutions.”
“USACE is proud to formalize this partnership with CEC,” said Pete G. Perez, USACE chief of Engineering and Construction. “Together, we will empower our engineering workforce and strengthen our commitment to EXCELLENCE.”
The agreement does not involve the transfer of funds between the organizations and is subject to compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Both organizations retain autonomy and may amend or terminate the agreement by mutual consent.
About Civil Engineering Certification, Inc.: CEC, a subsidiary of the American Society of Civil Engineers, oversees the accreditation and certification of civil engineers to promote excellence in the profession. Board certification for civil engineers is vital to elevating the level of professionalism needed to meet the challenges facing the nation’s infrastructure. Board certification benefits the public, owners of infrastructure, employers, and practicing civil engineers. Founded by ASCE, Civil Engineering Certification is the only professional credential developed by civil engineers, for civil engineering. It recognizes civil engineers who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in a specific specialty area, bringing more value to civil engineering stakeholders. To be certified, you must meet the established qualification criteria for education, licensure, and experience, and pass the certification examination. https://www.asce.org/
About U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: USACE is a world leader in civil works, providing engineering solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges while upholding environmental sustainability. The mission of USACE is to deliver vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure our nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. The Galveston District is directly responsible for monitoring more than 1,000 miles of channel along the Texas coast from Louisiana to Mexico – an area that spans across 50,000 square miles, includes 48 counties, two parishes, and 16 congressional districts. The USACE Galveston District is one of four districts (Fort Worth, Little Rock, and Tulsa) that are part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division (headquartered in Dallas). https://www.usace.army.mil/
