Section 61G15-20.008 - Educational Requirements for Applicants without ETAC/ABET Accredited Engineering Technology Degrees(1) Applicants having a baccalaureate degree in engineering technology from programs that are not accredited by ETAC/ABET must demonstrate: (a) A minimum of 24 college semester credit hours of higher mathematics and basic sciences. Credit hours may be substituted with engineering science courses that are not used to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1)(c). 1. A minimum of 9 semester hours of mathematics which must be beyond algebra and trigonometry and must emphasize mathematical concepts and principles rather than computation. Courses in differential calculus and integral calculus are required. Additional courses may include differential equations, linear algebra, numerical analysis, probability and statistics, and advanced calculus. Computer skills and/or programming courses cannot be used to satisfy mathematics requirements.2. A minimum of 12 semester hours in basic sciences, which must include at least three courses. These courses must be in general chemistry, calculus-based physics, biological sciences, or earth sciences (geology, ecology, or oceanography), but no more than two of the three courses may be in the same area. For an applicant who has earned both a baccalaureate degree in engineering technology and a graduate degree in engineering, only two courses are required. Additional courses towards the requisite 24 semester hours of mathematics and basic sciences may include physical science, natural science, and/or an advanced science. Computer skills and/or programming courses cannot be used to satisfy basic science requirements.(b) A minimum of 9 college semester credit hours in general education. Examples of acceptable courses include philosophy, religion, history, literature, fine arts, sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology, economics (micro and macro), professional ethics, and social responsibility. Examples of other general education courses deemed acceptable include management (such as organizational behavior), accounting, written and oral communications, business, and law. No more than 6 credit hours can come from courses in management, accounting, business, or law. Courses in engineering economics, engineering management, construction management, systems engineering/analysis, production, or industrial engineering/management will not be counted. Up to 6 credit hours of languages other than the applicant's native language are acceptable for credit. English and foreign language courses in literature and civilization may be considered in this area. Courses that instill cultural values are acceptable. Other means towards satisfying the general education requirement are as follows: Earning a doctoral degree is equivalent to 10 credit hours if the degree is from a college or university in the U.S. that has an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering or ETAC/ABET engineering technology program in a related discipline at the baccalaureate level.(c) A minimum of 40 college semester credit hours of engineering technology, engineering science, or engineering design taught within the college or by the faculty of engineering. Examples of approved engineering technology courses are mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, electrical and electronic circuits, materials science, transport phenomena, engineering economics, and computer science (other than computer programming skills). Courses in engineering design stress the establishment of objectives and criteria, synthesis, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation. All engineering course work should incorporate hands-on laboratory work as described in ETAC/ABET criteria, and shall contain a sufficiently designed engineering technology program to provide minimal competency in the use of engineering algorithms and procedures. Graduate-level engineering courses may be included to fulfill curricular requirements in this area. A maximum of six credit hours will be granted for thesis, dissertation, special topics and independent study at any level. Graphics or surveying courses will not be considered to meet engineering technology, science and design requirements. Cooperative training, practicums, internships, and continuing education activities will not receive credit.(2) Credit By Examination and College Courses.(a) Deficiencies in Mathematics and Basic Sciences and/or General Education required by paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) above, may be satisfied by passage of an examination identified on the "Articulation Coordinating Committee Credit-By-Examination Equivalencies" (Rev 09/2022) list incorporated by reference in State Board of Education paragraph 6A-10.024(8)(a), F.A.C., and which may be obtained at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-15006. 1. Credit will only be given for exams in courses that meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(a) or (1)(b) above.2. For credit to be given, the applicant shall achieve a passing score as identified on the list.3. Three (3) credit hours shall be granted for each exam, unless the applicant provides evidence that a college or university with an EAC/ABET or ETAC/ABET accredited engineering program will grant more credit.(b) College- or university-level courses can also be taken to satisfy deficiencies. Credit shall not be given for a college or university course or credit-by-examination exam if credit in a similar course or exam has already been earned.(3) An applicant with an engineering technology degree from a non-ETAC/ABET-accredited degree program must request an evaluation of his or her credentials through Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants, 7101 S.W. 102 Avenue, Miami, FL 33173.(4) The FBPE education committee shall make the final decision regarding equivalency of education credentials and shall make recommendations to the Board as to whether an applicant shall be approved for admittance to the examination or for licensure by endorsement. The applicant requesting an equivalency determination by the Board bears the burden of presenting evidence regarding equivalency to the Board.(5) Credit toward meeting the education requirements will only be given for coursework with a Grade of 'C' or better.(6) This rule shall be reviewed, and if necessary, repealed, modified, or renewed through the rulemaking process five years from the effective date.Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 61G15-20.008
Rulemaking Authority 471.008, 471.013(1) FS. Law Implemented 471.013(1) FS.
Adopted by Florida Register Volume 45, Number 243, December 17, 2019 effective 12/29/2019, Amended by Florida Register Volume 46, Number 093, May 12, 2020 effective 5/27/2020, Amended by Florida Register Volume 49, Number 002, January 4, 2023 effective 1/18/2023.New 12-29-19, Amended 5-27-20, 1-18-23.