Free Speech vs. Regulation of Professional Engineers
Credits: 1 PDH
PDH Course Description:
This online engineering PDH course discusses the relationship between the actions of a licensing board for professional engineers and the Constitutional right of free speech. The course considers the background and findings of a legal case arising when a state licensing board attempted to restrict the right of an engineer from speaking about a public safety issue. Actual legal documents and associated correspondence are discussed and their implications analyzed.Topics:
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:- Students will be able to describe the value of free speech in discovering the best solution to technical problems;
- Students will be able to explain the difference between protected and unprotected speech;
- Students will be able to describe an example in which the actions of a PE licensing board was limited by the Constitutional right of free speech;
- Students will be able to define the meaning of a board letter announcing the opening of an investigation;
- Students will be able to describe the meaning and use of a Notice to Impose a Civil Penalty; and
- Students will be able to explain the significance of working outside the context of an employment or contractual relationship.
To take this course:
1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
(must be logged into your user account)
2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:
Download the Study Guide
3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.
Take the final exam
4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.
Print the Certificate of Completion
Intended Audience: This course is intended for engineering professionals within all disciplines of practice.
Publication Source: This course is based on the course document titled, “Free Speech vs. Regulation of Professional Engineers,” by Mark P. Rossow 2019.
Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)