Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 5336)
The recognized degrees are M.E., B.S.M.E., M.M.E., M.S.M.E., or their equivalents conferred by an engineering school or college legally chartered and of recognized standing.
The three grades are: (1) professional mechanical engineer, (2) mechanical engineer, and (3) certified plant mechanic.
Practicing mechanical engineering means rendering professional mechanical engineering services such as consultation, investigation, valuation, planning, design, or supervision of mechanical works or plants for compensation or even without compensation, or advertising oneself as being engaged in such practice.
Applicants must be at least eighteen years old prior to examination, but no license shall be issued until the applicant reaches twenty-one years of age.
Active practice means a specific record of at least four years of satisfactory active practice in mechanical engineering work, which may include teaching mechanical engineering in a recognized engineering school.
It is unlawful to perform certain mechanical engineering services or to be in charge of projects or plants of certain horsepower without holding the appropriate valid certificate, such as being in responsible charge of plans or operations without the proper certification.
For plants 50 horsepower or above but below 300 horsepower, at least one certified plant mechanic or mechanical engineer is required, with additional personnel required for multiple shifts. For 300 horsepower or more, at least one mechanical or professional mechanical engineer must be in charge of each shift.
Examination fees: 50 pesos for professional mechanical engineer or mechanical engineer; 20 pesos for certified plant mechanic. Registration fees: 10 pesos for professional mechanical engineer or mechanical engineer; 5 pesos for certified plant mechanic. Without examination, registration fees are higher: 30 pesos for professional mechanical engineer or mechanical engineer; 10 pesos for certified plant mechanic.
The manager, administrator, or person in charge of management or administration of the business is personally liable for any violation of the Act.
The examination is testimonial, requiring submission of an enumeration of the applicant's experiences including a notarized engineering report pertinent to his line of experience, attested by one or more professional mechanical engineers.