Question & AnswerQ&A (PRC BOARD OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Resolution NO. 16, S. 1998)
The rules and regulations are known as the "Rules and Regulations Implementing the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998" (RRIPMEA).
The Board is composed of a Chairman and two (2) members appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list submitted by the Professional Regulation Commission and the accredited association of mechanical engineers.
A member must be a natural-born Filipino resident for at least 5 years, at least 35 years of age, hold a BS in Mechanical Engineering, be a Professional Mechanical Engineer with a valid license and active practice for 10 years, have no recent faculty or review center connections, no moral turpitude convictions, and must not be a national officer of the accredited association at appointment.
The practice includes consultation, valuation, management, engineering design, preparation of plans, supervision of erection and installation, operation and maintenance of machinery, manufacture and sale supervision, teaching in accredited schools, and employment requiring mechanical engineering knowledge in government.
The examination is given twice a year in the City of Manila and other places determined by the Board and approved by the Commission.
The three categories are: Professional Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Certified Plant Mechanic.
Candidates must obtain an average rating of 70% in all subjects with no rating below 50% in any subject.
Penalties include a fine of not less than fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) nor more than two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000), imprisonment from six months to three years, or both, at the discretion of the court.
The professional license is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years upon presentation of required CPE credit units and payment of prescribed fees, unless exempted.
Only duly registered and licensed Professional Mechanical Engineers or Registered Mechanical Engineers with a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from recognized and accredited institutions are authorized to teach these subjects.
The seal is in the form of a gear with an outer circle of 40 mm diameter and an inner circle of 20 mm diameter, inscribed with "Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer", a rectangular band with the name, and the registration number below the circle.
Successful examinees must take an oath of profession before a Board member or authorized person and pay prescribed fees to be registered and issued a certificate of registration and professional license.
No, firms, companies, partnerships, associations, or corporations are not allowed to practice mechanical engineering. Only duly registered mechanical engineers may form partnerships or associations using the term "Mechanical Engineers," provided all partners are licensed engineers and perform professional mechanical engineering services.
After due process, their names are dropped from the Roll of Mechanical Engineers, considered suspended, and can only be reinstated upon application, compliance with CPE requirements, and payment of delinquent fees and surcharges.