Rules for Philippine Mechanical Engineering Practice

The Board's official seal features Hero's Steam Engine, symbolizing historical mechanical engineering.

Board consists of a Chairman and two members appointed by the President from nominees submitted by accredited associations.
Members must be natural-born Filipinos, aged 35+, licensed Professional Mechanical Engineers with 10+ years practice, not connected with teaching or review centers during the past 3 years, and have good moral character.
Term of office is 3 years, with a maximum of two terms.
The Board acts collegially, requiring quorum and majority vote for decisions.

The Chairman leads the Board, assigns duties, presides over investigations, and represents the Board in official matters.
The Board enforces RA 8495 with PRC support and law enforcement assistance for penal provisions.
Decisions require en banc meetings, with certain actions needing PRC approval.
Records are kept by PRC; documents cannot be removed without authorization.
Annual report to the President via PRC is mandatory.

Passing the licensure exam is mandatory for practicing mechanical engineering, except as exempted.
Applications require authenticated education documents and endorsements for foreign graduates.
Three registration categories: Professional Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Certified Plant Mechanic.
Detailed qualification criteria for each category include citizenship, education, experience, competency evidence, and no convictions for moral turpitude.
Exam scope includes practical engineering skills, law, ethics, and specific subject matter depending on category.
Professional Mechanical Engineer applicants submit technical reports and undergo interviews.
Exams are held twice yearly, fully computerized, with results released within 3 months.
Passing requires 70% average with minimum 50% in each subject.
Re-examination allowed with restrictions on frequency.

Successful examinees are registered after oath-taking and fee payment.
Certificates and licenses are issued accordingly and must be renewed every 3 years with Continuing Professional Education (CPE) compliance, except where exempted.
Names of delinquent licensees unpaid for 5 years may be removed from rolls but can be reinstated upon compliance.
Automatic registration granted to those registered under previous law, with conditions.
Replacement of lost or damaged certificates is permitted upon fee payment.

Investigations conducted by Board with PRC assistance in accordance with relevant rules and suppler cases from Revised Rules of Court.
Grounds for suspension or revocation include fraud, negligence, incompetence, unprofessional conduct, illegal practice, code of ethics violations, and CPE non-compliance.

Board shall report school performances in licensure exams.
May recommend monitoring, publication of poor-performing schools, or phasing-out of courses.

PME seal is a gear with inscriptions detailing professional status and registration number.
Seal must be on all professional mechanical engineering documents submitted for official use.

Registration and practice of foreign engineers governed by PRC guidelines.
Board will implement further rules on exams, reciprocity, and special permits for foreigners.

Unlicensed practice is prohibited.
Specific prohibitions on responsible charge roles in mechanical engineering activities without proper licensure.
Penalties include fines from P50,000 to P200,000 and/or imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years.
PRC has authority to investigate and pursue legal actions.

All registered mechanical engineers and certified plant mechanics are integrated into one national organization accredited by the Board and PRC.
This integration does not prevent voluntary groups from coexisting.

Board to promulgate Code of Ethics and professional standards.
License and tax receipt numbers must be indicated on professional documents.
Teaching in mechanical engineering requires registration and, for RMEs, a master's degree.
Government positions with master’s degree requirements allow PMEs and RMEs with master’s or doctorate degrees to qualify.
Firms and corporations cannot practice mechanical engineering, but partnerships of licensed engineers are allowed with restrictions.

Existing mechanical plant engineers can register as PMEs upon payment of fees.
Current Board continues until a new one is appointed.
Incumbent faculty must comply within five years to retain teaching mechanical engineering subjects.

Rules take effect 30 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.