American Academy of Water Resources Engineers Moving Forward

EWRI members met at the World Water & Environmental Resources Congress in Salt Lake City, UT this past June to continue development of the first ASCE Academy and voluntary specialty certification for civil engineers. The development of post-licensure, specialty certification is part of the Society's overall effort to "Raise the Bar" for the practice of civil engineering at the professional level.

The EWRI Task Committee on Certification for Water Resources Engineers, chaired by Michael Ports, P.E., P.H., F.ASCE, is leading the effort to create the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers (AAWRE). Attendees at this year's World Water & Environmental Resources Congress were able to speak with members of the EWRI Task Committee and discuss the development of the AAWRE and the Diplomate, Water Resources Engineer (D.WRE) credential.

AAWRE will award the D.WRE credential beginning in 2005. Applicants for the D.WRE will be required to meet high standards of education, experience and ethics. The Task Committee currently envisions each applicant will be required to demonstrate:

Strong moral character and high ethical standing in the profession,

Active engagement in the professional practice of water resources engineering,

Licensure as a professional engineer in the U.S. or equivalent license issued by a foreign country.

Advanced Education through 1) a master of science or master of engineering degree in water resources, or 2) a doctoral degree in water resources engineering, or 3) a minimum of thirty graduate level semester hours related to water resources engineering.

Ten years minimum of professional experience in water resources engineering work. The experience shall include active participation in responsible planning, design, analysis, operation, management, regulation, research, or teaching.

Adherence to the ASCE Code of Ethics.

Candidates will also be required to submit a complete application, together with all fees and supporting documentation as required. This documentation will include three written recommendations endorsing the application from peers who possess a valid license to practice professional engineering issued in the U.S. or equivalent license issued by a foreign country. Applicants will also be required to pass an interview consisting of two phases:

An oral presentation demonstrating that the applicant has mastered the requisite body of knowledge at the expert level, and

An oral defense of the presentation in the form of questions and answers.

AAWRE is expected to begin operations on October 1, 2004. Applications for the water resources engineer certification will be available at that time. Applications will be accepted beginning January 1, 2005. The first Diplomates will be honored at the 2005 World Water & Environmental Resources Congress in Anchorage, Alaska - May 15-19, 2005.

The latest information on the AAWRE, the water resources engineer body of knowledge, and requirements for certification as a water resources engineer will be posted at www.aawre.org.

Your comments, suggestions and questions are critical in aligning the effort with the needs of the profession. Please send your thoughts to the Task Committee at certification@aawre.org.

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