Key points for revision to legislation governing engineer status


Resolution passed by the 131st Senate of the HRK, 15 October 2015

I. Rules in legislation governing engineer status must not inappropriately restrict the autonomy of universities. Quantitative definitions for the proportion of subject modules in degree programmes in engineering legislation impermissibly restrict the freedom of universities to shape their courses as a result of scientific freedom protected by the German Constitution and are therefore not acceptable.

II. For German universities, it is essential that the design of legislation governing engineer status directly authorises use of the designation "engineer" without this requiring a further legal act, for example the awarding of the occupational title by a professional chamber or similar establishment.

III. All graduates of a relevant course in a technical, engineering or natural sciences discipline at a German university lasting at least six semesters must be entitled to call themselves an engineer. Membership of a professional chamber must not be required in order to use this designation.  Die inhaltlichen Voraussetzungen für die Anerkennung der Berufsbezeichnung "Ingenieur" müssen weiterhin länderübergreifend angenähert bleiben.

IV. In their graduation certificates and diploma supplements, universities state that the graduates may use the designation "engineer" in accordance with the legislation governing engineer status of the relevant state. This provides sufficient transparency and clarity.


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