Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is a consulting engineer?
2. What are the legal requirements for becoming a consulting engineer?
3. Who regulates the practice of consulting engineering?
4. I'm a professional engineer; can I be a member of ACEC/CO?
5. Why should my firm be a member of ACEC/CO?
6. I need medical insurance for my employees. Does ACEC/CO have insurance programs?
7. I just started my practice and I need professional liability insurance. Where do I get it?
8. I'm looking for employment with a consulting engineering firm. Do you have a listing of jobs?

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION #1

Q. What is a consulting engineer?

A. A consulting engineer is a professional engineer, licensed by the state of Colorado under CRS12-25, Part 1, who engages in the private practice of engineering and serves clients on a fee-for-service basis. A consulting engineering firm may consist of one engineer practicing as a sole proprietor or a large number of engineers and support staff in a large corporate setting.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION #2

Q. What are the legal requirements for becoming a consulting engineer?

A. For an individual, the only requirement for setting up a consulting engineering practice is to be licensed as a professional engineer in accordance with Colorado Revised Statute 12-25, Part 1. Business organizations such as partnerships, professional associations or corporations must meet additional ownership requirements, set out specifically in 12-25-104, before they may offer engineering services, use the term "engineer" or "engineering" in a company name, or otherwise represent that they are permitted to offer engineering services to the public.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION #3

Q. Who regulates the practice of consulting engineering?

A. In Colorado, individual professional engineers and consulting engineering firms are regulated by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Professional Land Surveyors. All professional engineers and surveyors are required to uphold a Code of Ethics adopted by the board. Complaints involving alleged ethical misconduct are investigated by the Board of Registration and where appropriate, disciplinary action is taken against those who violate this code. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION #4

Q. I'm a professional engineer; can I be a member of ACEC/CO.

A. If you are a professional engineer engaged in private practice, you have a place of business in Colorado, and you have no interest in a commercial, manufacturing or construction venture that would compromise your independent engineering judgment, then you are eligible for membership in ACEC/CO. Follow this link for more information about ACEC/CO membership.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION #5

Q. Why should my firm be a member of ACEC/CO?

A. Because individuals and companies working together with a common interest can accomplish far more to improve an industry's business climate than any single individual or company working alone. ACEC/CO is the recognized voice of the consulting engineering industry among state lawmakers, agency administrators and other construction industry organizations. By being an active member of ACEC/CO, you can help influence what the association does on behalf of the entire industry.

In addition, ACEC/CO provides a wide array of services to help you manage your firm more effectively and profitably. Click here to learn more about the services and benefits of ACEC/CO membership.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION #6

Q. I need medical insurance for my employees. Does ACEC/CO have insurance programs?

A. While ACEC/CO does not sponsor a major medical plan for consulting engineering firms, our national association, the American Consulting Engineers Council, does sponsor an excellent plan that is used by many ACEC/CO member firms. Click here for more information on the ACEC Life Health Plan.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION #7

Q. I just started my practice and I need professional liability insurance. Where do I get it?

A. While ACEC/CO does not endorse any professional liability insurance program, there are two programs that have provided consistently good service to the engineering and architectural professions over the years, the Design Professionals Insurance Company (DPIC) and the CNA program managed by Victor O. Schinner & Co., Inc. For more information on these programs, follow the links below.

Design Professionals Insurance Company
Van Gilder Insurance, local agent
Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., Inc.
Professional Underwriters Insurance, local agent

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION #8

Q. I'm looking for employment with a consulting engineering firm. Do you have a listing of jobs?

A. We do not have a job listing, but do provide a service through our monthly newsletter listing ads of people seeking employment. To participate, please send a classified ad listing your background, experience and type of position seeking, along with your resume. Any of our members seeking staff, can call our office to obtain a copy of your resume and will then contact you directly to arrange an appointment. Click here to connect to our on-line Posting a Resume.

In addition, we have a membership directory for sale, which can assist you in seeking out firms in the state of Colorado. Click here to connect to our on line Membership Directory.