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BY H. NEIL WINDSOR,
P.ENG.
APEGGA Executive Director and Registrar
There is some confusion surrounding the question of persons
holding the Microsoft title "Microsoft Certified Systems
Engineer" and the acronym "MCSE." As you know,
in May 2001 the engineering profession reached an understanding
with Microsoft Corporation whereby Microsoft agreed that persons
holding this designation would use the acronym but not the
full title. This was in response to the profession's concerns
that members of the public could be misled into thinking that
these persons were qualified engineering professionals, when
in fact they are not and do not claim to be.
APEGGA, and the Alberta Government, have notified educational
institutions and designation holders that use of this title
would be considered a violation of the EGGP Act and that prosecution
could result. A high level of compliance was enjoyed since
that time.
In July 2002 Microsoft issued a statement to all designation
holders indicating that they do not agree with the legal interpretation
and are no longer requesting certificate holders to honor
the agreement with the engineering profession. They further
indicate that Microsoft will fully support their designation
holders who use these terms.
APEGGA is concerned that persons may be misled by the use
of these terms. Although the usage has been greatly reduced
in recent months, there is concern that this latest release
by Microsoft might cause persons who hold the designation
to again use the full title. We would appreciate being notified
of any individuals you may know of that use the designation
and of any persons who might be misled by that use (lheron@apegga.org).
The public may not be aware that persons holding the MCSE
designation do not possess the qualification and expertise
that professional engineers do. Public safety is of utmost
importance and we, as professionals, all have a responsibility
to play our part in fulfilling our obligations under the EGGP
Act in that regard.
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