Do Technicians and Technologists Play a Critical Role on the Engineering Team?

In the 2020 Engineering Outlook & Salary Survey, nearly 3,400 professional engineers, engineer interns, and students offered their perspectives on bread-and-butter industry issues and noteworthy topics such as licensure, diversity and inclusion, ethics, education, and climate change. This year’s survey (conducted by the National Society of Professional Engineers) asked for the first time about NICET certification and the engineering team. 

When asked if technicians and technologists certified by NICET play a critical role on the engineering team, 39% of survey participants agreed and 13% strongly agreed.

Participants were also asked about the ways they believe NICET certification protects both the workforce and the public. They had the option of indicating one or more benefits as well as no benefits.

• 31% agreed that certification provides increased productivity
• 20% agreed that certification reduces liability
• 13% agreed that certification contributes to cost savings
• 13% agreed that certification increases retention
• 27% responded None of the Above/No Benefits
• 37% indicated “all of the above” on the benefits of certification.