Can a CET open up a design company?
I was just wondering if a certified CET (Certified Engineering Technologist) can legally open a design business. I understand that they are not allowed to use the term “Engineering” or “Architect” in their business name; but can a CET start a company legally??
At the moment, my boss, who is a CET runs a branch of an architectural company, that is why I ask if it is possible to start a design company as a CET.
As a side note, according to national law, in order to start a company, one must pay to have $1,000,000 liability insurence, what are the premium costs to get that kind of insurence?
Thanks for the help.
The title of C.E.T., which is used as a post-nominal, is generally protected by provincial legislation. One cannot use the title or hold that one is a Certified Engineering Technologist unless so certified, by a provincial body associated with the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists.
In some provinces this title may be replaced with Applied Science Technologist (AScT), Registered Engineering Technologist (RET), or more recently Professional Technologist (P.Tech) to more closely align with Professional Engineers who use the title (P.Eng).
Internationally, transferability of this title is governed by the Sydney Accord.
Thank-you for the information; some of which I already know and some of which is new. But, unfortunatly, that does not answer my question. Can a CET start a design company??
I don’t know the legalities, but my understanding is that anybody can open and run a design business, however…
Depending on the product, it may be necessary to have the designs reviewed and the products tested by regulatory organizations such as the CSA, UL. etc.
As for the insurance premiums, it will depend on how the insurance company views the risks relating to the business. If it involves risks to human health (either for your employees or users of your products), the premiums can be very high. Someone may have some general guidelines, but I thik you’ll end up having to outline the details of your plans to an insurance agent to get a realistic estimate.
I was thinking more relation to building design, floor plans, layouts and things as i will be majoring in architectural engineering. But thanks very much, that helped clear things up alot.
