Professional Engineer - Gijutsushi

A national qualification based on the Engineers Act (Law No. 25 of 1983). Using the title of "engineer," an individual plans, researches, designs, analyzes, tests, evaluates, or provides guidance on matters that require advanced specialized application skills in science and technology. The English name is Professional Engineer. To obtain the qualification of an engineer, an individual must pass the first examination administered by the Japan Institute of Professional Engineers, an organization designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, to become an associate engineer, then gain practical experience under a supervising engineer and pass the second examination. However, individuals who have completed the educational curriculum stipulated in the Engineers Act are recognized as qualified to become an associate engineer (equivalent to those who have passed the first examination), and can take the second examination after gaining practical experience. The technical sector is divided into mechanical, marine and aeronautical, aeronautical, electrical and electronic, chemical, textile, metal, resource engineering, construction, water and sewerage, sanitary engineering, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, industrial engineering, information engineering, applied science, bioengineering, environment, nuclear and radiation, and general technology management, and is registered in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's register of professional engineers. As of March 2014, the total number of registered professional engineers was about 80,000, with the construction sector accounting for about 45%.

Approximately 70% of engineers are employed by general companies, while the rest work for the national or local government or are self-employed as technical consultants, mainly engaged in preparatory surveys and design supervision for public works, technical surveys for operational audits, technical guidance to developing countries, etc. In recent years, in light of the relationship with international engineering systems and the sophistication of industrial technology, there has been a need for engineers who can solve problems across multiple specialized technologies, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Council for Science and Technology is currently considering reviewing and reforming the qualification system.

[Editorial Department]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

技術士法（昭和58年法律第25号）に基づく国家資格。技術士の名称を用いて、科学技術に関する高等の専門的応用能力を必要とする事項についての計画、研究、設計、分析、試験、評価、またはこれらに関する指導の業務を行う。英語名はProfessional Engineer。技術士資格を習得するためには、文部科学大臣の指定機関である日本技術士会が実施する第一次試験に合格して技術士補となったのち、指導技術士のもとで実務経験を積み、第二次試験に合格しなければならない。ただし、技術士法に規定された教育課程を修了した者は技術士補となる資格を有する者（第一次試験合格者と同等）と認められ、実務経験を積んだのち、第二次試験を受験することができる。技術部門は、機械、船舶・海洋、航空・宇宙、電気電子、化学、繊維、金属、資源工学、建設、上下水道、衛生工学、農業、森林、水産、経営工学、情報工学、応用理学、生物工学、環境、原子力・放射線、総合技術管理に分かれ、文部科学省の技術士登録簿に登録される。2014年（平成26）3月時点の技術士登録者数は、合計約8万人で、建設部門が約45％を占めている。

　技術士の約7割は一般企業に所属し、その他は国や自治体に勤務するか、技術コンサルタントとして自営しており、おもに公共事業の事前調査や設計監理、業務監査のための技術調査、開発途上国への技術指導などを行っている。近年、国際的なエンジニア制度との関連や、産業技術の高度化を踏まえ、複数の専門技術を横断的に解決できる技術士が必要になっており、文部科学省の科学技術・学術審議会では、資格制度の見直しや改革の検討を進めている。

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