Many scientific and engineering professional associations and societies develop programs to identify and ensure competence of individual members. They provide for awarding certificates, accreditations or licensing to members who meet recognized standards of competence. In addition, they encourage their “certified”, “accredited’’, and ‘‘licensed” members to stay abreast of the changes in their professional field and to demonstrate their level of competence through periodic re-examination or continued professional education and experience. This represents a commitment to the maintenance of high standards.