Community Services
The College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico (CIAPR), founded in 1938, brings together licensed engineers and surveyors, who must be members to practice. This institution plays a crucial role in Puerto Rico’s socioeconomic development and promotes professional ethics and social responsibility.
The CIAPR community is structured through the General Assembly, the Governing Board, Chapters, and Institutes, all working together to ensure the well-being of its members.
Institutional Commitment
As an institution, we are committed to:
- Protecting the interests and well-being of the Puerto Rican community.
- Safeguarding the rights of our members in the exercise of their professions.
- Promoting the advancement of culture, science, and technology in engineering and surveying.
- Advocating for public interest issues that affect us.
- Promoting beautification and environmental improvement within our communities.
Discipline and Complaints
The CIAPR has its own Disciplinary and Professional Ethics Tribunal to maintain professional integrity among its members. Members of the Board of Directors and the Examining Board cannot be part of this Tribunal.
The Tribunal handles formal complaints against engineers or surveyors for violations of the Ethics Canons. It has the authority to impose disciplinary sanctions, including:
- Warnings
- Verbal or written reprimands
- Suspension of membership (and prohibition of professional practice) for a defined or indefinite period
- Monetary fines
Disciplinary Tribunal Members:
- Ing. Louis M. Lozada Sorcia – President
- Agrim. Wilfredo Flores Rivera
- Ing. Drianfel Vázquez Torres
- Ing. Jermaine R. Williams Fargas
- Ing. Mayra I. Rosa Pagán
- Ing. Luis F. Merle RamÃrez
- Ing. Carlos E. Ceinos Ocasio
- Ing. Héctor L. Sánchez Cruz
- Ing. Juan C. Chipi RodrÃguez
How can citizens help prevent illegal practice?
Always verify that the professional is authorized to offer engineering or surveying services. Ask to see their CIAPR identification card.
How to verify?
1. Through our website (www.ciapr.org)
2. By accessing the “Member Search” tool and entering the name or license number.
3. By calling 787-758-2250.
Planning home improvements?
If your project involves land segregation, design, or construction inspection, you must hire a licensed and active engineer or surveyor.
What constitutes illegal practice?
- Practicing or offering to practice engineering or surveying without a license.
- Using professional titles, signs, or impressions that suggest one is an engineer or surveyor without authorization.
- Give the impression of being an engineer or surveyor.
- Use any two (2) professional terms in relation to your name or person.
- Use in connection with your name, any title, word or description that may create the impression that you are an engineer or surveyor.
Sanctions
- Practicing illegally constitutes a felony.
- Aiding or encouraging illegal practice is considered a misdemeanor.
We advise the Government of Puerto Rico on community-impact matters, including:
- Reform of the Permitting Process.
- Renewable Energy Alternatives Committee.
- Weatherization programs for ARRA fund investment.
- Adoption of ICC Building Codes.
- Policy development for energy diversity and renewable sources.
