Who retains ownership of the stamp or seal used by a P. Tech?

In the context of professional regulations, the ownership of the stamp or seal used by a Professional Technologist (P. Tech) is a significant matter under the guidelines established by professional regulatory bodies. The seal or stamp is a representation of the professional's certification and the authority granted by their regulatory body, which in this case is ASET (the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta).

The rationale behind ASET retaining ownership of the stamp or seal is to ensure that it is used appropriately and in accordance with professional standards. This control helps maintain the integrity of the profession and protects the public by ensuring that only qualified individuals use the seal to endorse their work. When a P. Tech leaves a position, whether by resignation or termination, it is crucial that the seal is returned and cannot be used improperly by anyone else, including former employers.

In contrast, if the ownership were to reside with the P. Tech themselves or their employer, there could be a risk of misuse or misrepresentation of professional qualifications. The regulation promotes accountability and supports the public's trust in the engineering and technology professions by clearly delineating who has the rightful authority to use the professional stamp or seal.