[khedoros1]

In the U.S., becoming a licensed Professional Engineer in the field of software is fairly rare (I think it may only be a requirement in Texas). "Software Engineer" is a term without the same weight as "Professional Software Engineer".

Having looked into it, I have a 4-year degree from an ABET-accredited institution. There's an exam I'd have to take, 4 years of "relevant experience", another exam, and to be signed off by people who are already licensed PEs. That last one might be the hardest to fulfill. As far as I know, none of the "Software Engineers" who I know are "Licensed Professional Software Engineers".

From another perspective (picking an occupation that is widely licensed), I could pass out business cards that say "Doctor Khedoros", and I think that I'd be fine (legally) as long as I didn't claim to be "Doctor Khedoros, MD", and didn't fraudulently present myself as a medical doctor.