OSPE was founded in 1878 by a group of engineers and surveyors to advance the interests of engineering and surveying in Ohio. Surveying has always been closely aligned with engineering, with many historical figures including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson having been educated in both professions. High on our founders’ agenda was promoting public recognition of their work and providing opportunities for fellowship of its members in public and private practice.

In June, 1933, OSPE was one of the first statewide engineering organizations to secure legislation providing for state registration and a registration board to administer licensing examinations to qualified engineers seeking to work in Ohio.

Today, the 3,000 member organization, through its 20 chapters, works closely with Ohio's State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors to improve registration laws and their administration, and to help enforce legal and professional standards.

Through five practice divisions OSPE represents the basic areas of engineering practice: industry, private practice, construction, government, and education.

OSPE's members come from every technical discipline in engineering: aerospace, agricultural, biomedical, ceramic, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, forensic, industrial, manufacturing, materials science, mechanical, metallurgical, mining, marine, nuclear, petroleum, polymer science, structural, systems and welding.

OSPE maintains its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio with a full-time professional staff. OSPE is a state affiliate of the National Society of Professional Engineers, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. With the support of OSPE and the other state society organizations, NSPE unites more than 65,000 engineers nationwide.