I don't know why so many people on HN think that all "real" engineers are required to get professionally certified by some professional cult society, but is is flatly false.
Around here (and maybe in all of the United States?) you don't have to be a PE to call yourself an engineer, but I think in some countries you do. I personally reserve the expression "real engineer" for PE's who can stamp drawings and have the license and insurance to back it up.
But, hey. What do I know? I'm probably overpaying by going to a "real" dentist.
Disclaimer: I’m an EE as well as a programmer.