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Frequently Asked Questions

Licenses, Permits and Degrees
Question:
I have an engineering technology degree which is TAC/ABET accredited. May I apply for licensure in Kentucky?
Answer:
Kentucky does not accept TAC/ABET degrees for licensure. If you possess such a degree but sat for the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination prior to 7/1/83, please contact the board office.

Question:
Is a degree required for engineering licensure?
Answer:
Since July 1, 1983, an engineering degree accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) is required. If you are unsure about your degree, you may check it at abet.org. External Link - You are now leaving the .gov domain.

Question:
How do I apply for licensure by endorsement?
Answer:
You must have an NCEES Record and mail us the "Authorization for Transmittal of Council Record" along with the $150 fee. See the instructions under "Getting Licensed".

Question:
I have a foreign degree. Will my degree have to be evaluated?
Answer:
If you have a degree accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, an evaluation is not required. All other foreign degrees must be evaluated by NCEES Credentials Evaluations ncees.org. External Link - You are now leaving the .gov domain.

Question:
Does Kentucky offer a temporary permit to practice engineering or surveying?
Answer:
No.

Question:
Do I need a permit for my engineering or surveying firm?
Answer:
If your firm is a corporation, partnership, or LLC you must obtain a permit. If you are a sole practitioner practicing in the name on your individual license, you do not.
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Stamps and Seals

Question:
May I use an electronic seal on my engineering or surveying documents?
Answer:
When documents are to be presented to a client or to a public or governmental entity, at least one copy must have the licensee's original stamp or seal, original signature and date. Any other copy may contain a facsimile of the licensee's stamp, signature and date applied manually or by computer.

Question:
May I electronically transmit documents with an electronic signature in place of an original seal, signature and date?
Answer:
Yes, if the electronic signature is a unique identification of the licensee; is verifiable; is under the licensee's direct and exclusive control; is linked to the electronic document in such a way that any changes to the document are easily displayed; any attempt to change the document invalidates the electronic signature; and the document is transmitted in a read only format.

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Examinations

Question:
Can the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination be waived?
Answer:
No; the only exception being for certain engineering instructors in EAC/ABET accredited engineering programs.

Question:
Why can't I review my exam?
Answer:
NCEES reserves the right to repeat questions, and the integrity of the questions is compromised by overexposure. If some examinees are allowed to review questions, it may give them an unfair advantage over other examinees.

Question:
May I sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination prior to graduation?
Answer:
Yes, if you have at least 105 credit hours completed towards your EAC/ABET engineering degree.

Question:
What is the difference between the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and the EIT (Engineer in Training) examinations?
Answer:
None. It is simply a new name for the same examination.

Question:
What types of calculators and reference materials are allowed to be used in exams?
Answer:
Contact visit NCEES Website External Link - You are now leaving the .gov domain.  for all questions related to these topics.  Also see PE & PS Exam Reference Materials

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Continuing Education

Question:
Does Kentucky require continuing education (Professional Development Hours) for Professional Engineers?
Answer:
Yes.  30 hours every two calendar years. Those engineers who were licensed in Kentucky before 1972 are exempt from the continuing education requirements if they have been continuously licensed and have had no disciplinary actions.

Question:
Does Kentucky require continuing education (Professional Development Hours) for Professional Land Surveyors?
Answer:
Yes. Eight hours per calendar year.

Question:
Do professional development courses have to be pre-approved in Kentucky?
Answer:
No.

Question:
How often is a Professional Land Surveyor required to take the Board sponsored Standards of Practice / Ethics / Code of Conduct course?
Answer:
Once during each four calendar year period.

Question:
Who is responsible for keeping Professional Development Hours records?
Answer:
Each individual licensee.

Question:
Can I take a course that is not pre-approved?
Answer:
Yes you may. Pre-approval of courses is not required.

Question:
When and how do I report my surveying CPD hours?
Answer:
You are responsible for maintaining your CPD records. On your license renewal form, you will be asked to indicate whether or not you have met the CPD requirements. If selected for audit, you will be asked to provide the supporting documents.

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Inactive/Retired Status

Question:
I am a licensee considering the "inactive" or "retired" status". How will this differ from my current active status?
Answer:
You will pay a $20 biennial renewal fee instead of the $150 fee charged active licensees. You will be included in all Board mailings and be allowed to use a title such as "Professional Engineer, Retired". However, you will not be allowed to practice engineering and/or surveying.

Question:
If I am "inactive" or "retired", what must I do in order to practice engineering and/or surveying again?
Answer:
You must apply for reinstatement. The forms are available on this website. If you are a Professional Land Surveyor, you will have to complete eight professional development hours for each calendar year you were retired or inactive, up to a maximum of 32 hours.  If you are a Professional Engineer, you will have to complete 15 professional development hours per year up to a maximum of 60.

Question:
What is the difference between "inactive" and retired"?
Answer:
There is no difference except for the title. You may choose either.

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Last Updated 10/27/2010
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