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
No, 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
Yes.  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. 

Question
How do I apply for licensure by endorsement?
Answer
You must have an NCEES Record and complete the online Licensure by Endorsement application which includes a $300 fee.  If you are licensed in a foreign jurisdiction, there is a different application and instructions under Licensure by Endorsement.

Question
I have a foreign degree. Will my degree have to be evaluated?
Answer
In almost all cases YES.  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 http://ncees.org/records/ncees-credentials-evaluations/

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
In most cases, YES.  If your firm is a corporation, partnership, or LLC you must obtain a permit. If you are a sole proprietor practicing under any name other than the name on your individual license you must obtain a permit.  If you are a sole practitioner practicing in the name on your individual license, you do not need a permit. 

 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.​
 

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.

Examinations

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
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
When can I sit for the Principles & Practice of Engineering exam?
Answer
You may sit after graduation from an EAC ABET accredited engineering program and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.  You will need to pass this exam and meet our other requirements such as the required years of progressive engineering experience before you can apply for licensure.  Passing this exam is not a guarantee of licensure.  

Question
If I pass the Principles & Practice of Engineering exam before I have my required years of progressive engineering experience, can I apply for my PE license right away?
Answer
No, you must wait until you have fully met the experience requirement before filing an application.  Additionally, your NCEES Record must reflect that you have met the experience requirement.  Applications and/or NCEES Records submitted prematurely may result in additional expense to you and delays in issuance of your license. 


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. Pre-approval of courses is not required.

Question
When and how do I report my 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.

Question
How are licensees selected for a CPD Audit?
Answer
There are several reasons why you may be selected for an audit, including (1) Random Audit, (2) Automatic Audit due to late renewal (on or after September 1 of the renewal year), (3) In connection with a disciplinary investigation.

Question
If I receive a Notice of Audit, when and how should I respond?
Answer
You must respond within 30 days from the date of the Notice; failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.  You must submit a log showing the date of the activity, sponsoring organization, location, activity title, description, presenter's name and PDH units earned and attendance certification records in the form of completion certificates or other documents supporting evidence of attendance.

Question
What happens if some of the CPD activities I submit are dissallowed?
Answer
If you provided documentation of the required number of PDH units, but some of those units are dissallowed because they fail to meet the requirements of the CPD regulation, you will be granted up to 180 days to either substantiate your original claim or earn other PDH units to meet the requirement.  Note that this applies only to PDH units submitted but dissallowed.  It does not apply in cases where a licensee fails to submit the required number of hours.​

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Other

Question
May I self-certify a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan in Kentucky as allowed by the U.S. EPA without using a PE?
Answer
No.  In Kentucky, the certification of an SPCC Plan is considered the practice of engineering and therefore requires a PE licensed in our state.  The federal regulation only allows this option in states that do not prohibit self-certification.

Question
Does 3D Modeling require a PE and/or a PLS?

Answer

The development of electronic engineering-related or surveying-related design data shall be subject to licensure requirements under KRS 322.  Development of data such as templates, cross sections, Digital Terrain Models, etc. to be used for the purposes of construction, earthwork, grading, mining and stake-out is within the definition of the practice of engineering under KRS 322.010(4)(a)1 and shall be done under the responsible charge of a Professional Engineer.  Any such data that establishes, reestablishes, locates property lines, locates real property rights or defines real property lot divisions and lot layout is within the definition of the practice of land surveying under KRS 322.010(10)(a)1 and shall be done under the responsible charge of a Professional Land Surveyor.

 

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: Frequently Asked Questions