Online News Vol. 1, Issue 3 |
Georgia Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors |
Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards: This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications. We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year. There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications. Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section. Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia. More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized. PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.
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The Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors was established by legislative action in 1937 with the charge of protecting life, health, and property and to promote the public welfare. In order to carry out this charge, the Board has the power to adopt rules, set standards for licensure, adopt mandatory standards of professional conduct and ethics, and investigate and discipline unauthorized, negligent, unethical or incompetent practice. They review applications, administer examinations, license qualified applicants, and regulate the professional practice of licensees throughout the state. The Board consists of nine members: six professional engineers; two land surveyors; and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets 10 times per year. Board meetings are open to the public with the exception of executive session in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed. Minutes from the Board meetings may be found on the Board’s website at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/pels/. |
Board Members: Elmo A. Richardson, PE, LS, Chair |
Board Staff: Darren Mickler |
Number of Active Licensees: Professional Engineer: 18,215 |
2009 Meetings: |
The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon. |
Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors June: The Board voted to approve 300 applicants seeking registration as a professional engineer by comity; 63 regular applicants seeking certification as an engineer-in-training; and 302 senior applicants seeking certification as an engineer-in-training. The Board voted to approve cease and desist orders from the following individuals for unlicensed practice as a land surveyor: The Board voted to approve a consent order from the following individual for assisting unlicensed practice: The Board voted to approve a consent order from the following individual for substandard work:
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License Renewals: Licenses expire as follows: Professional Engineer – December 31 of even numbered years It is illegal to practice professional engineering or land surveying with an expired license. How do I renew my license? You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the License Renewal icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted of a crime or received a board sanction since the last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license. The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice. Disciplinary Issues: The Board addresses disciplinary issues on a case-by-case basis and applies sanctions to those who violate the Professional Engineer and Land Surveyors Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/pels/. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors website. Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-15-19 and at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19. State laws and Board rules may be found on our website at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/pels/. |
Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Complaints Process Information: Complaint Form: The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors to regulate licensing and practice of engineering and surveying. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-15 is given to the Board whose members are appointed by the Governor. This Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows: Complaint Form: Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules. Investigations: The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority. Notification Process: While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website. |
Frequently Asked Questions: A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440. |