Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Department 180 - GEORGIA PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS BOARD
Georgia Compilation of Rules and Regulations
Department 180 – Georgia Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Board
1. Purpose and Overview
The Georgia Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Board (PELS Board) regulates the licensing, practice, and professional conduct of engineers and land surveyors in Georgia.
The Board ensures that professionals meet standards of competency, ethics, and safety to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
2. Scope of Authority
Licenses and regulates:
Professional Engineers (PEs) — individuals qualified to practice engineering.
Professional Land Surveyors (PLS) — individuals qualified to conduct land surveying.
Issues licenses, renewals, and certificates.
Investigates complaints and disciplinary matters related to licensees.
3. Licensing Requirements
To become licensed, applicants must typically:
Meet education requirements (e.g., an accredited engineering or surveying degree).
Complete a certain amount of work experience under a licensed professional.
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or equivalent for engineers, and the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam for surveyors.
Pass the Professional Engineering or Land Surveying exam.
Submit a completed application with fees and supporting documentation.
4. License Renewal and Continuing Education
Licenses must be renewed periodically (usually every two years).
Licensees are often required to complete continuing professional development (CPD) or continuing education (CE) credits to maintain licensure.
Failure to renew or meet CE requirements may result in license suspension or expiration.
5. Professional Conduct and Ethics
The Board enforces a Code of Ethics requiring licensees to:
Perform services only in areas of their competence.
Maintain honesty, integrity, and fairness.
Avoid conflicts of interest.
Protect public safety and welfare.
Violations can lead to disciplinary action, including reprimand, suspension, or revocation of licenses.
6. Disciplinary Procedures
The Board investigates complaints against licensees regarding:
Professional negligence.
Unethical conduct.
Fraud or misrepresentation.
Criminal activity affecting professional practice.
Hearings are conducted as per administrative procedures.
Sanctions may include fines, probation, suspension, or permanent revocation.
7. Exemptions and Exceptions
The Board may provide exemptions for:
Individuals practicing under supervision but not requiring full licensure.
Specific activities not classified as engineering or surveying.
Temporary or reciprocal licenses for engineers or surveyors licensed in other states.
8. Rules on Seals and Certifications
Licensed engineers and surveyors must use a professional seal or stamp on official documents.
The seal certifies that the work meets professional standards.
Misuse of the seal can result in disciplinary action.
9. Public Access and Information
The Board maintains a public registry of licensed professionals.
Provides information on license status, disciplinary actions, and complaints.
Offers resources and guidance to both professionals and the public.
Summary Table
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Regulated Professionals | Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors |
| Licensing Requirements | Education, exams, experience, application, fees |
| Renewal & Continuing Education | Periodic renewal with CE/CPD requirements |
| Code of Ethics | Competence, integrity, public safety, conflict avoidance |
| Disciplinary Actions | Investigation, hearings, sanctions including suspension |
| Use of Professional Seal | Required on official documents; misuse prohibited |
| Public Registry | License verification and disciplinary records available |
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