RCW 18.43.010
General provisions.
In order to safeguard life, health, and property, and to promote the public welfare, any person in either public or private capacity practicing or offering to practice engineering or land surveying, shall hereafter be required to submit evidence that he or she is qualified so to practice and shall be registered as hereinafter provided; and it shall be unlawful for any person to practice or to offer to practice in this state, engineering or land surveying, as defined in the provisions of this chapter, or to use in connection with his or her name or otherwise assume, use, or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that he or she is a professional engineer or a land surveyor, unless such a person has been duly registered under the provisions of this chapter.
[
2011 c 336 s 480
;
1947 c 283 s 1
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-21. Prior:
1935 c 167 s 2
; RRS s 8306-2.]
NOTES:
False advertising: Chapter
9.04
RCW.
RCW 18.43.020
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Board" means the state board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors, provided for by this chapter.
(2) "Director" means the executive director of the Washington state board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors.
(3) "Engineer" means a professional engineer as defined in this section.
(4) "Engineer-in-training" means a candidate who: (a) Has satisfied the experience requirements in RCW 18.43.040
for registration; (b) has successfully passed the examination in the fundamental engineering subjects; and (c) is enrolled by the board as an engineer-in-training.
(5) "Engineering" means the "practice of engineering" as defined in this section.
(6) "Land surveyor" means a professional land surveyor.
(7) "Land-surveyor-in-training" means a candidate who: (a) Has satisfied the experience requirements in RCW 18.43.040
for registration; (b) successfully passes the examination in the fundamental land surveying subjects; and (c) is enrolled by the board as a land-surveyor-in-training.
(8)(a) "Practice of engineering" means any professional service or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience and the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences to such professional services or creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, and supervision of construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with specifications and design, in connection with any public or private utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, works, or projects.
(b) A person shall be construed to practice or offer to practice engineering, within the meaning and intent of this chapter, who practices any branch of the profession of engineering; or who, by verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, or in any other way represents himself or herself to be a professional engineer, or through the use of some other title implies that he or she is a professional engineer; or who holds himself or herself out as able to perform, or who does perform, any engineering service or work or any other professional service designated by the practitioner or recognized by educational authorities as engineering.
(c) The practice of engineering does not include the work ordinarily performed by persons who operate or maintain machinery or equipment.
(9) "Practice of land surveying" means assuming responsible charge of the surveying of land for the establishment of corners, lines, boundaries, and monuments, the laying out and subdivision of land, the defining and locating of corners, lines, boundaries, and monuments of land after they have been established, the survey of land areas for the purpose of determining the topography thereof, the making of topographical delineations and the preparing of maps and accurate records thereof, when the proper performance of such services requires technical knowledge and skill.
(10) "Professional engineer" means a person who, by reason of his or her special knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design, acquired by professional education and practical experience, is qualified to practice engineering as defined in this section, as attested by his or her legal registration as a professional engineer.
(11) "Professional land surveyor" means a person who, by reason of his or her special knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences and principles and practices of land surveying, which is acquired by professional education and practical experience, is qualified to practice land surveying and as attested to by his or her legal registration as a professional land surveyor.
(12) "Significant structures" include:
(a) Hazardous facilities, defined as: Structures housing, supporting, or containing sufficient quantities of explosive substances to be of danger to the safety of the public if released;
(b) Essential facilities that have a ground area of more than five thousand square feet and are more than twenty feet in mean roof height above average ground level. Essential facilities are defined as:
(i) Hospitals and other medical facilities having surgery and emergency treatment areas;
(ii) Fire and police stations;
(iii) Tanks or other structures containing, housing, or supporting water or fire suppression material or equipment required for the protection of essential or hazardous facilities or special occupancy structures;
(iv) Emergency vehicle shelters and garages;
(v) Structures and equipment in emergency preparedness centers;
(vi) Standby power-generating equipment for essential facilities;
(vii) Structures and equipment in government communication centers and other facilities requiring emergency response;
(viii) Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers, and emergency aircraft hangars; and
(ix) Buildings and other structures having critical national defense functions;
(c) Structures exceeding one hundred feet in height above average ground level;
(d) Buildings that are customarily occupied by human beings and are five stories or more above average ground level;
(e) Bridges having a total span of more than two hundred feet and piers having a surface area greater than ten thousand square feet; and
(f) Buildings and other structures where more than three hundred people congregate in one area.
[
2019 c 442 s 8
;
2007 c 193 s 2
;
1995 c 356 s 1
;
1991 c 19 s 1
;
1947 c 283 s 2
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-22. Prior:
1935 c 167 s 1
; RRS s 8306-1.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note:
The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015
(2)(k).
Effective date
—
2007 c 193:
See note following RCW 18.43.040
.
Effective date
—
1995 c 356:
"This act shall take effect July 1, 1996." [
1995 c 356 s 6
.]
RCW 18.43.030
Board of registration
—
Members
—
Terms
—
Qualifications
—
Compensation and travel expenses.
A state board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors is hereby created which shall exercise all of the powers and perform all of the duties conferred upon it by this chapter. After July 9, 1986, the board shall consist of seven members, who shall be appointed by the governor and shall have the qualifications as hereinafter required. The terms of board members in office on June 11, 1986, shall not be affected. The first additional member shall be appointed for a four-year term and the second additional member shall be appointed for a three-year term. On the expiration of the term of any member, the governor shall appoint a successor for a term of five years to take the place of the member whose term on said board is about to expire. However, no member shall serve more than two consecutive terms on the board. Each member shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which such member is appointed or until a successor shall have been duly appointed and shall have qualified.
Five members of the board shall be registered professional engineers licensed under the provisions of this chapter. Two members shall be registered professional land surveyors licensed under this chapter. Each of the members of the board shall have been actively engaged in the practice of engineering or land surveying for at least ten years subsequent to registration, five of which shall have been immediately prior to their appointment to the board.
Each member of the board shall be a citizen of the United States and shall have been a resident of this state for at least five years immediately preceding his or her appointment.
Each member of the board shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.240
and, in addition thereto, shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter in accordance with RCW 43.03.050
and
43.03.060
.
The governor may remove any member of the board for misconduct, incompetency, or neglect of duty. Vacancies in the membership of the board shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the governor as hereinabove provided.
[
2011 c 336 s 481
;
1986 c 102 s 1
;
1984 c 287 s 35
; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 s 37;
1947 c 283 s 3
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-23.]
NOTES:
Legislative findings
—
Severability
—
Effective date
—
1984 c 287:
See notes following RCW 43.03.220
.
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34:
See notes following RCW 2.08.115
.
RCW 18.43.033
Pro tem board members
—
Limits
—
Duties.
Upon request of the board, and with approval of the director, the board chair shall appoint up to two individuals to serve as pro tem members of the board. The appointments are limited, as defined by the board chair, for the purpose of participating as a temporary member of the board on any combination of one or more committees or formal disciplinary hearing panels. An appointed individual must meet the same qualifications as a regular member of the board. While serving as a board member pro tem, an appointed person has all the powers, duties, and immunities of a regular member of the board and is entitled to the same compensation, including travel expenses, in accordance with RCW 18.43.030
. A pro tem appointment may not last for more than one hundred eighty days unless approved by the director.
[
1997 c 247 s 1
.]
RCW 18.43.035
Bylaws
—
Employees
—
Rules
—
Periodic reports and roster.
(1) The board may adopt and amend bylaws establishing its organization and method of operation, including but not limited to meetings, maintenance of books and records, publication of reports, code of ethics, and rosters, and adoption and use of a seal.
(2) Four members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of any business of the board.
(3) The board shall appoint its director, who must hold a valid Washington license as a professional engineer or professional land surveyor.
(4) The board may employ such persons as are necessary to carry out its duties under this chapter.
(5) It may adopt rules reasonably necessary to administer the provisions of this chapter. The board shall submit to the governor periodic reports as may be required. A roster, showing the names and places of business of all registered professional engineers and land surveyors may be published for distribution, upon request, to professional engineers and land surveyors registered under this chapter and to the public.
[
2020 c 47 s 1
;
2019 c 442 s 19
;
2002 c 86 s 224
;
1997 c 247 s 2
;
1986 c 102 s 2
;
1977 c 75 s 10
;
1961 c 142 s 1
;
1959 c 297 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Effective dates
—
2002 c 86:
See note following RCW 18.08.340
.
Part headings not law
—
Severability
—
2002 c 86:
See RCW 18.235.902
and
18.235.903
.
RCW 18.43.040
Registration requirements.
(1) The following will be considered as minimum evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant is qualified for registration as a professional engineer, engineer-in-training, professional land surveyor, or land-surveyor-in-training, respectively:
(a)(i) As a professional engineer: A specific record of eight years or more of experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to the board and indicating that the applicant is competent to practice engineering; and successfully passing a written or oral examination, or both, in engineering as prescribed by the board.
(ii) Graduation in an approved engineering curriculum of four years or more from a school or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing shall be considered equivalent to four years of such required experience. The satisfactory completion of each year of such an approved engineering course without graduation shall be considered as equivalent to a year of such required experience. Graduation in a curriculum other than engineering from a school or college approved by the board shall be considered as equivalent to two years of such required experience. However, no applicant shall receive credit for more than four years of experience because of undergraduate educational qualifications. The board may, at its discretion, give credit as experience not in excess of one year, for satisfactory postgraduate study in engineering.
(iii) Structural engineering is recognized as a specialized branch of professional engineering. To receive a certificate of registration in structural engineering, an applicant must hold a current registration in this state in engineering and have at least two years of structural engineering experience, of a character satisfactory to the board, in addition to the eight years' experience required for registration as a professional engineer. An applicant for registration as a structural engineer must also pass an additional examination as prescribed by the board.
(iv) An engineer must be registered as a structural engineer in order to provide structural engineering services for significant structures. The board may waive the requirements of this subsection (1)(a)(iv) until December 31, 2010, if:
(A) On January 1, 2007, the engineer is registered with the board as a professional engineer; and
(B) Within two years of January 1, 2007, the engineer demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the engineer has sufficient experience in the duties typically provided by a professional structural engineer regarding significant structures.
(b)(i) As an engineer-in-training: An applicant for registration as a professional engineer shall take the prescribed examination in two stages. The first stage of the examination may be taken upon submission of his or her application for registration as an engineer-in-training and payment of the application fee prescribed in RCW 18.43.050
at any time after the applicant has completed four years of the required engineering experience, as defined in this section, or has achieved senior standing in a school or college approved by the board. The first stage of the examination shall test the applicant's knowledge of appropriate fundamentals of engineering subjects, including mathematics and the basic sciences.
(ii) At any time after the completion of the required eight years of engineering experience, as defined in this section, the applicant may take the second stage of the examination upon submission of an application for registration and payment of the application fee prescribed in RCW 18.43.050
. This stage of the examination shall test the applicant's ability, upon the basis of his or her greater experience, to apply his or her knowledge and experience in the field of his or her specific training and qualifications.
(c)(i) As a professional land surveyor: A specific record of eight years or more of experience in land surveying work of a character satisfactory to the board and indicating that the applicant is competent to practice land surveying, and successfully passing a written or oral examination, or both, in surveying as prescribed by the board.
(ii) Graduation from a school or college approved by the board as of satisfactory standing, including the completion of an approved course in surveying, shall be considered equivalent to four years of the required experience. Postgraduate college courses approved by the board shall be considered for up to one additional year of the required experience.
(d)(i) As a land-surveyor-in-training: An applicant for registration as a professional land surveyor shall take the prescribed examination in two stages. The first stage of the examination may be taken upon submission of his or her application for registration as a land-surveyor-in-training and payment of the application fee prescribed in RCW 18.43.050
at any time after the applicant has completed four years of the required land surveying experience, as defined in this section, or has achieved senior standing in a school or college approved by the board. The first stage of the examination shall test the applicant's knowledge of appropriate fundamentals of land surveying subjects, including mathematics and the basic sciences.
(ii) At any time after the completion of the required eight years of land surveying experience, as defined in this section, the applicant may take the second stage of the examination upon submission of an application for registration and payment of the application fee prescribed in RCW 18.43.050
. This stage of the examination shall test the applicant's ability, upon the basis of greater experience, to apply knowledge and experience in the field of land surveying.
(iii) The first stage shall be successfully completed before the second stage may be attempted. Applicants who have been approved by the board to take the examination based on the requirement for six years of experience under this section before July 1, 1996, are eligible to sit for the examination.
(2) No person shall be eligible for registration as a professional engineer, engineer-in-training, professional land surveyor, or land-surveyor-in-training, who is not of good character and reputation.
(3) Teaching, of a character satisfactory to the board shall be considered as experience not in excess of two years for the appropriate profession.
(4) The mere execution, as a contractor, of work designed by a professional engineer, or the supervision of the construction of such work as a foreman or superintendent shall not be deemed to be practice of engineering.
(5) Any person having the necessary qualifications prescribed in this chapter to entitle him or her to registration shall be eligible for such registration although the person may not be practicing his or her profession at the time of making his or her application.
[
2007 c 193 s 1
;
2000 c 172 s 1
;
1995 c 356 s 2
;
1991 c 19 s 2
;
1947 c 283 s 7
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-24. Prior:
1935 c 167 s 2
; RRS s 8306-2.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2007 c 193:
"This act takes effect July 1, 2008." [
2007 c 193 s 3
.]
Effective date
—
1995 c 356:
See note following RCW 18.43.020
.
RCW 18.43.050
Application
—
Registration fees.
Application for registration shall be on forms prescribed by the board and furnished by the director, shall contain statements made under oath, showing the applicant's education and detail summary of his or her technical work and shall contain verification of the technical work from professional engineers that supervised the applicant's technical work and have personal knowledge of the applicant's engineering experience.
The registration fee for professional engineers shall be determined by the board, which shall accompany the application and shall include the cost of examination and issuance of certificate. The fee for engineer-in-training shall be determined by the board, which shall accompany the application and shall include the cost of examination and issuance of certificate.
The registration fee for professional land surveyors shall be determined by the board, which shall accompany the application and shall include the cost of examination and issuance of certificate. The fee for land-surveyor-in-training shall be determined by the board, which shall accompany the application and shall include the cost of examination and issuance of certificate.
Should the board find an applicant ineligible for registration, the registration fee shall be retained as an application fee.
[
2019 c 442 s 5
;
1995 c 356 s 3
;
1991 c 19 s 3
;
1985 c 7 s 42
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 30 s 46
;
1947 c 283 s 8
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-25. Prior:
1935 c 167 s 6
; RRS s 8306-6.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
1995 c 356:
See note following RCW 18.43.020
.
RCW 18.43.060
Examinations.
When oral or written examinations are required, they shall be held at such time and place as the board shall determine. If examinations are required on fundamental engineering subjects (such as ordinarily given in college curricula) the applicant shall be permitted to take this part of the professional examination prior to his or her completion of the requisite years of experience in engineering work. The board shall issue to each applicant upon successfully passing the examination in fundamental engineering subjects a certificate stating that the applicant has passed the examination in fundamental engineering subjects and that his or her name has been recorded as an engineer-in-training.
The scope of the examination and the methods of procedure shall be prescribed by the board with special reference to the applicant's ability to design and supervise engineering works so as to insure the safety of life, health and property. Examinations shall be given for the purpose of determining the qualifications of applicants for registration separately in engineering and in land surveying. A candidate failing an examination may apply for reexamination. Subsequent examinations will be granted upon payment of a fee to be determined by the board.
[
2019 c 442 s 9
;
1991 c 19 s 4
;
1961 c 142 s 2
;
1947 c 283 s 9
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-26. Prior:
1935 c 167 s 7
; RRS s 8306-7.]
RCW 18.43.070
Certificates and seals.
The board shall issue a certificate of registration upon payment of a registration fee as provided for in this chapter, to any applicant who, in the opinion of the board, has satisfactorily met all the requirements of this chapter. In case of a registered engineer, the certificate shall authorize the practice of "professional engineering" and specify the branch or branches in which specialized, and in case of a registered land surveyor, the certificate shall authorize the practice of "land surveying."
In case of engineer-in-training, the certificate shall state that the applicant has successfully passed the examination in fundamental engineering subjects required by the board and has been enrolled as an "engineer-in-training." In case of land-surveyor-in-training, the certificate shall state that the applicant has successfully passed the examination in fundamental surveying subjects required by the board and has been enrolled as a "land-surveyor-in-training." All certificates of registration shall show the full name of the registrant, shall have a serial number, and shall be signed by the chair and the secretary of the board and by the director.
The issuance of a certificate of registration by the board shall be prima facie evidence that the person named therein is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a registered professional engineer or a registered land surveyor, while the said certificate remains unrevoked and unexpired.
Each registrant hereunder shall upon registration obtain a seal of the design authorized by the board, bearing the registrant's name and the legend "registered professional engineer" or "registered land surveyor." Plans, specifications, plats, and reports prepared by the registrant shall be signed, dated, and stamped with said seal or facsimile thereof. Such signature and stamping shall constitute a certification by the registrant that the same was prepared by or under his or her direct supervision and that to his or her knowledge and belief the same was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the statute. It shall be unlawful for anyone to stamp or seal any document with said seal or facsimile thereof after the certificate of registrant named thereon has expired or been revoked, unless said certificate shall have been renewed or reissued.
[
2019 c 442 s 10
;
2011 c 336 s 482
;
1995 c 356 s 4
;
1991 c 19 s 5
;
1959 c 297 s 4
;
1947 c 283 s 10
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-27. Prior: 1935 c 167 ss 8, 13; RRS s 8306-8, 13.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
1995 c 356:
See note following RCW 18.43.020
.
RCW 18.43.075
Retired status certificate.
The board may adopt rules under this section authorizing a retired status certificate. An individual certificated under this chapter who has reached the age of sixty-five years and has retired from the active practice of engineering and land surveying may, upon application and at the discretion of the board, be exempted from payment of annual renewal fees thereafter.
[
1995 c 356 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
1995 c 356:
See note following RCW 18.43.020
.
RCW 18.43.080
Expiration and renewals of certificates
—
Fees
—
Continuing professional development.
(1) Certificates of registration, and certificates of authorization and renewals thereof, shall expire on the last day of the month of December following their issuance or renewal and shall become invalid on that date unless renewed. It shall be the duty of the board to notify every person, firm, or corporation registered under this chapter of the date of the expiration of his or her certificate and the amount of the renewal fee that shall be required for its renewal for one year. Such notice shall be mailed at least thirty days before the end of December of each year. Renewal may be effected during the month of December by the payment of a fee determined by the board. In case any professional engineer and/or land surveyor registered under this chapter shall fail to pay the renewal fee hereinabove provided for, within ninety days from the date when the same shall become due, the renewal fee shall be the current fee plus an amount equal to one year's fee.
(2) Beginning July 1, 2007, the board may not renew a certificate of registration for a land surveyor unless the registrant verifies to the board that he or she has completed at least fifteen hours of continuing professional development per year of the registration period. By July 1, 2006, the board shall adopt rules governing continuing professional development for land surveyors that are generally patterned after the model rules of the national council of examiners for engineering and surveying.
[
2019 c 442 s 11
;
2005 c 29 s 1
;
1985 c 7 s 43
;
1981 c 260 s 4
. Prior:
1975 1st ex.s. c 30 s 47
;
1975 c 23 s 1
;
1965 ex.s. c 126 s 1
;
1961 c 142 s 3
;
1959 c 297 s 5
;
1947 c 283 s 11
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-28; prior:
1935 c 167 s 10
; RRS s 8306-10.]
RCW 18.43.100
Registration of out-of-state applicants
—
Waiver.
(1) The board may, upon application and the payment of a fee determined by the board, issue a certificate as a professional engineer or land surveyor to any person who holds a certificate of qualification of registration issued to the applicant following examination by proper authority, of any state or territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or of any foreign country, if: (a) The applicant meets all requirements of this chapter and the rules established by the board to qualify for such waiver, and (b) the applicant is in good standing with the licensing agency in said state, territory, possession, district, or foreign country.
(2) The board shall waive the fundamentals examination for applicants who have passed the national council for examiners for engineering and surveying principles and practice examination, have met the experience and education requirements established by the board, and are in good standing with the licensing agency in a state, territory, possession, district, or foreign country.
[
2023 c 274 s 1
;
2019 c 442 s 12
;
1991 c 19 s 7
;
1985 c 7 s 44
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 30 s 48
;
1959 c 297 s 6
;
1947 c 283 s 13
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-30. Prior:
1935 c 167 s 5
; RRS s 8306-5.]
RCW 18.43.105
Disciplinary action
—
Prohibited conduct, acts, conditions.
In addition to the unprofessional conduct described in RCW 18.235.130, the board may take disciplinary action for the following conduct, acts, or conditions:
(1) Offering to pay, paying or accepting, either directly or indirectly, any substantial gift, bribe, or other consideration to influence the award of professional work;
(2) Being willfully untruthful or deceptive in any professional report, statement or testimony;
(3) Attempting to injure falsely or maliciously, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects or business of anyone;
(4) Failure to state separately or to charge separately for professional engineering services or land surveying where other services or work are also being performed in connection with the engineering services;
(5) Violation of any provisions of this chapter;
(6) Conflict of interest
—
Having a financial interest in bidding for or performance of a contract to supply labor or materials for or to construct a project for which employed or retained as an engineer except with the consent of the client or employer after disclosure of such facts; or allowing an interest in any business to affect a decision regarding engineering work for which retained, employed, or called upon to perform;
(7) Nondisclosure
—
Failure to promptly disclose to a client or employer any interest in a business which may compete with or affect the business of the client or employer;
(8) Unfair competition
—
Reducing a fee quoted for prospective employment or retainer as an engineer after being informed of the fee quoted by another engineer for the same employment or retainer;
(9) Improper advertising
—
Soliciting retainer or employment by advertisement which is undignified, self-laudatory, false or misleading, or which makes or invites comparison between the advertiser and other engineers;
(10) Committing any other act, or failing to act, which act or failure are customarily regarded as being contrary to the accepted professional conduct or standard generally expected of those practicing professional engineering or land surveying.
[
2002 c 86 s 225
;
1961 c 142 s 4
;
1959 c 297 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Effective dates
—
2002 c 86:
See note following RCW 18.08.340
.
Part headings not law
—
Severability
—
2002 c 86:
See RCW 18.235.902
and
18.235.903
.
RCW 18.43.110
Discipline of registrant
—
Board's power
—
Unprofessional conduct
—
Reissuance of certificate of registration.
The board shall have the exclusive power to discipline the registrant and sanction the certificate of registration of any registrant.
Any person may file a complaint alleging unprofessional conduct, as set out in RCW 18.43.105, against any registrant. The complaint shall be in writing and shall be sworn to in writing by the person making the allegation. A registrant against whom a complaint was made must be immediately informed of such complaint by the board.
The board, for reasons it deems sufficient, may reissue a certificate of registration to any person whose certificate has been revoked or suspended, providing a majority of the board vote in favor of such issuance. A new certificate of registration to replace any certificate revoked, lost, destroyed, or mutilated may be issued, subject to the rules of the board, and a charge determined by the board shall be made for such issuance.
In addition to the imposition of disciplinary action under RCW 18.235.110
and
18.43.105, the board may refer violations of this chapter to the appropriate prosecuting attorney for charges under RCW 18.43.120
.
[
2019 c 442 s 13
;
2002 c 86 s 226
;
1997 c 247 s 3
;
1989 c 175 s 62
;
1986 c 102 s 3
;
1985 c 7 s 45
;
1982 c 37 s 1
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 30 s 49
;
1947 c 283 s 14
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-31. Prior:
1935 c 167 s 11
; RRS s 8306-11.]
NOTES:
Effective dates
—
2002 c 86:
See note following RCW 18.08.340
.
Part headings not law
—
Severability
—
2002 c 86:
See RCW 18.235.902
and
18.235.903
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 175:
See note following RCW 34.05.010
.
RCW 18.43.120
Violations and penalties.
Any person who shall practice, or offer to practice, engineering or land surveying in this state without being registered in accordance with the provisions of the chapter, or any person presenting or attempting to use as his or her own the certificate of registration or the seal of another, or any person who shall give any false or forged evidence of any kind to the board or to any member thereof in obtaining a certificate of registration, or any person who shall falsely impersonate any other registrant, or any person who shall attempt to use the expired or revoked certificate of registration, or any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
It shall be the duty of all officers of the state or any political subdivision thereof, to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The attorney general shall act as legal adviser of the board, and render such legal assistance as may be necessary in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
[
2011 c 336 s 483
;
1986 c 102 s 4
;
1947 c 283 s 15
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-32. Prior:
1935 c 167 s 14
; RRS s 8306-14.]
NOTES:
Forgery: RCW 9A.60.020
.
RCW 18.43.130
Excepted services
—
Fees.
This chapter shall not be construed to prevent or affect:
(1) The practice of any other legally recognized profession or trade; or
(2) The practice of a person not a resident and having no established place of business in this state, practicing or offering to practice herein the profession of engineering or land surveying, when such practice does not exceed in the aggregate more than thirty days in any calendar year: PROVIDED, Such person has been determined by the board to be legally qualified by registration to practice the said profession in his or her own state or country in which the requirements and qualifications for obtaining a certificate of registration are not lower than those specified in this chapter. The person shall request such a determination by completing an application prescribed by the board and accompanied by a fee determined by the board. Upon approval of the application, the board shall issue a permit authorizing temporary practice; or
(3) The practice of a person not a resident and having no established place of business in this state, or who has recently become a resident thereof, practicing or offering to practice herein for more than thirty days in any calendar year the profession of engineering or land surveying, if he or she shall have filed with the board an application for a certificate of registration and shall have paid the fee required by this chapter: PROVIDED, That such person is legally qualified by registration to practice engineering or land surveying in his or her own state or country in which the requirements and qualifications of obtaining a certificate of registration are not lower than those specified in this chapter. Such practice shall continue only for such time as the board requires for the consideration of the application for registration; or
(4) The work of an employee or a subordinate of a person holding a certificate of registration under this chapter, or an employee of a person practicing lawfully under provisions of this section: PROVIDED, That such work does not include final design or decisions and is done under the direct responsibility, checking, and supervision of a person holding a certificate of registration under this chapter or a person practicing lawfully under the provisions of this section; or
(5) The work of a person rendering engineering or land surveying services to a corporation, as an employee of such corporation, when such services are rendered in carrying on the general business of the corporation and such general business does not consist, either wholly or in part, of the rendering of engineering services to the general public: PROVIDED, That such corporation employs at least one person holding a certificate of registration under this chapter or practicing lawfully under the provisions of this chapter; or
(6) The practice of officers or employees of the government of the United States while engaged within the state in the practice of the profession of engineering or land surveying for the government of the United States; or
(7) Nonresident engineers employed for the purpose of making engineering examinations; or
(8) The practice of engineering or land surveying, or both, in this state by a corporation or joint stock association: PROVIDED, That
(a) The corporation has filed with the board an application for certificate of authorization upon a form to be prescribed by the board and containing information required to enable the board to determine whether such corporation is qualified in accordance with this chapter to practice engineering or land surveying, or both, in this state;
(b) For engineering, the corporation has filed with the board a certified copy of a resolution of the board of directors of the corporation that shall designate a person holding a certificate of registration under this chapter as responsible for the practice of engineering by the corporation in this state and shall provide that full authority to make all final engineering decisions on behalf of the corporation with respect to work performed by the corporation in this state shall be granted and delegated by the board of directors to the person so designated in the resolution. For land surveying, the corporation has filed with the board a certified copy of a resolution of the board of directors of the corporation which shall designate a person holding a certificate of registration under this chapter as responsible for the practice of land surveying by the corporation in this state and shall provide full authority to make all final land surveying decisions on behalf of the corporation with respect to work performed by the corporation in this state be granted and delegated by the board of directors to the person so designated in the resolution. If a corporation offers both engineering and land surveying services, the board of directors shall designate both a licensed engineer and a licensed land surveyor. If a person is licensed in both engineering and land surveying, the person may be designated for both professions. The resolution shall further state that the bylaws of the corporation shall be amended to include the following provision: "The designated engineer or land surveyor, respectively, named in the resolution as being in responsible charge, or an engineer or land surveyor under the designated engineer or land surveyor's direct supervision, shall make all engineering or land surveying decisions pertaining to engineering or land surveying activities in the state of Washington." However, the filing of the resolution shall not relieve the corporation of any responsibility or liability imposed upon it by law or by contract;
(c) If there is a change in the designated engineer or designated land surveyor, the corporation shall notify the board in writing within thirty days after the effective date of the change. If the corporation changes its name, the corporation shall submit a copy of its amended certificate of authority or amended certificate of incorporation as filed with the secretary of state within thirty days of the filing;
(d) Upon the filing with the board the application for certificate for authorization, certified copy of resolution and an affidavit, and the designation of a designated engineer or designated land surveyor, or both, specified in (b) of this subsection, the board shall issue to the corporation a certificate of authorization to practice engineering or land surveying, or both, in this state upon a determination by the board that:
(i) The designated engineer or designated land surveyor, or both, hold a certificate of registration in this state in accordance with this chapter and the certificate is in force;
(ii) The designated engineer or designated land surveyor, or both, are not designated in responsible charge for another corporation or a limited liability company;
(iii) The corporation is licensed with the secretary of state and holds a current unified business identification number and the board determines, based on evaluating the findings and information in this section, that the applicant corporation possesses the ability and competence to furnish engineering or land surveying services, or both, in the public interest; and
(iv) The corporation is registered with the department of revenue pursuant to RCW 82.32.030
.
The board may exercise its discretion to take any of the actions under RCW 18.235.110
or this chapter with respect to a certificate of authorization issued to a corporation if the board finds that any of the officers, directors, incorporators, or the stockholders holding a majority of stock of such corporation has engaged in unprofessional conduct as defined in RCW 18.43.105
or
18.235.130
or has been found personally responsible for unprofessional conduct under (f) and (g) of this subsection.
(e) Engineers or land surveyors organized as a professional service corporation under chapter
18.100
RCW are exempt from applying for a certificate of authorization under this chapter.
(f) Any corporation authorized to practice engineering under this chapter, together with its directors and officers for their own individual acts, are responsible to the same degree as an individual registered engineer, and must conduct its business without unprofessional conduct in the practice of engineering as defined in this chapter and RCW 18.235.130
.
(g) Any corporation that is certified under this chapter is subject to the authority of the board as provided in RCW 18.43.035, 18.43.105, 18.43.110, 18.43.120, and chapter
18.235
RCW.
(h) All plans, specifications, designs, and reports when issued in connection with work performed by a corporation under its certificate of authorization shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of and shall be signed by and shall be stamped with the official seal of a person holding a certificate of registration under this chapter.
(i) For each certificate of authorization issued under this subsection (8) there shall be paid an initial fee determined by the board and an annual renewal fee determined by the board.
(9) The practice of engineering and/or land surveying in this state by a partnership if the partnership employs at least one person holding a valid certificate of registration under this chapter to practice engineering or land surveying, or both. The board shall not issue certificates of authorization to partnerships after July 1, 1998. Partnerships currently registered with the board are not required to pay an annual renewal fee after July 1, 1998.
(10) The practice of engineering or land surveying, or both, in this state by limited liability companies: Provided, That
(a) The limited liability company has filed with the board an application for certificate of authorization upon a form to be prescribed by the board and containing information required to enable the board to determine whether the limited liability company is qualified under this chapter to practice either or both engineering or land surveying in this state.
(b) The limited liability company has filed with the board a certified copy of a resolution by the company manager or managers that shall designate a person holding a certificate of registration under this chapter as being responsible for the practice of engineering or land surveying, or both, by the limited liability company in this state and that the designated person has full authority to make all final engineering or land surveying decisions on behalf of the limited liability company with respect to work performed by the limited liability company in this state. The resolution shall further state that the limited liability company agreement shall be amended to include the following provision: "The designated engineer or land surveyor, respectively, named in the resolution as being in responsible charge, or an engineer or land surveyor under the designated engineer or land surveyor's direct supervision, shall make all engineering or land surveying decisions pertaining to engineering or land surveying activities in the state of Washington." However, the filing of the resolution shall not relieve the limited liability company of responsibility or liability imposed upon it by law or by contract.
(c) The designated engineer for the limited liability company must hold a current professional engineer license issued by this state.
The designated land surveyor for the limited liability company must hold a current professional land surveyor license issued by this state.
If a person is licensed as both a professional engineer and as a professional land surveyor in this state, then the limited liability company may designate the person as being in responsible charge for both professions.
If there is a change in the designated engineer or designated land surveyor, the limited liability company shall notify the board in writing within thirty days after the effective date of the change. If the limited liability company changes its name, the company shall submit to the board a copy of the certificate of amendment filed with the secretary of state's office.
(d) Upon the filing with the board the application for certificate of authorization, a certified copy of the resolution, and an affidavit from the designated engineer or the designated land surveyor, or both, specified in (b) and (c) of this subsection, the board shall issue to the limited liability company a certificate of authorization to practice engineering or land surveying, or both, in this state upon determination by the board that:
(i) The designated engineer or designated land surveyor, or both, hold a certificate of registration in this state under this chapter and the certificate is in force;
(ii) The designated engineer or designated land surveyor, or both, are not designated in responsible charge for another limited liability company or a corporation;
(iii) The limited liability company is licensed with the secretary of state and has a current unified business identification number and that the board determines, based on evaluating the findings and information under this subsection, that the applicant limited liability company possesses the ability and competence to furnish either or both engineering or land surveying services in the public interest; and
(iv) The limited liability company is registered with the department of revenue pursuant to RCW 82.32.030
.
The board may exercise its discretion to take any of the actions under RCW 18.235.110
and
18.43.105
with respect to a certificate of authorization issued to a limited liability company if the board finds that any of the managers or members holding a majority interest in the limited liability company has engaged in unprofessional conduct as defined in RCW 18.43.105
or
18.235.130
or has been found personally responsible for unprofessional conduct under the provisions of (f) and (g) of this subsection.
(e) Engineers or land surveyors organized as a professional limited liability company are exempt from applying for a certificate of authorization under this chapter.
(f) Any limited liability company authorized to practice engineering or land surveying, or both, under this chapter, together with its manager or managers and members for their own individual acts, are responsible to the same degree as an individual registered engineer or registered land surveyor, and must conduct their business without unprofessional conduct in the practice of engineering or land surveying, or both.
(g) A limited liability company that is certified under this chapter is subject to the authority of the board as provided in RCW 18.43.035, 18.43.105, 18.43.110, 18.43.120, and chapter
18.235
RCW.
(h) All plans, specifications, designs, and reports when issued in connection with work performed by a limited liability company under its certificate of authorization shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of and shall be signed by and shall be stamped with the official seal of a person holding a certificate of registration under this chapter.
(i) For each certificate of authorization issued under this subsection (10) there shall be paid an initial fee determined by the board and an annual renewal fee determined by the board.
[
2019 c 442 s 3
;
2002 c 86 s 227
;
1997 c 247 s 4
;
1991 c 19 s 6
;
1985 c 7 s 46
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 30 s 50
;
1965 ex.s. c 126 s 2
;
1961 c 142 s 5
;
1959 c 297 s 7
;
1947 c 283 s 16
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8306-33. Prior:
1935 c 167 s 2
; RRS s 8306-2.]
NOTES:
Effective dates
—
2002 c 86:
See note following RCW 18.08.340
.
Part headings not law
—
Severability
—
2002 c 86:
See RCW 18.235.902
and
18.235.903
.
Effective date
—
1997 c 247 s 4:
"Section 4 of this act takes effect July 1, 1998." [
1997 c 247 s 5
.]
RCW 18.43.150
Fees
—
Duty of board to set
—
Disposition.
The board shall set fees at a level adequate to pay the costs of administering this chapter. All fees collected under the provisions of RCW 18.43.050, 18.43.060, 18.43.080, 18.43.100, and
18.43.130
and fines collected under RCW 18.43.110
shall be paid into the professional engineers' account, which account is hereby established in the state treasury to be used to carry out the purposes and provisions of RCW 18.43.050, 18.43.060, 18.43.080, 18.43.100, 18.43.110, 18.43.120, 18.43.130, and all other duties required for operation and enforcement of this chapter. During the 2013-2015, 2015-2017, and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature may transfer moneys from the professional engineers' account to the state general fund such amounts as reflect the excess fund balance of the fund.
[
2025 c 424 s 922
;
2019 c 442 s 14
;
2016 sp.s. c 36 s 913
;
2013 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 954
;
1991 c 277 s 2
;
1985 c 57 s 5
;
1965 ex.s. c 126 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2025 c 424:
See note following RCW 9.46.100
.
Effective date
—
2016 sp.s. c 36:
See note following RCW 18.20.430
.
Effective dates
—
2013 2nd sp.s. c 4:
See note following RCW 2.68.020
.
Effective date
—
1991 c 277:
See note following RCW 18.85.061
.
Effective date
—
1985 c 57:
See note following RCW 18.04.105
.
RCW 18.43.170
Registration suspension
—
Noncompliance with support order
—
Reissuance.
The board shall immediately suspend the registration of a person who has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320
by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order or a *residential or visitation order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for membership during the suspension, reissuance of the certificate of registration shall be automatic upon the board's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the person is in compliance with the order.
[
1997 c 58 s 821
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
1997 c 58 s 886 requiring a court to order certification of noncompliance with residential provisions of a court-ordered parenting plan was vetoed. Provisions ordering the department of social and health services to certify a responsible parent based on a court order to certify for noncompliance with residential provisions of a parenting plan were vetoed. See RCW 74.20A.320
.
Short title
—
Part headings, captions, table of contents not law
—
Exemptions and waivers from federal law
—
Conflict with federal requirements
—
Severability
—
1997 c 58:
See RCW 74.08A.900
through
74.08A.904
.
Effective dates
—
Intent
—
1997 c 58:
See notes following RCW 74.20A.320
.
RCW 18.43.180
Uniform regulation of business and professions act.
The uniform regulation of business and professions act, chapter
18.235
RCW, governs unlicensed practice, the issuance and denial of licenses, and the discipline of licensees under this chapter.
[
2002 c 86 s 228
.]
NOTES:
Effective dates
—
2002 c 86:
See note following RCW 18.08.340
.
Part headings not law
—
Severability
—
2002 c 86:
See RCW 18.235.902
and
18.235.903
.
RCW 18.43.190
Military training or experience.
An applicant with military training or experience satisfies the training or experience requirements of this chapter unless the board determines that the military training or experience is not substantially equivalent to the standards of this state.
[
2011 c 351 s 5
.]
RCW 18.43.200
Agreement with department of licensing.
The department of licensing, through an interagency agreement with the board, must provide specified technical services to the board. The initial interagency agreement must be for a term of three years and may be renewed by mutual agreement between the department of licensing and the board.
[
2020 c 47 s 2
;
2019 c 442 s 23
.]
RCW 18.43.900
Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Professional Engineers' Registration Act."
[
1947 c 283 s 19
.]