[January 16, 2024] TBPELS News (including PE renewal fees increase)

Hi, this is Min and I am posting this to let you know about the changes in TBPEL policies based on January 16, 2024.

 

Please find below and I hope this information will help you with your further research.

 

1. Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Robert Moreno and reappointed Ademola “Peter” Adejokun and Kiran Shah to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for terms set to expire on September 26, 2029. The Board licenses qualified engineers and land surveyors and regulates the practice of professional engineering and professional land surveying.

 

2. Renewal and Late Renewal fees for PEs and RPLSs are $50 effective September 1, 2023. This will be in effect starting with the September 2023 PE renewal cycle and the December 2023 RPLS renewal cycle.

 

Please visit Agency Fees page for more information (https://pels.texas.gov/fees.htm)

 

3. Tips for complying with Board Rules of Texas

As a Professional Engineer. TBPL will send you a physical pocket card, certificate of licensure, and welcome letter in the mail shortly. In the text to follow, we have attempted to provide clear instructions regarding your next steps. For the complete rules, refer to this document: https://pels.texas.gov/downloads/lawrules.pdf

 

To ensure compliance with Board Rules, these are your next steps:

1. Obtain Seal/Stamp Imprint
2. Maintain Continuing Education Records
3. Notification of Name Change, Address Change, Employer Change or Criminal Convictions
4. Annual License Renewal

Congratulations New P.E.

1. Seal/Stamp Imprint

Please note: Prior to 7/3/22, it was necessary for a P.E. to return their photograph and Seal Imprint form to the Board. The rules have been changed and this step is no longer required for new P.E.s.

 

Obtain a Seal

To have a seal/stamp made, check the internet or yellow pages in your city for "stamps and seals". Rubber stamps, impression seals, and electronic seals are all acceptable under Texas law. For your convenience, a copy of the seal artwork can be downloaded from our website at: State of Texas Licensed PE Seal

The following rules apply to seals:

• Seals shall be no larger than two inches. Regardless of seal size the engineer's name and number must be clearly legible.
• All physical seals obtained and used by license holders shall be capable of leaving a permanent ink image or permanent impression of the seal attached to the engineering work.
• All seals shall contain any given name, commonly accepted variation of the given name, or initial combination with the surname as currently listed with the Board and in the usual written signature. Nicknames shall not be permitted on a seal in lieu of a given name or initial combination. The name can be displayed on the seal using all uppercase letters such as "LESLIE H. DOE" or using the standard combination of upper and lowercase letters, such as "Leslie H. Doe".
• Preprinting of blank forms with an engineer's seal, or the use of decal or other seal replicas is prohibited.

 

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2. Maintain Continuing Education Records

Each license holder shall meet the Continuing Education Program (CEP) requirements for professional development as a condition for license renewal unless the license is in Inactive Status. New license holders are exempt for their first renewal period if the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering exam was taken within 1 calendar year of the license issuance date. Refer to this webpage for further information on the CEP: CEP Info

NCEES CE Tracking - You can conveniently track your CPC activity for free through your MyNCEES account.

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3. Notification of Name Change, Address Change, Employer Change and Criminal Convictions

Each license holder shall notify the board in writing not later than 30 days after a change in the person's legal name, personal mailing address, or employment status. Changes can be made electronically online or in writing.

Each license holder shall notify the board in writing not later than 30 days after a misdemeanor or felony criminal conviction, or any sanction is imposed against a licensee by another state's engineering licensing board. Refer to the Criminal History Form to submit information.

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4. Annual License Renewal

Your annual license renewal date will be determined by when your license is issued. Typically, an initial license will be due for renewal approximately 9-11 months after initial creation as licenses cannot be current for more than a 12-month period. Expiration dates are quarterly and will be March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31. You will be notified by email and by mailed notification at least 30 days prior to your license expiration. Refer to the P.E. License Renewal Webpage for additional information.

 

I referred to TBPEL's website for this posting and please check this information for continuing your professional work as a professional engineer.