How to Guide: Professional Engineer Licensure
How to Apply
If you would like to apply as a Professional Engineer, it is required that you file with the Secretary of State and renew every year. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guide below.
- Licensure requires completing an application, getting it signed and notarized, and paying the required fee.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees in order to be considered for licensure.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by December 31 of every year. Late renewal period is four years following license expiration.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Professional Engineer / Structural Engineer Licensure Checklist
Engineer in Training Checklist
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license.
- Staff will communicate with you regarding the status of your application.
Disability Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.
Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form>>
Fees
|
Structural Engineer Application by Exam |
$30 |
|
Structural Engineer Application by Comity |
$70 |
|
Engineer in Training |
$20 |
|
Professional Engineer |
$30 |
|
Professional Engineer (Principles and Practice of Engineering) By Comity |
$70 |
|
Joint application (EIT/FE and PE) exam |
$50 |
|
Land Surveyor Intern (Fundamentals of Land Surveying) exam |
$25 |
|
Professional Land Surveyor |
$50 |
|
Professional Land Surveyor by Comity |
$50 |
|
Professional Engineer Reinstatement Application |
$100 |
|
Professional Engineer Reinstatement (when approved) |
$1,000 |
|
Renewal |
$100 |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
- Mail-In processing fee: $10.00
Professional Engineer / Structural Engineer Licensure Checklist
Refer to the sections below to pursue Licensure by Exam or Licensure by Comity.
The application for licensure by comity can be submitted by mail or online (already registered as a PE in another state and holds an NCEES Council record).
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Endorsement from 5 individuals, 3 of whom must be registered, active engineers (not necessarily in Georgia)
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of EIT Exam/Certification
- Verification of Original PE / SE Exam/License
- Verification of PE / SE License – Residence State
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
The application for licensure by exam must be submitted by mail.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Exam Scores – Passing Grade
- Endorsement from 5 individuals, 3 of whom must be registered, active engineers (not necessarily in Georgia)
- Experience Endorsements
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of EIT Exam/Certification
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
By Exam: Submit a non-refundable application fee of $30.
By Comity: Submit a non-refundable application fee of $70.
Engineer in Training Checklist
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination.
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination. The application for licensure by exam must be submitted by mail.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- 5 Reference Signatures
- Endorsement from 5 individuals, 3 of whom must be registered, active engineers (not necessarily in Georgia)
- Exam Scores-Passing Grade
- Experience Endorsements
- Official College Transcripts
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $20.
Reinstatement
If you have previously held this license and it has been expired for more than four years, and you did not maintain licensure in another jurisdiction, you must re-take the exam and upon passing the exam, submit a reinstatement application and fee.
If you have previously held this license and it has been expired for more than four years, and you did not maintain licensure in another jurisdiction, you must re-take the principles and practices exam and upon passing the exam, submit a reinstatement application and fee. The application for licensure by exam must be submitted by mail.
Be aware that the reinstatement process may take three to four months, since the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board is required by law.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application and fee. Download application>>
- Endorsement from 5 individuals, 3 of whom must be registered, active engineers (not necessarily in Georgia)
- Proof of CE – 30 Hours
- P&P Exam, If Required
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $100. (A $1,000 reinstatement fee will be assessed upon approval.)
Reactivation
If you have previously held an inactive status and would like to reactivate your license, apply for reactivation.
If you have previously held an inactive status and would like to reactivate your license, apply for Reactivation. The registrant must submit a completed application, show compliance with continuing education requirements as set forth in Rule 180-11-.08, and submit the reactivation fee as set forth by the Board.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $100.
Professional Engineering Firm Checklist
Professional Engineering Firms require a certificate of authorization to practice in the State of Georgia.
Professional Engineering Firms require a certificate of authorization to practice in the State of Georgia.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application here >>
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Professional Engineering Firm initial applications require no fee. Renewals are $10 biennially thereafter. Reinstatement of a lapsed certificate is $500.
Renewal Checklist
If you have previously held this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before December 31 every year to avoid late fees. Late renewal period is four years following license expiration.
If you have previously held this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before December 31 every year to avoid late fees. Late renewal period is four years following license expiration.
- To process your renewal, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site.
- Click on the License Renewal button on the left-hand side of the page. Enter your login information.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license.
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $100.
How to File
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
To file by mail:
Once your checklist is completed, please mail all documents, in one envelope, to:
Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors
- Online Resource Georgia Society of Professional Engineers
- Online Resource American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia
- Online Resource Georgia Engineering Alliance