Frequently Asked Questions

• Licenses, Permits and Degrees
• Stamps and Seals
• Examinations
• Continuing Education
• Practical Requirements
• Inactive/Retired Status

Question:
May I use an electronic seal on my engineering or surveying documents?
Answer:
When documents are to be presented to a client or to a public or governmental entity, at least one copy must have the licensee's original stamp or seal, original signature and date. Any other copy may contain a facsimile of the licensee's stamp, signature and date applied manually or by computer.

Question:
May I electronically transmit documents with an electronic signature in place of an original seal, signature and date?
Answer:
Yes, if the electronic signature is a unique identification of the licensee; is verifiable; is under the licensee's direct and exclusive control; is linked to the electronic document in such a way that any changes to the document are easily displayed; any attempt to change the document invalidates the electronic signature; and the document is transmitted in a read only format.

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Question:
Can the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination be waived?
Answer:
No; the only exception being for certain engineering instructors in EAC/ABET accredited engineering programs.

Question:
Why can't I review my exam?
Answer:
NCEES reserves the right to repeat questions, and the integrity of the questions is compromised by overexposure. If some examinees are allowed to review questions, it may give them an unfair advantage over other examinees.

Question:
May I sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination prior to graduation?
Answer:
Yes, if you have at least 105 credit hours completed towards your EAC/ABET engineering degree.

Question:
What is the difference between the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and the EIT (Engineer in Training) examinations?
Answer:
None. It is simply a new name for the same examination.

Question:
What types of calculators and reference materials are allowed to be used in exams?
Answer:
Contact ELSES at www.els-examreg.org  or 1-877-536-7729 for all questions related to these topics.

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Question:
Does Kentucky require continuing education (Professional Development Hours) for Professional Engineers?
Answer:
A new law in Kentucky requiring continuing education for engineers became effective June 26, 2007. The board has begun the process of promulgating the regulation necessary to implement the statute change.

The draft regulation calls for engineers to verify compliance with the continuing education requirements on their license renewal form. The regulation would require 30 hours of continuing education in the two calendar years preceeding the June 30 renewal.

Therefore, for those licensees whose last names begin with L-Z, on their June 30, 2010 renewal they would verify compliance for calendar years 2008 and 2009. For A-K, they would need the 30 hours in calendar years 2009 and 2010 for their June 30, 2011 renewal. Those engineers who were licensed before 1972 are exempt from the continuing education requirements if they have been continuously licensed and have had no disciplinary actions.

Question:
Does Kentucky require continuing education (Professional Development Hours) for Professional Land Surveyors?
Answer:
Yes. Eight hours per calendar year.

Question:
Do professional development courses have to be pre-approved in Kentucky?
Answer:
No.

Question:
How often is a Professional Land Surveyor required to take the Board sponsored Standards of Practice / Ethics / Code of Conduct course?
Answer:
Once during each four calendar year period.

Question:
Who is responsible for keeping Professional Development Hours records?
Answer:
Each individual licensee.

Question:
Can I take a course that is not pre-approved?
Answer:
Yes you may. Pre-approval of courses is not required.

Question:
When and how do I report my surveying CPD hours?
Answer:
You are responsible for maintaining your CPD records. On your license renewal form, you will be asked to indicate whether or not you have met the CPD requirements. If selected for audit, you will be asked to provide the supporting documents.

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Question:
Who can prepare development plans in conformance with the definitions under KRS 322?
Answer:
Professional engineers must prepare development and construction plans, such as subdivision plans which include the layout and design of infrastructure and related items such as site fill, utilities extensions, street alignment and grades, etc.

Question:
Do all property corners have to be set when the property survey is completed?
Answer:
Yes. All property and lot division corners must be set prior to a Professional Land Surveyor issuing the final plat which is relied upon for property transfer.

Question:
Do topographical surveys require a licensed land surveyor's signature and seal?
Answer:
No. To the extent that the property boundary is not determined during the performance of the topographical survey, a Professional Land Surveyor is not required to sign and seal the plat.

Question:
Does construction staking require a licensed surveyor?
Answer:
No. However, some contract specifications and documents may include such a requirement.

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Question:
I am a licensee considering the "inactive" or "retired" status". How will this differ from my current active status?
Answer:
You will pay a $20 biennial renewal fee instead of the $150 fee charged active licensees. You will be included in all Board mailings and be allowed to use a title such as "Professional Engineer, Retired". However, you will not be allowed to practice engineering and/or surveying.

Question:
If I am "inactive" or "retired", what must I do in order to practice engineering and/or surveying again?
Answer:
You must apply for reinstatement. The forms are available on this website. If you are a Professional Land Surveyor, you will also have to complete eight professional development hours for each calendar year you were retired or inactive, up to a maximum of 32 hours.

Question:
What is the difference between "inactive" and retired"?
Answer:
There is no difference except for the title. You may choose either.

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