Alabama Administrative Code Title 330 - ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS
Title 330 of the Alabama Administrative Code is dedicated to the Alabama State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. This Board, often referred to as BELS (Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors), is a state agency established to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the practices of engineering and land surveying in Alabama.
The administrative rules under Title 330 are comprehensive and cover all aspects of licensure, practice, and professional conduct for engineers and land surveyors in the state. They are typically organized into chapters addressing specific areas:
I. General Provisions and Definitions:
Chapter 330-X-1 - Organization and General Information: Outlines the Board's structure, duties of its members and staff, meeting procedures, and general administrative functions.
Chapter 330-X-2 - Definitions: Provides precise definitions for key terms used throughout the regulations, such as "engineer," "professional engineer," "land surveyor," "professional land surveyor," "engineer intern," "land surveyor intern," "practice of engineering," "practice of land surveying," and crucially, "responsible charge" of work.
II. Licensing and Certification:
Chapter 330-X-3 - General Requirements for Licensure or Certification: Establishes the fundamental qualifications for individuals seeking to become licensed professional engineers (PEs), professional land surveyors (PLS), certified engineer interns (EIs), or land surveyor interns (LSIs). This includes:
Education: Requirements for accredited engineering or surveying degrees (e.g., ABET-accredited programs for engineers).
Experience: Specific durations and types of progressive, responsible work experience under the supervision of a licensed professional.
Examinations: Requirements for passing national examinations administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam. Alabama also has a state-specific Land Surveying Standards, History, and Law (ALSS) exam.
Ethical Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate good character and adherence to ethical standards.
Chapter 330-X-4 - Applications: Details the process for submitting applications, required documentation (transcripts, experience verifications, references), and associated fees.
Chapter 330-X-5 - Examinations: Rules governing the administration of all required examinations, including scheduling, passing scores, and re-examination policies.
Chapter 330-X-6 - Certificates of Licensure: Procedures for issuing licenses upon successful completion of all requirements.
Chapter 330-X-7 - Renewal of Licenses: Requirements for biennial license renewal, including deadlines and fees.
Chapter 330-X-8 - Reinstatement of Lapsed or Revoked Licenses: Procedures for reinstating licenses that have lapsed or been revoked.
Chapter 330-X-9 - Certificates of Authorization for Firms: Rules for engineering and land surveying firms (corporations, partnerships, LLCs) to obtain a Certificate of Authorization to offer services in Alabama, typically requiring a licensed professional engineer or land surveyor in responsible charge of the firm's practice.
Chapter 330-X-10 - Emeritus Status: Provisions for licensees who wish to retire from active practice but retain a recognition of their professional standing.
III. Professional Conduct and Enforcement:
Chapter 330-X-14 - Professional Conduct (Code of Ethics): This is a critical chapter that outlines the ethical obligations and standards of conduct for all licensed engineers and land surveyors. It covers:
The paramount responsibility to safeguard the public health, life, safety, welfare, and property.
The requirement to perform services only in areas of their competence.
Avoiding conflicts of interest.
Maintaining confidentiality.
Prohibitions against fraud, deceit, misleading statements, or any conduct that discredits the profession.
Rules regarding advertising and solicitation.
Reporting disciplinary actions from other boards or felony convictions.
Chapter 330-X-11 - Seals and Responsible Charge: Rules regarding the use of professional seals and signatures on engineering drawings, plans, specifications, plats, and reports. Emphasizes that the licensee signing and sealing a document must be in "responsible charge" of the work.
Chapter 330-X-12 - Disciplinary Actions: Outlines the grounds for disciplinary action (e.g., violations of the law or rules, incompetence, gross negligence, misconduct), the complaint process, investigations, hearings, and the range of penalties the Board can impose (e.g., reprimands, fines, probation, suspension, revocation of license).
Chapter 330-X-13 - Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) / Professional Development Hours (PDH): Specifies the requirements for continuing education that licensees must complete to maintain their licenses, including the number of professional development hours (PDH) required, acceptable activities (courses, seminars, workshops), and record-keeping.
Core Functions of the Alabama State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors:
Protect the Public: This is the overarching mission, ensuring that only qualified and ethical individuals practice engineering and land surveying, thereby safeguarding public health, life, safety, welfare, and property.
Establish Qualifications: Define the minimum education, experience, and examination standards for entry into the professions.
License Qualified Applicants: Review applications, administer exams (including the state-specific ALSS exam), and issue licenses and certifications.
Regulate Professional Practice: Promulgate and enforce rules governing the conduct, ethics, and responsibilities of licensees.
Investigate and Discipline: Receive and investigate complaints against licensees and take appropriate disciplinary action for violations of the law or rules.
Issue Certificates of Authorization: License firms that offer engineering or land surveying services.
Administer Continuing Education: Ensure that licensees maintain and enhance their professional competency.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult the official Alabama Administrative Code as published by the Alabama Legislative Services Agency and the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BELS) official website (bels.alabama.gov), which provides the current laws, rules, application forms, and public notices.
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