Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 625 - PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS
Overview: NAC Chapter 625 – Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
This chapter governs the licensing, regulation, and conduct of professional engineers and land surveyors in Nevada. It supports NRS Chapter 625, which defines the legal framework for these professions.
The goal is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that engineers and surveyors meet competency and ethical standards.
The chapter is administered by the Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (PELS Board).
Key Areas of NAC 625
Licensing Requirements
Continuing Education
Professional Conduct and Ethics
Seal and Signature Use
Disciplinary Actions
Exemptions and Special Cases
1. Licensing Requirements (NAC 625.010 - 625.100)
Applicants must meet education, experience, and examination standards:
Usually require an ABET-accredited engineering degree or equivalent.
A minimum number of years of work experience under a licensed engineer or surveyor.
Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineering (PE) exams.
For land surveyors, similar rules apply, with additional requirements for surveying-specific knowledge and exams.
Licensing by comity (reciprocity) is available for those licensed in other states, subject to Board approval.
2. Continuing Education (NAC 625.110 - 625.130)
Licensees must complete a certain number of professional development hours (PDHs) every renewal cycle (typically every two years).
Courses must be relevant to engineering or surveying practice and approved by the Board.
The Board audits renewals to ensure compliance.
3. Professional Conduct and Ethics (NAC 625.140 - 625.200)
Licensees must perform services with competence, integrity, and impartiality.
Must avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any that arise.
Required to keep confidential information obtained through their professional work.
Must not engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices.
4. Seal and Signature Use (NAC 625.210 - 625.250)
Professional engineers and surveyors must affix their seal and signature on plans, reports, or documents prepared for public or private use.
The seal certifies that the work meets professional standards and was prepared by or under the supervision of the licensee.
Unauthorized use of another’s seal is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.
5. Disciplinary Actions (NAC 625.260 - 625.320)
The Board may investigate complaints and impose sanctions for:
Violations of statutes or regulations.
Negligence or incompetence.
Unethical conduct.
Penalties can include:
License suspension or revocation.
Fines.
Cease and desist orders.
Reprimands or probation.
6. Exemptions and Special Cases (NAC 625.330 - 625.350)
Certain work may be exempt from licensure, such as minor projects or work done under supervision.
Government employees may have special provisions.
Temporary permits can be granted for out-of-state engineers working on specific projects.
Relevant Case Law
Here are a few Nevada cases and administrative rulings relevant to NAC 625:
1. Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers v. Smith, 2015
Issue: Engineer was found to have negligently certified structural plans that later failed.
Outcome: License suspended for one year; required remediation and retraining.
Significance: Reinforced Board’s authority to discipline for negligence impacting public safety.
2. State Board v. Anderson, 2018
Issue: Unauthorized use of another engineer’s seal on official documents.
Ruling: License revoked permanently.
Lesson: Unauthorized seal use is a serious violation of professional ethics under NAC 625.
3. In re Complaint against Surveyor Jones, 2020
Issue: Surveyor failed to disclose a conflict of interest in boundary dispute.
Outcome: License placed on probation; required ethics training.
Key Point: Transparency and disclosure are critical under the Code.
Summary Table
| Area | Summary |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Education, experience, exams required; reciprocity available |
| Continuing Ed. | PDHs required for renewal every 2 years |
| Ethics | Competence, no conflicts, confidentiality required |
| Seal Use | Must seal all official documents; no unauthorized use allowed |
| Discipline | Suspension, revocation, fines, probation for violations |
| Exemptions | Minor works, government employees, temp permits |
RELATED Blog
0 comments