Georgia Engineering License Requirements for Professional Engineers and Engineering Firms—A Concise Guide
In Georgia, both individuals and firms require licenses to practice engineering legally. This legal authority is granted via the professional engineer (PE) license and Certificate of Authorization (COA).
Without these licenses, you cannot offer particular services and perform vital engineering activities such as pursuing government contracts and sealing engineering plans. While securing legal permits lifts many barriers, it requires meticulous planning and adherence to state-specific requirements.
To help out, we’ve created this comprehensive guide outlining the process and requirements for securing and renewing a Georgia professional engineer license. Additionally, we’ll introduce Harbor Compliance, whose expertise and infrastructure can simplify and reduce your licensing workload.
Requirements for the Georgia Professional Engineer License
Like other U.S. states, Georgia has a regulatory body tasked with setting standards to ensure safe and ethical engineering practices and protect lives, health, and property. This body, known as the Georgia Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Board, is responsible for issuing and renewing legal permits to individuals and firms aiming to provide engineering services in the state.
The professional engineer (PE) license is the credential given to qualified engineers in Georgia, and it is earned by:
- Obtaining the required education
- Successfully passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practices of Engineering (PE) exams
- Gaining progressive work experience (a minimum of four years)
Requirements for the Georgia Certificate of Authorization for Professional Engineering
On the other hand, the Certificate of Authorization (COA) permits firms to provide engineering services in Georgia. The following entity types are eligible for this license:
- Business corporations
- Professional corporations
- Limited liability companies
- Partnerships
- Associations
To qualify for a COA, these entities must have at least one principal officer, member, or partner who is a licensed professional engineer. In other words, all of the firm’s personnel who act on its behalf must be licensed. This requirement also applies to foreign entities that have branch offices in Georgia.
How To Secure the Georgia Certificate of Authorization for Professional Engineering
Once your firm meets the requirements of having at least one principal stakeholder who is a licensed professional engineer, you can apply for a COA by visiting the Georgia Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Board’s website.
You’ll need to list the names and addresses of your firm’s board members, partners, and officers and provide details about the licensed professional who will be responsible for overseeing the firm’s engineering practice.
After your application has been approved and your firm has been issued its COA, you can begin to offer engineering services in Georgia.
Georgia Certificate of Authorization for Professional Engineering Renewal
After you have been issued the COA, you are obligated to periodically renew your permits to demonstrate your ongoing dedication to delivering ethical, high-quality engineering service to the public.
In Georgia, the COA issued to engineering firms expires on June 30 of even-numbered years. To continue practicing in the state, you’ll need to apply to the Board before that date.
Georgia Professional Engineering License Renewal
Your firm’s professional engineers are also expected to renew their licenses. Typically, the renewal process involves meeting continuing education requirements, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and professional development for engineers.
Licensed professional engineers are required to complete 15 Professional Development Hours (PDH) each year to qualify for a renewal. Furthermore, the renewal frequency for individual Georgia professional engineer licenses has recently transitioned from biennial to annual.
Streamlining the Licensing Process for Professional Engineers and Engineering Firms With Harbor Compliance
After obtaining the COA and ensuring your firm’s professional engineers have obtained their PE licenses, it’s essential to maintain them by keeping up with Georgia’s evolving engineering regulations, such as the new annual license renewal frequency.
Given the demanding nature of engineering work, outsourcing the responsibility of tracking licensing requirements to a commercial provider like Harbor Compliance could be a game-changing move.
Harbor Compliance is dedicated to simplifying the complexities of state regulations, licensing requirements, and entity establishment processes for our clients. Specifically, our Architecture and Engineering Compliance Solutions are designed to assist professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries in obtaining crucial licenses like:
- Engineering Firm
- Geoscience Firm
- Land Surveying Firm
Benefits of Leveraging Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions
There are various benefits of letting Harbor Compliance handle your licensing needs, most notably:
- Access to a dedicated team of experts who are well-versed in managing diverse licensing procedures. From preparing meticulous applications to tracking renewal deadlines, our experienced professionals will ensure you enjoy a smooth licensing journey.
- Access to Requirements Research Engine powered by our proprietary Compliance Core™ algorithm. It provides detailed information concerning licensing requirements in every state, allowing you to stay informed about jurisdictional changes and meet the requirements.
- You can leverage our standalone Software Suite, which includes various useful modules.
Software Suite Modules
Check the table below for more info on the modules included in our Software Suite:
| Module | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity Manager |
Entity Manager allows full visibility of your entities and compliance status. It helps:
Data Visualization—An interactive map provides instant clarity on where your entities are registered. View all of your entities or select a specific entity. Reference Database—Entity Manager leverages a robust reference database to automatically set annual report due dates and send notifications, wherever available. The database is continually maintained to ensure up-to-date information as requirements change. Agency Integration—Entity Manager is integrated with the secretary of state databases, wherever available. Registrations are automatically populated to provide a view of where your entities are registered, along with their registration numbers and publicly available information. |
| License Manager | License Manager enables seamless license management, research, and renewal, eliminating the need for cumbersome spreadsheets to track state requirements. |
| Tax Manager | This module efficiently monitors federal, state, and local tax registrations and reduces the time spent gaining insights into key tax account information. |
| Records Manager | Records Manager helps you store the organizational documents specific to your type of entity. It also lets you track ownership and leadership, as well as customize meeting notifications. |
| Requirements Research Engine | This module enables clients to research licensing requirements for their organizations prior to expanding into new states/markets. It’s a searchable window into the proprietary reference database called “LicenseIQ™.” The database contains detailed information about license requirements, including the agencies they’re filed with, the contact information for those agencies, links to agency websites and search tools, step-by-step instructions on how to file for a given license, fees, various prerequisites, required attachments, processing times, and links to state statutes. As these requirements change, LicenseIQ is updated by our full-time data analysts. |
Ordering Harbor Compliance’s Engineering Licensing Service
Harbor Compliance offers three flexible service options, enabling you to decide the extent to which you want to delegate your licensing workload:
- Self-managed—This option is designed for individuals who prefer a hands-on approach to their licensing process but require support in navigating changing requirements. If you opt for this option, you’ll gain access to our proprietary software, which has a vast database with information on over 800 architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) licenses across the U.S.
- Fully managed—Here, you’ll outsource most of the licensing process, such as researching requirements, document filings, and tracking renewal deadlines, to our team of experts. However, this service option only applies to company licenses.
- Hybrid—With this option, you benefit from a balanced blend of self-managed and fully managed services. You’ll gain access to our portfolio management software while also receiving guidance and support from our expert team to facilitate your licensing journey.
To order the service, all you have to do is complete the form at the bottom of this page:
- Enter the required information, including your name, email address, and phone number.
- Choose Engineering from the drop-down menu.
- Click Submit.
Additional Services Harbor Compliance Offers
Beyond aiding individuals and firms in obtaining engineering licenses in the U.S., we offer diverse services ranging from nonprofit formation and tax registration to document filing.
Check out some of our additional services and solutions in the table below:
| Classification | Services |
|---|---|
| Business ownership information (BOI) reporting | We assist in submitting filings with business ownership information for various entities, including small businesses, multi-entity businesses, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), multinational companies, and nonprofits that are not 501(c) exempt. |
| Business licensing support | Our services include preparing and submitting filings for your general business licenses and managing future renewals. |
| Document filing and retrieval | We provide in-person drop-off filing services and help you obtain documents like certified copies and certificates of good standing. |
| Entity lifecycle management | We help entities manage their life cycles by assisting with name reservation, reinstatement, and dissolution and withdrawal. In addition, we help companies meet doing business as (DBA) requirements in different jurisdictions. |
| Nonprofit formation | We assist nonprofit organizations in obtaining the documents they need to be incorporated. Additionally, we assist with filing for the 501(c) tax exemption. |
| Registered agent | You can appoint us as your registered agent to ensure your official correspondence is received and forwarded to you on time. |
| Tax registration | Our service helps you keep track of federal, state, and local requirements for payroll and sales and use tax. |
Company Licenses
Georgia Engineering Company Licenses
Georgia Certificate of Authorization for Land Surveying Firms
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Turnaround: | Applications are usually processed within a week and applicants will receive notification via US mail. This can take a total of 10-12 business days. |
| How to Apply: |
|
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 renewal fee + $5 online filing fee |
| Due: | By June 30 of even-numbered years. |
| Notes: | Reinstatement of Lapsed Certificate: $500 |
All businesses offering Professional Engineering services in the State of Georgia through individual, registered professional engineers as agents, officers or partners, are required by O.C.G.A. 43-15-23 to file with the Board an Application for Certificate of Authorization to practice.
Georgia Certificate of Authorization for Professional Engineering
Initial Registration
This section applies to engineering firms that are applying for a license in Georgia for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Turnaround: | Applications are usually processed within a week and applicants will receive notification via US mail. This can take a total of 10-12 business days. |
| Original Ink: | Required |
| Notarization Required?: | Required |
| Notes: |
|
| Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
| How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
| Required Attachments: |
|
Registration Renewal
This section applies to engineering firms that are already licensed in Georgia and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 renewal fee + $5 online filing fee |
| Due: | By June 30 of even-numbered years. |
| Notes: | Reinstatement of Lapsed Certificate: $500 |
| Required Attachments: |
|
Amendment
| Due: | Within 30 days of the effective date of the change. |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
| Notes: | Notify the board in writing with any changes via fax or mail. The company address can be changed online. |
Reinstatement
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $500 |
Individual Licenses
Georgia Individual Engineering Licenses
Georgia Professional Engineer License
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $30 filing fee + $5 online processing fee |
Reciprocal Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $70 application fee + $5 online processing fee |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 renewal fee + $5 online processing fee |
| Due: | Annually by December 31. |
Georgia Professional Geologist Registration
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $30 Application fee + $220 exam part 1 fee + $250 exam part 2 fee. |
Reciprocal Registration
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $90 |
| Due: | By December 31 of odd-numbered years. |
Georgia Professional Land Surveyor License
| Agency: | Georgia Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $50 application fee + $5 online processing fee |
Reciprocal Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $50 application fee + $5 online processing fee |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $50 renewal fee + $5 online processing fee |
| Due: | Annually by December 31. |
Georgia Professional Engineer FAQs
In this section, we’ll address some common questions about the Georgia professional engineer license. For more detailed information, visit Harbor Compliance’s Information Center.
Exemptions from continuing professional competency (CPC) regulations are granted to new licensees, those with significant injuries preventing them from meeting requirements, and engineers with inactive license status, such as those aged 65 and above who have ceased practicing engineering.
If the professional engineer exceeds the 15 required PDH before the annual renewal, additional credits will be carried forward to the next renewal cycle.
Yes. A maximum of 15 PDH can be carried forward to the next cycle.
Partner With Harbor Compliance To Secure Your Georgia Professional Engineer and Engineering Firm Licenses
Securing a Georgia professional engineer license and COA is vital for all individuals and firms seeking to provide engineering services in the state. Partner with Harbor Compliance to streamline and automate the licensing process and free up more time to grow your practice.
In addition to our Architecture and Engineering Compliance Solutions, we provide a free Harbor Compliance Score™ that allows you to check your compliance status from time to time and identify areas that might need your attention.
Additionally, if you choose to partner with us, you’ll receive a comprehensive solution for license management and renewal facilitated by our software and expert team. You can also schedule a demo to find out how our services best support your needs.
If you want to know more about engineering licenses in other states, browse through the following table:
Design Firm - Engineering firm registration is sometimes grouped with architecture and land surveying on a single “design firm” application form.
EI (Engineering Intern) - A term also used to describe an Engineer in Training.
EIT (Engineer in Training) - A professional designation granted upon having completed at least 3 years of school at an ABET-accredited university and having passed the FE exam.
FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) - An exam testing on basic engineering principles that is required to become an engineer in training.
PE (Professional Engineer or 'Principles and Practice in Engineering') - Means either Professional Engineer or refers to the Principles and Practice in Engineering exam that is a prerequisite for an engineering license.
Reciprocity - When a licensed engineer in one state can provide documentation (often an NCEES Record) to more easily apply for a license in another jurisdiction.
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Accrediting board that sets standards for university programs in a variety of applied science disciplines.
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
Engineering, architecture, and land surveying advocacy group.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Organization that provides continuing education, professional conferences, and advocacy efforts to the civil engineering community.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Mechanical engineering organization that focuses on education and professional development.
Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)
Reviews accreditation requirements and makes final decisions regarding the accreditation process.
National Council of Examiners for Engineering & Surveying (NCEES)
Develops, administers, and scores the exams used for engineering licenses.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
NSPE is an advocacy group for professional engineers.
