Washington Engineering Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for engineering industry firms and individuals in Washington.
This page provides an overview of engineering industry licensing in Washington for individuals and firms. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.
Company Licenses
Washington Engineering Company Licenses
All corporations, joint stock associations, and limited liability companies (LLCs) that offer engineering or land surveying services must have a certificate of authorization in Washington, except for professional service (PS) corporations and professional service limited liability companies (PLLCs).
Washington Certificate of Authorization (Engineering and/or Land Surveying)
Automatic Exemption
Exemption Eligible Organizations: |
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Law: |
Initial Registration
Form: | Corporation or Limited Liability Company Certificate of Authorization Application and a Designated Engineer/Land Surveyor Affidavit |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $150 |
Turnaround: | Up to 4 weeks. Applicants will be notified by mail or email. |
Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
Instructions: | Mail to:
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Filing Method: | |
Agency Fee: | $110 |
Due: | Annually by the end of the registration anniversary month. Renewals may be filed as early as 120 days prior to the expiration date. |
Required Attachments: |
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Amendment
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Due: | Within 30 days of the effective date of the change. |
Notes: | Other information updates should be reported to the board in writing. |
Individual Licenses
Washington Individual Engineering Licenses
Washington Engineer-in-Training Certification
Agency: | Washington Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors (BRPELS) |
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
Washington Geologist License
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Instructions: | Geologists by exam with required experience or Geologists by exam without required experience |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $135 |
Reciprocal Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $270 |
Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $135 (+$115 per endorsement if applicable) |
Due: | Annually by the licensee's date of birth. Licenses can be renewed starting 120 days before the expiration date. |
Washington Land Surveyor-in-Training Certification
Agency: | Washington Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors (BRPELS) |
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $0 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
Washington Professional Engineer License
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $65 |
Reciprocal Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $110 |
Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $116 |
Due: |
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Washington Professional Land Surveyor License
Agency: | Washington Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors (BRPELS) |
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $140 |
Reciprocal Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $140 |
Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $116 |
Due: | Biennially by the licensee's date of birth. Licenses can be renewed starting 120 days before the expiration date. |
Washington Structural Engineer License
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $65 |
Reciprocal Registration
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $110 |
Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $116 |
Due: | Biennially by the licensee's birthday. Licenses can be renewed starting 120 days before the expiration date. |
Notes: | Licensees who hold more than one type of engineering license only need to file a single renewal application and pay the $116 fee. |
Learn about engineering licensing in other states:
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.