Structural Engineer Maryland—A Complete Guide to Licensing in MD

If you're a structural engineer in Maryland and want to evaluate the safety of a new construction project, you must follow all state requirements. Having the required education and a license are two main prerequisites for professionals and firms to sign/seal a new project.

However, there's more to do after getting a license. We've put together an all-in-one guide covering everything you need to know about structural engineer Maryland licenses and how Harbor Compliance can help firms simplify their licensing process.

The Role of Maryland Structural Engineers

Structural engineers analyze and approve the raw materials used in residential or commercial construction projects. They're primarily responsible for calculating various loads and harsh climate changes via computer-aided design software to ensure that a house, building, or bridge can withstand loads from multiple directions.

When it comes to developed establishments, they work to maintain and improve their physical strength and keep the people inside safe. Structural engineers are mainly involved in the design and drawing process and oversee the entire project.

Every structural engineer in Maryland is bound by the following rules and laws:

1. Title 9. and Subtitle 23. of the Maryland Department of Labor
2. Title 14, Business Occupations and Professions, Annotated Code of Maryland

Licensure Requirements for a Structural Engineer in Maryland

Below, you'll find all state requirements for structural engineers and engineering firms in Maryland. Separate application forms for firms and individual engineers must be submitted to the Maryland Board for Professional Engineers.

Individual License Requirements

The main licensing requirements for individuals in the state of Maryland include the following:

• Exam—To get their license, applicants must first appear and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam conducted by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
• Education—To take the PE exam, candidates must have one of the following education qualifications:
  • An EAC/ABET-approved engineering degree with four years of work experience
  • A non-EAC/ABET-approved engineering degree with eight years of work experience
• Experience—If an engineer hasn't completed a degree in engineering but has at least 12 years of work experience, they are still eligible to apply for the PE exam and further licensure.

Note: To take the PE exam, applicants must also pass a written Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

Firm License (Permit) Requirements

Maryland requires all structural engineering companies in MD, such as LLCs, LLPs, corporations, and partnerships, to attain a firm permit. The steps below cover the minimum requirements and process of obtaining an engineering firm permit:

1. Provide proof of entity registration in Maryland—This applies to every type of business except a partnership. Visit the Maryland Business Express website and search for your business name. Click on "View Business Details," take a screenshot, and get a physical print of your business details.
2. Apply for a permit online—Go to the official professional engineer portal and enter your business details. Keep in mind that a Maryland-licensed engineer must be appointed to act as the company's managing agent.
3. Fill out the managing agent certification form—Applicants must download and complete the managing agent certification form to prove their affiliation with the company.
4. Submit documents—The company's managing agent must send the board physical copies of tax proof and the managing agent certificate.
5. Download your permit—Once the board receives your documents and approves them, you'll be able to download your permit at the License, Registration, Certificate, or Permit Portal portal.

Renewing a Maryland Engineering License

All firm permits and engineering licenses in Maryland are valid for only two years. Both firms and individuals are alerted 60 days prior to their license/permit expiry date for renewal. An extra $100 charge will be applied if you renew after your license/permit has expired.

Individual Engineering License Renewal

Professional engineers must obtain a total of 16 professional development hours (PDHs) to successfully maintain their license and apply for renewal. 15 of these hours must come by completing educational programs in:

1. Laws and regulations applicable to the practice of engineering in Maryland
2. Computer hardware and software topics in relation to engineering
3. Ethics in professional engineering
4. Various aspects of engineering like technical, research, analysis, or design
5. Emergency/disaster management, risk assessment or management, or project management
6. Standards of practice or care
7. Similar topics that help engineers maintain or improve their skills and knowledge in engineering

At least one PDH must be obtained by clearing an educational program in:

1. Laws and regulations applicable to the practice of engineering in Maryland
2. Ethical concerns and conflicts related to the practice of engineering
3. The standards of practice or care related to the practice of engineering
4. An enhanced familiarity with the code of conduct for professional engineers

Individual professional engineers don't need to collect PDHs for the first license renewal.

Engineering Firm Permit Renewal

Here's what you need to renew your firm's license:

1. Visit the company permit renewal portal.
2. On the drop-down box, choose your license and company category.
3. Add your registration number and password.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions for renewal.

Once complete, you'll receive an email from the board confirming your transaction to renew the permit. The state of Maryland does not allow firms to renew their permits if their managing agent's individual professional engineering license is due for renewal.

Staying aware of such rules can help you save time and avoid facing any potential penalties from the board. The good news is, Harbor Compliance can help you with obtaining and maintaining your firm's license so you can save valuable hours and focus on your primary tasks.

Harbor Compliance—A One-Stop Solution to Convenient Engineering Licensing

For structural engineering companies in MD, delegating the process of obtaining their firm permits to Harbor Compliance is a great way to save valuable hours and effort. Our Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions are designed to help all architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) companies attain licenses like:

• Geoscience Firm
• Land Surveying Firm
• Engineering Firm

Benefits of Using Harbor Compliance's Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions

Explore some extra benefits of engaging with Harbor Compliance to obtain engineering firm permits:

• Stress-free licensure—We aim to make the licensure process hassle-free for all engineering firms by taking charge of every step. From your initial application to renewal, we'll always be available to help you stay compliant with all Maryland state requirements.
• Team of experts—Our team consists of experts in AEC regulations who know the unique regulatory challenges engineering firms face. This ensures you won't ever face unexpected bottlenecks while obtaining your license.
• Proactive support—Instead of keeping you waiting for days, our team will be available to help you with any queries or concerns throughout the entire process.
• Extensive Software Suite—Our software suite for companies hosts various modules like the Entity, License, Records, and Tax Manager that help you manage multiple business aspects under one roof. A robust research engine powered by our native Compliance Core™ algorithm further allows you to extract data for any state requirements remotely.

The Process of Ordering Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions

If you're interested in our services, you can contact us, and we'll find the best solution for your needs. It only takes a few simple steps:

1. Visit our Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions service page.
2. Click on the Contact Us tab and fill out the provided form with details, such as your name, email address, and phone number.
3. Let us know when you'd like to meet and share any questions you may have.

Additional Services by Harbor Compliance

At Harbor Compliance, we offer a variety of services to help you streamline the processes and keep your company's good standing:

Structural Engineer Maryland License FAQs

In this section, you'll find answers to some commonly asked questions regarding structural engineering in Maryland and its licensure process. Explore our Information Center to learn more about the state's regulations.

Harbor Compliance Makes Maryland Engineering Licensure Easy

To provide structural engineering services in MD, professionals must obtain their license by clearing the PE exam. Conversely, firms must provide their Maryland business entity registration information and have a managing agent to apply for a permit.

Harbor Compliance's Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions are the best way to expedite the entire process and get/maintain your firm's permit. Partner with us and gain access to multi-state regulatory services.

Schedule a free software demo to get a good idea of how our service works and if it's the solution you need. Feel free to get your Harbor Compliance Score™ at zero cost to check whether you're in line with all current state requirements.

Curious to know about licensure regulations and laws in other states? Explore the table below for more guides: