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The Legislative Service Commission staff updates the Revised Code on an ongoing basis, as it completes its act review of enacted legislation. Updates may be slower during some times of the year, depending on the volume of enacted legislation.

Chapter 4733 | Professional Engineers And Professional Surveyors

 
 
 
Section
Section 4733.01 | Professional engineer and professional surveyor definitions.
 

As used in this chapter:

(A) "Professional engineer" means a person registered as a professional engineer under this chapter.

(B) "Engineer" means a graduate of an accredited engineering curriculum or a person registered as a professional engineer under this chapter, or both.

(C) "Accredited engineering curriculum" means an engineering curriculum accredited by the engineering accreditation commission of ABET, Inc.

(D) "ABET, Inc." means the accreditation board for engineering and technology.

(E) "The practice of engineering" includes any professional service, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, or inspection of construction or operation for the purpose of assuring compliance with drawings or specifications in connection with any public or privately owned public utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, works, or projects in the proper rendering of which the qualifications of section 4733.11 of the Revised Code are required to protect the public welfare or to safeguard life, health, or property.

(F) "Professional surveyor" means a person who is registered as a professional surveyor under this chapter.

(G) "Practice of surveying" means any professional service that requires the application of special knowledge of the principles of mathematics, the related physical and applied sciences, and the relevant requirements of law for the adequate performance of the art of surveying, including, but not limited to, measuring the area or the contours of any portion of the earth's surface, the lengths and directions of the bounding lines, and the contour of the surface, for their correct determination and description and for conveyancing for recording, or for the establishment or re-establishment of land boundaries and the platting of lands and subdivisions; and like measurements and operations involved in the surveying of mines, commonly known as "mine surveying."

Section 4733.011 | Applicability of chapter to sewage treatment systems.
 

(A) As used in this section, "sewage treatment system" has the same meaning as in section 3718.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) This chapter does not apply to the preparation of plans or drawings for a sewage treatment system or components of a system, the measurement of area contours of a portion of land for the installation or modification of a sewage treatment system or components of a system, the measurement and documentation of the lengths and widths of the area of a sewage treatment system or components of a system, or any other measurement that is necessary to comply with Chapter 3718. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under it.

(C) This section does not eliminate the requirement established under this chapter that only a professional surveyor may establish land boundaries.

Section 4733.02 | Registration or exemption.
 

Any person practicing or offering to practice the profession of engineering or of surveying shall be registered or exempted under this chapter. No person shall practice or offer to practice the profession of engineering or of surveying, or contract for such services, or use the initials P.E. or P.S. in connection with the person's name, or use in connection with the person's name or otherwise assume, use, or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that the person is a professional engineer or a professional surveyor, unless such person has been registered or exempted under this chapter.

Section 4733.021 | Restricting use of title engineer by itself or with other terms.
 

(A) Except for an individual who, as part of the internal classification system of the individual's employer, uses the title "engineer" by itself or in conjunction with another term described in division (B) of this section and who does not represent the individual's self to the public or otherwise advertise the individual's self as an engineer, no individual shall, in connection with the individual's name, assume, use, or advertise:

(1) The title "engineer" by itself unless the individual is an engineer;

(2) The title "engineer" in conjunction with another term that modifies the title "engineer" in a manner that conveys the impression that the individual is a graduate of an accredited engineering curriculum unless the individual is a graduate of an accredited engineering curriculum.

(B) Terms used in conjunction with the title "engineer" under division (A)(2) of this section that imply a person is a graduate of an accredited engineering curriculum include the following: "aerospace," "agricultural," "civil," "chemical," "computer," "electrical," "industrial," "mechanics," "mechanical," "metallurgical," "mining," "naval architectural and marine," "nuclear," and any other term commonly used by an institution of higher learning to apply to graduates of an accredited engineering curriculum.

(C) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as prohibiting the use, assumption, or advertisement of the title "steam engineer" or "stationary engineer," by or on behalf of a person licensed under Chapter 4739. of the Revised Code, or the term "railroad engineer" or "locomotive engineer," by or on behalf of a person authorized to operate a railroad locomotive, or the term "operating engineer," by or on behalf of a person who operates, maintains, repairs, or manufactures light or heavy construction equipment.

Section 4733.03 | State board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors.
 

A state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors is hereby created to administer this chapter. The board shall consist of four professional engineers, at least one of whom also is a professional surveyor, and one professional surveyor. Members shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. Terms of office shall be for five years, commencing on the twenty-fifth day of September and ending on the twenty-fourth day of September. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which appointed. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of that term. Any member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office. Appointments to the board shall be so limited that no more than one member shall have served more than two consecutive terms. Every member of the board shall receive a certificate of appointment from the governor and before beginning the member's term of office shall file with the secretary of state the member's written oath or affirmation for the faithful discharge of official duties. The governor may remove any member for misconduct, incompetency, neglect of duty, or for other sufficient cause.

Section 4733.04 | Qualifications of board members.
 

Each member of the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of this state, shall have been engaged in the practice of the profession of engineering for engineers or the profession of surveying for surveyors for at least twelve years, and shall have been in responsible charge of important engineering or surveying work for at least five years. Responsible charge of engineering or surveying teaching shall be construed as responsible charge of important engineering or surveying work.

Section 4733.05 | Compensation and expenses of board.
 

Each member of the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall receive an amount fixed pursuant to division (J) of section 124.15 of the Revised Code per diem when actually attending to the work of the board or of any of its committees and for the time spent in necessary travel; and in addition thereto, shall be reimbursed for all actual traveling, hotel, and other expenses necessarily incurred in carrying out sections 4733.01 to 4733.23 of the Revised Code.

Section 4733.06 | Organization of board.
 

The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall hold at least two regular meetings each year. Special meetings shall be held at the time provided in the bylaws of the board. Notice of all meetings shall be given in the manner provided for in the bylaws. The board shall elect or appoint annually from its members, the following officers: a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and a secretary. The board annually shall appoint an executive director. A quorum of the board shall consist of not less than three members, and no action at any meeting shall be taken without at least three votes being in accord.

The executive director shall keep a true and complete record of all proceedings of the board, and may employ clerical assistants as the board may deem necessary.

Section 4733.07 | Administrative rules.
 

The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall adopt all necessary rules and bylaws, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, and not inconsistent with this chapter, and the constitutions and laws of this state or of the United States, to govern its times and places of meetings for organization and reorganization, for the holding of examinations, and for governing all other matters requisite to the exercise of its powers, the performance of its duties, and the transaction of its business. The board shall adopt and have an official seal. The board may include among the rules adopted governing the standards of practice of engineering, requirements regarding financial responsibility and professional liability insurance.

In carrying this chapter into effect, the board may hold hearings in accordance with sections 119.01 to 119.13 of the Revised Code.

Section 4733.08 | Depositing receipts.
 

All receipts of the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the occupational licensing and regulatory fund. All vouchers of the board shall be approved by the board chairperson or executive director, or both, as authorized by the board. The executive director and any clerical or other assistant of the board whom it may designate shall give a surety bond to this state in such sum as the board determines. The premiums on the bonds shall be regarded as a proper and necessary expense of the board, and shall be paid in the same manner as other expenditures of the board. The executive director shall receive an amount fixed pursuant to section 124.152 of the Revised Code in addition to the expenses provided for in section 4733.05 of the Revised Code. The board may employ such clerical or other assistants as are necessary for the proper performance of its work and may make expenditures for any purpose which in the opinion of the board is reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties.

Section 4733.09 | Records.
 

The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall keep a record of its proceedings and a record of all applications for registration.

On an application provided by the board, applicants shall provide information under oath, including the applicant's education and experience sufficient for the board to evaluate the credentials of the applicant pursuant to section 4733.11 of the Revised Code.

The records of the board shall be prima-facie evidence of its proceedings and a transcript thereof, duly certified by the executive director under seal, shall be admissible in evidence as if the original were produced.

Annually, following the end of the fiscal year, the board shall submit to the governor a report of its activities of the preceding year, and shall include a complete statement of the receipts and expenditures of the board, attested by affidavits of its chairperson and its executive director.

Section 4733.10 | Annual listing of registered professional engineers, registered professional surveyors, and firms.
 

The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall prepare annually a listing of all registered professional engineers, registered professional surveyors, and firms that possess a certificate of authorization. The board shall provide a copy of this listing upon request to registrants of the board and to firms possessing a certificate of authorization without charge and to the public upon request and payment of copy costs.

Additionally, the board shall issue an official verification of the status of any person registered as a professional engineer or professional surveyor in this state upon receipt of a verification form and the payment of a fee established by the board.

Section 4733.11 | License qualifications.
 

(A) The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall consider an applicant to be qualified for registration as a professional engineer if an applicant satisfies all of the requirements listed in either division (A)(1) or (2) of this section as follows:

(1)(a) Graduation from an accredited engineering curriculum of four years or more;

(b) A specific record of four years or more of practical experience in engineering work completed in addition to, and not overlapping in time, any school work completed under division (A)(1)(a) of this section that is acceptable to the board, not more than two years of which may be before graduation but after the completion of the second year of college, indicating that the applicant is competent to be placed in responsible charge of such work;

(c) Passing the prescribed examinations under divisions (A) and (B) of section 4733.13 of the Revised Code.

(2)(a) Graduation from a college curriculum in engineering of four years or more that is not accredited, whose curricula is evaluated by the board and found to be of a high quality essentially equal to the curricula that are accredited by ABET, Inc., or graduation from a college curriculum in engineering technology of four years or more that is accredited by the engineering technical accreditation commission of ABET, Inc.;

(b) Eight years or more of practical experience in engineering work completed in addition to, and not overlapping in time, any school work completed under division (A)(2)(a) of this section that is acceptable to the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors, not more than two years of which may be before college graduation but after completion of the second year of college, indicating that the applicant is competent to be placed in responsible charge of such work;

(c) Passing the prescribed examinations under divisions (A) and (B) of section 4733.13 of the Revised Code.

(B) The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall consider an applicant to be qualified for registration as a professional surveyor if the applicant satisfies all of the requirements listed in either division (B)(1) or (2) of this section as follows:

(1)(a) Graduation from an approved curriculum in surveying of four years or more;

(b) A specific record of four years or more of surveying office and field experience completed in addition to, and not overlapping in time, any school work completed under division (B)(1)(a) of this section that is of a character acceptable to the board, at least two years of which shall be after college graduation, with at least two of the four years of work in the surveying of land boundaries under the direct supervision of a professional surveyor, who may indicate in writing that the applicant is competent to be placed in responsible charge of the work;

(c) Passing the prescribed examinations under divisions (A) and (C) of section 4733.13 of the Revised Code.

(2)(a) Graduation from an accredited curriculum in civil engineering of four years or more in a recognized school or college;

(b) Successful completion of at least sixteen semester hours, or equivalent quarter or trimester hours, of approved surveying courses in surveying and mapping arts and sciences, except that courses successfully completed as prior studies may be credited by the board toward this requirement, of which at least six semester hours, or equivalent quarter or trimester hours, are in surveying of land boundaries;

(c) A specific record of four years or more of surveying office and field experience completed in addition to, and not overlapping in time, any school work completed under division (B)(2)(a) of this section that is of a character acceptable to the board, at least two years of which shall be after college graduation, with at least two of the four years of work in surveying of land boundaries under the direct supervision of a professional surveyor, who may indicate in writing that the applicant is competent to be placed in responsible charge of the work;

(d) Passing the prescribed examinations under divisions (A) and (C) of section 4733.13 of the Revised Code.

(C) Engineering experience, for a professional engineer's practical experience requirement, or surveying experience, for a professional surveyor's practical experience requirement, in any of the armed forces of the United States or civilian war services may be credited for registration, if the experience is acceptable to the board.

(D) As used in this section, "an approved curriculum in surveying" is one which has been accredited by the related accreditation committee of ABET, Inc., or one which has been approved by the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors.

(E) In considering the qualifications of applicants, responsible charge of engineering or surveying teaching may be construed as responsible charge of engineering or surveying work, respectively. No applicant shall receive credit for more than six years of engineering or surveying experience because of educational qualifications. The mere execution, as a contractor, of work designed by a professional engineer or professional surveyor, or the supervision of the construction of such work as a superintendent is not deemed to be practical experience in engineering or surveying work.

(F) Every person applying for registration as a professional engineer or professional surveyor shall be required to pass the fundamentals examination and the principles and practice examination as provided in section 4733.13 of the Revised Code. In addition to passing each requisite examination, each applicant must submit evidence, satisfactory to the board, that the applicant has completed the practical experience required in this section.

(G) The board shall require the applicant for registration as a professional engineer or professional surveyor to take two examinations. The first examination, known as the fundamentals examination, may be taken by the applicant at any time after the applicant has completed the required education under division (A) or (B) of this section, or, at the discretion of the board, an applicant may be permitted to take the first examination during the applicant's concluding term of an approved curriculum in engineering or surveying of four years or more.

(H) The board shall give an applicant an appropriate certificate showing the applicant's status as an engineer intern or surveyor intern upon the occurrence of all of the following:

(1) The applicant provides proof to the board that the applicant has passed the fundamentals examination as described in division (A) of section 4733.13 of the Revised Code.

(2) The board believes the applicant meets the requirements of this chapter based on verified evidence.

(3) The applicant applies for registration in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

(4) The applicant pays the fee required pursuant to section 4733.12 of the Revised Code.

Each applicant applying for registration as a professional engineer or professional surveyor shall first be certified as an engineer intern or surveyor intern in this state.

(I) The applicant is not eligible to take the second examination, known as the principles and practice examination, until the applicant has passed the fundamentals examination.

(J) Any person having the necessary qualifications to entitle the person to registration is eligible for registration though the person may not be practicing the person's profession at the time of making application.

Last updated October 9, 2021 at 5:09 AM

Section 4733.12 | Applications.
 

(A) Applications for registration as a professional engineer or professional surveyor shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors, shall contain statements made under oath setting forth the applicant's education and a detailed summary of the applicant's engineering or surveying experience as appropriate, and shall contain not less than five references, of whom three or more shall be professional engineers or professional surveyors having personal knowledge of the applicant's engineering or surveying experience. The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee, which shall be established by the board at an amount adequate to cover the costs of processing the application.

A nonrefundable examination fee for professional engineers or professional surveyors shall be established by the board at an amount adequate to cover the expense of procuring, administering, and grading the examinations. A nonrefundable registration fee, which shall be paid after the applicant has passed both examinations, shall be established by the board at an amount adequate to cover the expense of registration.

(B) The board shall establish a fee for a certificate of authorization issued under section 4733.16 of the Revised Code in an amount not to exceed fifty dollars and a fee for biennial renewal of a certificate of authorization, not to exceed fifty dollars. The fee for a duplicate certificate of authorization is five dollars.

Section 4733.13 | Examinations.
 

(A) When examinations are required as provided by section 4733.11 of the Revised Code, they shall be held at a time and place specified by the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors. The examinations shall test the applicant's knowledge to perform professional engineering or surveying services which shall insure the safety of life, health, and property. An examination referred to as the fundamentals of engineering or as the fundamentals of surveying examination shall test the applicant's knowledge of the fundamentals of engineering or surveying as appropriate.

(B) An examination referred to as the principles and practice of engineering examination shall test the applicant's knowledge of the branch of engineering in which the applicant specializes. For the purpose of this section, the branches of engineering are all those branches in which engineering examinations are offered by the board or the national council of examiners for engineering and surveying.

(C) A principles and practice of surveying examination shall test the applicant's knowledge of surveying and the laws and practices applicable to the state of Ohio.

(D) An applicant failing an examination may apply for re-examination. The fee for each re-examination shall be the same as the regular examination fee.

Section 4733.14 | Certificate of registration - seals.
 

The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall, upon payment of the registration fee, register and issue a certificate showing initial registration of an applicant who, in the opinion of the board, has satisfactorily met all the requirements of this chapter. In the case of a registered professional engineer, the certificate shall authorize the practice of "professional engineering," and in the case of a registered professional surveyor, the certificate shall authorize the practice of "professional surveying." Certificates of registration shall show the full name of the registrant, shall have a serial number, and shall be signed by the chairperson and the secretary of the board under seal of the board.

Registration by the board shall be evidence that the person named therein is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a registered professional engineer, or of a registered professional surveyor, while the registration remains unrevoked or unexpired.

Each registrant may, upon completing registration, obtain a seal of the design authorized by the board, bearing the registrant's name and the legend, "registered professional engineer," or "registered professional surveyor," provided, however, that any registered surveyor's seal obtained prior to the amendment of this section effective April 4, 1985, 140 Ohio Laws 4092, shall remain as a legal seal for any registrant who was registered as a "registered surveyor." Plans, specifications, plats, reports, and all other engineering or surveying work products issued by a registrant shall be stamped with the seal and be signed and dated by the registrant or bear a computer-generated seal and electronic signature and date, but no person shall stamp, seal, or sign any documents after the registration of the registrant named thereon has expired or the registration has been revoked or suspended, unless the registration has been renewed or reissued.

Section 4733.15 | Renewals.
 

(A) Registration expires on the last day of December 2011, and becomes invalid on that date unless renewed. For renewals after that date, registration expires biennially on the last day of December following initial registration or renewal of registration and becomes invalid on that date unless renewed. Renewal may be effected by the applicant's payment to the treasurer of state of a fee of forty dollars for a renewal of registration as either a professional engineer or professional surveyor and demonstration of completion of the continuing professional development requirements of section 4733.151 of the Revised Code. When notified as required in this section, a registrant's failure to renew registration shall not deprive the registrant of the right of renewal within the following twelve months, but the fee to renew a registration within twelve months after expiration shall be increased fifty per cent, and the registrant shall certify completion of continuing professional development hours as required in section 4733.151 of the Revised Code.

The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors may, upon request, waive the payment of renewal fees or the completion of continuing professional development requirements for a registrant during the period when the registrant is on active duty in connection with any branch of the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state.

(B) Each certificate of authorization issued pursuant to section 4733.16 of the Revised Code shall authorize the holder to provide professional engineering or professional surveying services, through the registered professional engineer or professional surveyor designated as being in responsible charge of the professional engineering or professional surveying practice, from the date of issuance until the second immediately succeeding thirtieth day of June, unless the certificate has been revoked or suspended for cause as provided in section 4733.20 of the Revised Code or has been suspended pursuant to section 3123.47 of the Revised Code. Thereafter, the certificate shall expire biennially on the thirtieth day of June.

(C) If a registrant fails to renew registration as provided under division (A) of this section, renewal and reinstatement may be effected under rules the board adopts regarding requirements for reexamination or reapplication, and reinstatement penalty fees. The board may require a registrant who fails to renew registration to complete the required hours of continuing professional development as a condition of renewal and reinstatement if the registrant seeks renewal and reinstatement under this division.

Section 4733.151 | Continuing professional development credit required beginning in 2008.
 

(A) For registrations expiring on the last day of December 2011, each registrant for renewal shall have completed, in calendar year 2011, at least fifteen hours of continuing professional development for professional engineers and surveyors. Thereafter, each registrant shall complete at least thirty hours of continuing professional development during the two-year period immediately preceding the biennial renewal expiration date.

(B) The continuing professional development requirement may be satisfied by coursework or activities dealing with technical, ethical, or managerial topics relevant to the practice of engineering or surveying. A registrant may earn continuing professional development hours by completing or teaching university or college level coursework, attending seminars, workshops, or conferences, authoring relevant published papers, articles, or books, receiving patent awards, or actively participating in professional or technical societies serving the engineering or surveying professions.

Credit for university or college level coursework shall be based on the credit established by the university or college. One semester hour as established by the university or college shall be the equivalent of forty-five hours of continuing professional development, and one quarter hour as established by the university or college shall be the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing professional development.

Credit for seminars, workshops, or conferences offering continuing education units shall be based on the units awarded by the organization presenting the seminar, workshop, or conference. A registrant may earn ten continuing professional development hours for each continuing education unit awarded. Each hour of attendance at a seminar, workshop, or conference for which no continuing education units are offered shall be the equivalent of one continuing professional development hour.

A registrant may earn two continuing professional development hours for each year of service as an officer or active committee member of a professional or technical society or association that represents registrants or entities composed of registrants. A registrant may earn ten continuing professional development hours for authoring relevant published papers, articles, or books. A registrant may earn ten continuing professional development hours for each such published paper, article, or book. A registrant may earn ten continuing professional development hours for each patent award.

(C)(1) A person registered as both a professional engineer and professional surveyor shall complete at least ten of the thirty hours required under division (A) of this section in engineering-related coursework or activities and at least ten of those thirty hours in surveying-related coursework or activities.

(2) Beginning with registrations expiring on or after the last day of December 2017, a person registered as a professional engineer or professional surveyor shall complete at least two of the thirty hours required under division (A) of this section on professional ethics or rules relevant to the practices of engineering or surveying.

(D) A registrant is exempt from the continuing professional development requirements of this section during the first calendar year of registration.

(E)(1) A registrant who completes more than thirty hours of approved coursework or activities in a biennial renewal period may carry forward to the next biennial renewal period a maximum of fifteen of the excess hours.

(2) A person registered as a professional engineer or professional surveyor may carry forward up to two hours on professional ethics or rules earned in excess of the requirement under division (C)(2) of this section as part of the fifteen hour maximum.

(F) A registrant shall maintain records to demonstrate completion of the continuing professional development requirements specified in this section for a period of four calendar years beyond the year in which certification of the completion of the requirements is obtained by the registrant. The records shall include all of the following:

(1) A log specifying the type of coursework or activity, its location and duration along with the instructor's name, and the number of continuing professional development hours earned;

(2) Certificates of completion or other evidence verifying attendance.

(G) The records specified in division (F) of this section may be audited at any time by the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors. If the board discovers that a registrant has failed to complete coursework or activities, it shall notify the registrant of the deficiencies and allow the registrant six months from the date of the notice to rectify the deficiencies and to provide the board with evidence of satisfactory completion of the continuing professional development requirements. If the registrant fails to provide such evidence within that six-month period, the board may revoke or suspend the registration after offering an adjudication hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Section 4733.16 | Business authorized to practice.
 

(A) A firm, partnership, association, limited liability company, or corporation may provide professional engineering or professional surveying services in this state as long as the services are provided only through natural persons registered to provide those services in the state, subject to the exemptions in sections 4733.17 and 4733.18 of the Revised Code and subject otherwise to the requirements of this chapter.

(B) No firm, partnership, association, limited liability company, or corporation, except a corporation that was granted a charter prior to August 7, 1943, to engage in providing professional engineering or professional surveying services in this state or that was otherwise lawfully providing engineering services in this state prior to November 15, 1982, shall engage in providing professional engineering or professional surveying services, hold itself out to the public as being engaged in providing professional engineering or professional surveying services, or use a name including one or more of the words "engineer," "engineering," "surveyor," or "surveying" or any modification or derivation of those words, unless the firm, partnership, association, limited liability company, or corporation obtains a certificate of authorization from the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors and files all information required to be filed under this section with the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors and otherwise complies with all requirements of this chapter. A nonprofit membership corporation may use a name including one or more of the words "engineer," "engineering," "surveyor," or "surveying" or any modification or derivation of those words without complying with this section.

(C) A corporation may be organized under Chapter 1701. of the Revised Code, a professional association may be organized under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code, or a limited liability company may be formed under Chapter 1705. or 1706. of the Revised Code for the purpose of providing professional engineering, professional surveying, architectural, or landscape architectural services or any combination of those services. A corporation organized under Chapter 1701. of the Revised Code for the purpose of providing those services also may be organized for any other purpose in accordance with that chapter.

(D) Each firm, partnership, association, limited liability company, or corporation through which professional engineering or professional surveying services are offered or provided in this state shall designate one or more full-time partners, managers, members, officers, or directors as being responsible for and in responsible charge of the professional engineering or professional surveying activities and decisions, and those designated persons shall be registered in this state. Each firm, partnership, association, limited liability company, or corporation shall annually file with the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors the name and address of all owners and all persons designated as being in responsible charge of the professional engineering or professional surveying activities and decisions and any other information the board may require.

(E) The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall issue a certificate of authorization to each firm, partnership, association, limited liability company, or corporation that satisfies the requirements of this chapter, including providing information that the board may require pursuant to division (D) of this section.

(F) This section does not modify any law applicable to the relationship between a person furnishing a professional service and a person receiving that service, including liability arising out of that service.

(G) Nothing in this section shall restrict or limit in any manner the authority or duty of the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors with respect to natural persons providing professional services or any law or rule pertaining to standards of professional conduct.

(H) Corporations, partnerships, associations, limited liability companies, or firms organized under the laws of another state or country wishing to provide professional engineering or professional surveying services shall obtain a certificate of authorization and meet the applicable requirements of this section.

Last updated September 9, 2021 at 2:42 PM

Section 4733.161 | Unauthorized practice.
 

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, any person who performs labor or who provides services pursuant to a construction contract may offer or provide engineering services in connection with the person's own labor or services if all of the following apply:

(1) The engineering services are provided and performed by an engineer registered under this chapter or by a firm holding a certificate of authorization granted pursuant to this chapter through either direct employment or independent contract with the person contracting with the owner and offering the services.

(2) The engineering services are offered by the person who intends to perform the actual construction of an improvement to real property as part of a design-build contract.

(3) The contractor, the engineer registered under this chapter, or the firm holding a certificate of authorization granted pursuant to this chapter meets the requirements of section 153.70 of the Revised Code when design-build services are provided to a public authority as defined in section 153.65 of the Revised Code.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall offer or engage in the practice of engineering without a certificate of authorization for any construction contract that is to be constructed by another person, or hold himself or herself out to the public as engaging in the practice of engineering or as providing engineering services without a certificate of authorization.

(C) As used in this section, "construction contract" and "design-build" have the same meaning as in section 4703.182 of the Revised Code.

Section 4733.17 | Inspection of public works projects.
 

Neither this state, nor any of its political subdivisions, nor any municipal corporation shall engage in the construction of any public work involving the practice of professional engineering or professional surveying, for which plans, specifications, and estimates have not been made by, and the construction thereof inspected by, a licensed professional engineer or professional surveyor; provided this section shall not apply to the design, construction, improvement, or maintenance of any public work wherein the contemplated expenditure for the completed project does not exceed five thousand dollars. Any contract for engineering or surveying services executed in violation of this section shall be void and any moneys advanced or paid under such contract by this state or any of its political subdivisions or any municipal corporation shall be refunded forthwith.

Sections 4733.01 to 4733.23 of the Revised Code, do not exclude a qualified or registered architect from such engineering practice as may be incident to the practice of his profession, or do not exclude a professional engineer from such architectural practice as may be incident to the practice of professional engineering.

Section 4733.18 | Temporary registration - exceptions.
 

(A) The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall authorize a temporary registration for an individual who has filed with the board an application for a temporary registration and has paid the required fee in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code. The temporary registration continues only for the time the board requires for consideration of the application for registration.

(B)(1) The following persons are exempt from this chapter:

(a) An employee or a subordinate of a person registered under this chapter or an employee of a person holding temporary registration under division (A) of this section, provided the employee's or subordinate's duties do not include responsible charge of engineering or surveying work;

(b) Officers and employees of the government of the United States while engaged within this state in the practice of engineering or surveying, for that government;

(c) An engineer engaged solely as an officer of a privately owned public utility.

(2) This chapter does not require registration for the purpose of practicing professional engineering, or professional surveying by an individual, firm, or corporation on property owned or leased by that individual, firm, or corporation unless the same involves the public welfare or the safeguarding of life, health, or property, or for the performance of engineering or surveying which relates solely to the design or fabrication of manufactured products.

(C) Nothing in this chapter prevents persons other than engineers from preparing plans, drawings, specifications, or data, from filing applications for building permits, or from obtaining those permits for residential buildings, as defined by section 3781.06 of the Revised Code, or buildings that are erected as one-, two-, or three-family units or structures within the meaning of the term "industrialized unit" as provided in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code.

(D) Nothing in this chapter prevents persons other than engineers from preparing drawings or data, from filing applications for building permits, or from obtaining those permits for the installation of replacement equipment or systems that are similar in type or capacity to the equipment or systems being replaced, and for any improvement, alteration, repair, painting, decorating, or other modification of any buildings or structures subject to sections 3781.06 to 3781.18 and 3791.04 of the Revised Code where the building official determines that no plans or specifications are required for approval.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:16 AM

Section 4733.19 | Reciprocity.
 

With respect to a person registered or licensed to engage in the practice of engineering or surveying by a proper authority of another state, territory, or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or who has a government certification or private certification as an engineer or surveyor in another state, territory, or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia that does not issue that registration or license, the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall register the person as a professional engineer or surveyor in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code. Notwithstanding section 4796.05 of the Revised Code, the board shall register a person who has satisfactory work experience as a professional engineer or surveyor in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code if the person satisfies a minimum education requirement and passes an examination.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:16 AM

Section 4733.20 | Disciplinary actions.
 

(A) Except as provided in division (I) of this section, the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors may fine, revoke, suspend, refuse to renew, or limit the registration, or reprimand, place on probation, deny an applicant the opportunity to sit for an examination or to have an examination scored, or impose any combination of these disciplinary measures on any applicant or registrant, or revoke the certificate of authorization of any holder found to be or to have been engaged in any one or more of the following acts or practices:

(1) Any fraud or deceit in obtaining registration or a certificate of authorization;

(2) Any gross negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in the practice of professional engineering or professional surveying as a registered professional engineer or registered professional surveyor;

(3) Aiding or abetting any person to practice professional engineering or professional surveying illegally in the state;

(4) Conviction of or plea of guilty to any felony or crime involving moral turpitude;

(5) Violation of this chapter or any rule adopted by the board;

(6) Violation of any condition of limitation placed by the board upon the registration of any professional engineer or professional surveyor;

(7) Failure to abide by or comply with examination instructions.

(B) The board shall cause to have prepared and shall adopt a code of ethics, which it shall make known to every registrant. The board may revise and amend this code of ethics from time to time in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(C) Any person may file with the board a complaint alleging fraud, deceit, gross negligence, incompetency, misconduct, or violation of this chapter or any rule adopted by the board pursuant to section 4733.07 of the Revised Code. Complaints shall be in writing.

(D) The board may investigate any registrant or holder of a certificate of authorization to determine whether the registrant or certificate holder is or has been engaged in any one or more of the acts or practices listed in division (A) of this section. The board, by subpoena, may compel witnesses to appear and testify in relation to any investigation under this chapter and may require, by subpoena duces tecum, the production and copying of any book, paper, or document pertaining to an investigation. If a person fails to comply with the subpoena or subpoena duces tecum, the board may apply to the Franklin county court of common pleas for an order compelling the person to comply or, for the failure to do so, to be held in contempt of court.

(E) If the board determines there is cause to believe that an applicant, registrant, or a holder of a certificate of authorization is or has been engaged in any act or practice listed in division (A) of this section, the board shall issue a written charge and notify the applicant, registrant, or certificate holder of the right to an adjudication hearing, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the accused applicant, registrant, or holder of a certificate of authorization fails or refuses to appear, or does not request a hearing within the time period specified in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board may determine the validity of the charge and issue an adjudication order in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(F) Except as provided in division (I) of this section, if a majority of the board votes in favor of sustaining the charge, the board shall impose one or any combination of the following disciplinary measures:

(1) Reprimanding the individual;

(2) Imposing a fine on the individual of not more than one thousand dollars for each offense committed by the individual;

(3) Refusing to renew, suspending, or revoking the individual's registration, or revoking the holder's certificate of authorization;

(4) Refusing to allow an applicant to take an examination;

(5) Refusing to score an applicant's examination.

The board, for good cause shown, may reregister any person or reissue a certificate of authorization to any corporation, firm, partnership, association, or limited liability company whose registration or certificate has been revoked or suspended.

(G) Any applicant, registrant, or certificate holder aggrieved by any action of the board in fining the registrant or denying, suspending, refusing to renew, or revoking the registrant's registration or a certificate of authorization, or denying an applicant the opportunity to take an examination or to have an examination scored may appeal such action to the proper court under section 119.12 of the Revised Code.

(H) A new certificate of authorization to replace any certificate revoked, lost, destroyed, or mutilated, may be issued, subject to the rules of the board, upon payment of a fee established by the board at an amount adequate to cover the expense of issuing a duplicate certificate of authorization.

(I) The board shall not refuse to issue a license or deny the opportunity to sit for an examination or to have an examination scored to an applicant because of a conviction of or plea of guilty to an offense, unless the refusal or denial is in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 9, 2021 at 5:09 AM

Section 4733.21 | Legally recognized professions not affected.
 

Sections 4733.01 to 4733.23, inclusive, of the Revised Code shall not affect or prevent the practice of any other legally recognized profession, or exclude persons licensed as stationary engineers or boiler operators from the operation or the supervision of the operation of steam, power, or refrigeration plants.

Section 4733.22 | Prohibited acts.
 

No person shall practice, or offer to practice, the profession of engineering or the profession of surveying without being registered or exempted in accordance with this chapter, or present or attempt to use as the person's own the registration, the certificate of authorization, or the seal of another, or give any false or forged evidence of any kind to the state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors or to any member thereof in obtaining registration or a certificate of authorization, or falsely impersonate any other registrant or holder of a certificate of authorization of like or different name, or attempt to use an expired, suspended, or revoked registration or certificate of authorization, or otherwise violate this chapter.

Section 4733.23 | Injunctions.
 

Except as otherwise provided in divisions (B), (C), and (D) of section 4733.18 of the Revised Code, no public authority, as defined in division (A) of section 153.65 of the Revised Code, shall accept or use any engineering or surveying plan prepared by any person not registered as a professional engineer or professional surveyor under this chapter. The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors is hereby authorized to apply for relief by injunction or restraining order to enjoin or restrain a person from the commission of any act which is prohibited by this chapter. The remedy provided by this section shall be in addition to any other remedy provided by law. The attorney general or the attorney general's designated assistant shall act as legal adviser of the board and render such legal assistance as may be necessary.

Section 4733.25 | Fees in excess of statutory amounts.
 

The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors, subject to the approval of the controlling board and except for fees required to be established by the board at amounts "adequate" to cover designated expenses, may establish fees in excess of the amounts provided by sections 4733.01 to 4733.99 of the Revised Code, provided that such fees do not exceed the amounts permitted by these sections by more than fifty per cent.

Section 4733.26 | Using engineer or engineering in name on or before 7-1-73.
 

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to restrict the use by any corporation or partnership of the word "engineer" or "engineering" in a corporate or business name of any corporation or partnership providing services in an area related to the practice of engineering, provided that the corporation or partnership was incorporated or established on or before July 1, 1973, and the word "engineer" or "engineering" has been continuously used in the corporation's or partnership's business name since that date and that the corporation or partnership is not engaged in the practice of engineering and as construed by the courts on the effective date of this section.

Section 4733.27 | Effect of child support default on registration or certificate.
 

On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the state board of registration for engineers and surveyors shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to registration and certificates of authorization issued pursuant to this chapter.

Section 4733.28 | Compliance with law regarding sanctions for human trafficking.
 

The state board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors shall comply with section 4776.20 of the Revised Code.

Section 4733.30 | Lien definitions.
 

As used in sections 4733.30 to 4733.306 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Commercial real estate" and "improvement" have the same meanings as in section 4703.20 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Owner" means a person who has a legal or equitable interest in commercial real estate, including a contingent interest, pursuant to an agreement or contract, and who enters into a written contract with a professional engineer or professional surveyor for services to be provided with regard to any such interest in the commercial real estate.

(C) "Professional engineer" means an individual, partnership, corporation, or association providing engineering services pursuant to this chapter.

(D) "Professional surveyor" means an individual, partnership, corporation, or association providing engineering services pursuant to this chapter.

Last updated July 28, 2021 at 2:20 PM

Section 4733.301 | Lien on commercial real estate.
 

(A)(1) A professional engineer or professional surveyor who enters into a written contract for services to be provided with regard to any interest in commercial real estate has a lien on that interest.

(2) The lien shall be effective only if the contract for services is in writing and is signed by the professional engineer or professional surveyor and the owner of the interest in commercial real estate.

(B)(1) Only the professional engineer or professional surveyor named in the contract shall have a lien pursuant to this section.

(2) A lien is not available to any employee, agent, or independent contractor of the professional engineer or professional surveyor.

(C) The amount of the lien shall be limited to the amount due to the professional engineer or professional surveyor pursuant to the contract.

(D) The lien shall be effective only against the interest in commercial real estate that is the subject of the contract.

(E) All valid and recorded mechanic's liens arising pursuant to Chapter 1311. of the Revised Code, regardless of recordation date, and all previously recorded mortgages and liens, including judgment liens, take priority over a professional engineer or professional surveyor's lien.

Last updated July 14, 2021 at 12:36 PM

Section 4733.302 | Perfection of lien.
 

(A) To perfect a lien on commercial real estate referred to in section 4733.301 of the Revised Code, a professional engineer or professional surveyor shall file with the county recorder of the county in which the commercial real estate is located an affidavit as described in division (B) of this section.

(B)(1) The affidavit required under division (A) of this section shall include all of the following:

(a) The name of the professional engineer or professional surveyor;

(b) The name of the owner of the interest in the commercial real estate;

(c) The name of the record owner of the commercial real estate if different than the owner described in division (B)(1)(b) of this section;

(d)(i) A legal description of the commercial real estate sufficient to reference the instrument by which the record owner took title and the permanent parcel number, if any ;

(ii) Division (B)(1)(d)(i) of this section shall not be construed as requiring a metes and bounds description.

(e) The parties to and date of the contract;

(f) The amount of the professional engineer or professional surveyor's claim under the contract;

(g) A statement that the information contained in the affidavit is true and accurate to the knowledge of the professional engineer or professional surveyor.

(2) The affidavit shall be signed by the professional engineer or professional surveyor and notarized.

(C) Not later than thirty days after recordation, the professional engineer or professional surveyor shall serve the recorded affidavit upon all parties listed in the affidavit by such delivery method as provides proof of receipt. Failure to serve shall not invalidate the lien, but a court may consider equitable remedies for such failure.

(D) A county recorder receiving an affidavit filed pursuant to division (A) of this section shall record the affidavit and charge and collect from the person filing the affidavit the fees prescribed in section 317.32 of the Revised Code for the recorder's services.

Last updated July 14, 2021 at 12:52 PM

Section 4733.303 | Enforcement of lien.
 

(A)(1) A professional engineer or professional surveyor holding a lien that has been perfected pursuant to section 4733.302 of the Revised Code may commence proceedings to enforce the lien by filing a complaint in the common pleas court of the county in which the commercial real estate is located.

(2) The complaint need not initiate foreclosure proceedings on the lien prior to a court determining the validity of the underlying claim.

(B) The professional engineer or professional surveyor shall name as defendants in the complaint all parties who have an interest of record in the commercial real estate that is the subject of the lien, including all parties named in the affidavit required under section 4733.302 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) The professional engineer or professional surveyor shall file the complaint within two years of the date of recordation of the affidavit required under section 4733.302 of the Revised Code.

(2) Failure to file a complaint within the time specified shall extinguish the lien.

(D)(1)(a) Any person with an interest in the commercial real estate subject to a lien perfected pursuant to section 4733.302 of the Revised Code may demand, in writing, that the professional engineer or professional surveyor commence suit to enforce the lien.

(b) Such a demand shall be commenced by serving the professional engineer or professional surveyor and all parties listed in the affidavit required under section 4733.302 of the Revised Code the written demand. Such a delivery may be made by any means that provides proof of receipt.

(2) If the professional engineer or professional surveyor does not commence the action within sixty days after receipt of the demand, the lien is extinguished.

Last updated July 14, 2021 at 12:51 PM

Section 4733.304 | Satisfaction and release of lien.
 

(A) When a claim underlying a lien perfected pursuant to section 4733.302 of the Revised Code is satisfied, the professional engineer or professional surveyor holding the lien shall record a written release of the professional engineer or professional surveyor's lien in the county recorder's office of the county in which the lien was recorded.

(B) The professional engineer or professional surveyor shall file the lien release for recording within thirty days after the underlying claim is satisfied.

(C) The county recorder shall record the release and charge and collect from the professional engineer or professional surveyor the fees set forth in section 317.32 of the Revised Code for the recorder's services.

Last updated July 14, 2021 at 12:51 PM

Section 4733.305 | Lien release affidavit.
 

(A) When a claim underlying a lien established pursuant to section 4733.301 of the Revised Code is satisfied, regardless of whether or not the professional engineer or professional surveyor holding the lien recorded a written release pursuant to section 4733.304 of the Revised Code, or when such a lien is extinguished pursuant to section 4733.303 of the Revised Code, any person with an interest in the commercial real estate that was the subject of the lien, or named in the affidavit recorded pursuant to section 4733.302 of the Revised Code, may record an affidavit stating that the underlying claim was satisfied or that the lien was released by operation of law in the county recorder's office of the county in which the commercial real estate is located.

(B) The county recorder shall record the affidavit and charge and collect from the person filing the affidavit the fees set forth in section 317.32 of the Revised Code for the recorder's services.

(C) The fact that a claim underlying a lien is satisfied or that a lien is extinguished by operation of law does not affect any other right or appropriate action, such as for breach of contract.

Last updated July 14, 2021 at 12:52 PM

Section 4733.306 | Substitution of financial security for lien.
 

(A) Any person with an interest in commercial real estate on which a lien has been perfected pursuant to section 4733.302 of the Revised Code, or named in the affidavit required under that section, may apply to the common pleas court of the county in which the commercial real estate is located to substitute financial security for the lien.

(B) The substitute security shall be in the amount equal to the professional engineer or professional surveyor's claim, and in a form such as an escrow account or surety bond held by the clerk of courts or other party as determined adequate by the court.

(C) The court, in its entry approving the substitute security, shall direct the release of the lien.

(D)(1) The person substituting the security shall file the entry and release for recording in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the commercial real estate is located.

(2) The county recorder shall record the entry and release and charge and collect from the person filing the entry and release for recording the fees set forth in section 317.32 of the Revised Code for the recorder's services.

Last updated July 14, 2021 at 12:52 PM

Section 4733.99 | Penalty.
 

(A) Whoever violates section 4733.22 of the Revised Code shall be fined not less than one hundred nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than ninety days, or both.