Model Law designation
Recordholders who meet certain qualifications in education, experience, and examinations will be granted the Model Law designation. In many states, this will result in an expedited comity licensure process.
What is the Model Law?
The NCEES Model Law is a governing document that outlines best practices for the licensure of professional engineers and surveyors. It guides NCEES member licensing boards as they develop laws and rules regulating these professions in their state/territorial jurisdictions. All amendments to the Model Law are determined by majority vote of these member boards.
Because the Model Law represents generally agreed-upon standards, many licensing boards will process your application for licensure more quickly if you are a Model Law Engineer or Model Law Surveyor.
Are you licensed as a structural engineer? Read about the Model Law Structural Engineer designation.
Summary of Model Law requirements
The Model Law requirements for professional engineers can be summarized as follows (download the PDF for the specific wording):
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an engineering program that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Four years of acceptable engineering work experience
- Acceptable results on the FE and PE exams
- A clean disciplinary record
The requirements for professional surveyors also include a combination of acceptable education, experience, and examinations. They can be found in Section 130, Licensure.
How can I be considered for the Model Law designation?
When you apply for a record, NCEES staff will review your file to determine whether it meets the Model Law criteria. You do not have to request this. If you qualify, your record will indicate that you are a Model Law Engineer/Surveyor.
If you do not meet the requirements for the Model Law designation, you can still build an NCEES record and benefit from the convenience of having your paperwork securely stored at a centralized location. While most states do not expedite the approval process for non-Model Law professionals, maintaining an NCEES Record can greatly reduce the time and paperwork required to apply for licensure in additional states.