Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 435 - Board of Registration for Professional Land Surveyors
Here’s a detailed overview of Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 435 – the Board of Registration for Professional Land Surveyors (codified as 435-RICR-00-00-1; effective January 4, 2022):
🛠️ 1. Purpose, Authority & Scope (§ 1.1)
Purpose: Defines the Board’s roles within the Division of Design Professionals (DBR): licensure, application, professional responsibilities, procedural and technical standards for land surveying in Rhode Island.
Authority: Enacted under R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 5‑8.1‑1 and 5‑8.1‑4.
Scope: Applies to the practice of professional land surveying within the state. (rules.sos.ri.gov)
📚 2. Definitions (§ 1.2)
Defines key terms:
Active, Inactive, Biennium, Board, Boundary survey, Certificate of Authorization (COA), Land Surveyor Emeritus, PDH, Stamp, NCEES, etc. (law.cornell.edu, rules.sos.ri.gov)
⚙️ 3. Board Procedures (§ 1.3)
The Board operates with specific procedural roles:
Assigns members for complaints, hearing investigations, exam coordination, continuing education, technical standards review, and administrative oversight.
Includes an administrative assistant who manages applications, records, examinations, enforcement actions, and certification processes.
📝 4. Fees & Application Process (§ 1.4–1.5)
Application Requirements (§ 1.4):
Licensure, COA, Land Surveyor Emeritus applications must be submitted timely (4 months before exams; 40 days prior for COA).
Board may request additional information or personal interviews. Applications are decided by roll-call vote. (law.cornell.edu)
Fee Schedule:
Professional Land Surveyors: $100–150 application, $125 initial/annual renewal; reinstatement $250 or plus application fee.
COA: $50/year (plus $10/month late fees).
Land Surveyor‑in‑Training: $100–150 for application. (regulations.justia.com)
Examinations (§ 1.5):
Includes Fundamentals of Land Surveying, Principles & Practice (both NCEES), and a state-specific exam.
Rules on retakes, failure limits, reviews, and re-examination after suspensions. (rules.sos.ri.gov)
📐 5. Seal & Stamp Requirements (§ 1.6)
Official seal/stamp must be ~1.5″ square, include state emblem and license number.
Sealed documents must be signed and dated manually; no digital signatures.
Obligatory surrender of seal upon suspension, revocation, or death. (rules.sos.ri.gov)
🎓 6. Continuing Education (§ 1.7)
Active registrants require 20 PDHs per biennium; minimum 10 PDHs must be in-person courses.
PDH credits awarded for approved activities, publications, professional society roles, etc.
Carry-over allowed (up to 10 PDHs); audits and reciprocity provisions included.
Inactive registrants exempt; reinstatement guidelines specify PDH or re-exam requirements. (rules.sos.ri.gov)
⚖️ 7. Standards of Conduct (§ 1.8)
Professional obligations include:
Fundamental canons: Duty to public, competence, honesty, confidentiality.
Seal usage: Ensures personal oversight and responsibility.
Conflict of interest: Full disclosure and avoidance of dual-compensation situations. (rules.sos.ri.gov)
🏛️ 8. Additional Protocols
Complaint & Disciplinary Procedures: Open to complaints/investigation; hearings follow APA standards; revocations result in notifications to relevant agencies.
Severability (§ 1.11): Invalid provisions do not void the entire regulation. (rules.sos.ri.gov)
📊 Quick Reference Table
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1.1 | Purpose, authority, scope |
| 1.2 | Definitions |
| 1.3 | Board roles & staff processes |
| 1.4 | Application process & fees |
| 1.5 | Licensing exam requirements |
| 1.6 | Seal & stamp standards |
| 1.7 | Continuing education (PDH) rules |
| 1.8 | Professional conduct requirements |
| 1.11 | Severability |
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