South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 47 - DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE
South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 49 is dedicated to the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - South Carolina State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. This comprehensive chapter sets forth the regulations governing the licensure, practice, and professional conduct of professional engineers and land surveyors in South Carolina.
The South Carolina State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (referred to as "the Board") is responsible for protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals practice engineering and surveying in the state. Its functions, as detailed in these regulations, include:
Licensure Requirements: Setting the educational, experience, and examination requirements for becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Land Surveyor (PLS).
Firm Registration: Regulating the registration and operation of engineering and surveying firms.
Rules of Professional Conduct: Establishing ethical standards and professional responsibilities for licensees.
Standards of Practice: Defining the minimum technical standards for performing engineering and surveying work.
Continuing Professional Competency (CPC): Mandating and overseeing ongoing education to ensure licensees maintain their technical skills and knowledge.
Enforcement: Investigating complaints and taking disciplinary action against licensees who violate the state's laws or regulations.
Here's a breakdown of the key articles within Chapter 49:
Article 1: Organization, Administration and Procedure (§ 49-100 to 49-106)
Covers the general structure and operational procedures of the Board.
Includes rules for applications, fees, and the renewal of licenses for individuals and Certificates of Authorization for firms. Fees for various applications and renewals are detailed (e.g., individual biennial renewal, firm certificate of authorization).
Addresses the process for reinstating expired licenses.
Article 2: General Provisions (§ 49-200 to 49-207)
Licensure Requirements: This is a crucial section, outlining the specific criteria for obtaining licensure for both engineers and surveyors.
For Professional Engineers (PE):
Education: Generally requires a bachelor's degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering curriculum. Some alternative educational pathways (e.g., substantially equivalent degrees, NCEES Engineering Education Standard) may be recognized.
Experience: Typically requires four or more years of progressive engineering experience after graduation, supervised by a licensed engineer, demonstrating competence in the practice of engineering. Advanced degrees (Master's or Doctoral) may count for some experience.
Examinations: Passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
For Professional Land Surveyors (PLS): South Carolina has different tiers of land surveyor licenses (e.g., Tier A Professional Surveyor, Tier B Professional Land Surveyor, Photogrammetric Surveyor, Geographic Information System Surveyor).
Education: Generally requires a bachelor's degree in surveying or a board-approved related field, often with specific semester hours in surveying-related coursework. ABET-accredited programs are preferred.
Experience: Typically requires four or more years of progressive practical experience under the supervision of a licensed land surveyor.
Examinations: Passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, the NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam (for Tier A), and often a South Carolina State Specific Surveying examination, or other discipline-specific exams for specialized surveying licenses (e.g., photogrammetry, GIS).
Seal Requirements: Specifies the design and use of the professional seal for both engineers and surveyors on all professional documents.
Certificates of Authorization: Requirements for firms to obtain and maintain a Certificate of Authorization to offer or provide engineering or surveying services. This includes requirements for a resident licensed professional engineer or surveyor in responsible charge.
Emeritus Status: Provisions for "emeritus engineer" or "emeritus surveyor" for long-term licensees who retire from active practice.
Article 3: Rules of Professional Conduct (§ 49-300 to 49-306)
Sets forth the ethical obligations of licensees, emphasizing their responsibility to protect the public.
Covers topics such as competence, conflicts of interest, advertising, signing and sealing documents, acting with integrity, and avoiding misconduct.
Article 4: Standards of Practice Manual for Surveying in South Carolina (§ 49-400 to 49-490)
This is a detailed manual establishing minimum technical standards for the practice of land surveying in South Carolina.
It covers various types of surveys (e.g., boundary, topographic, GIS, photogrammetric), platting requirements, methods of marking property boundaries, and responsibilities for accuracy and documentation.
Aims to promote uniform requirements for accurate surveys and assist surveyors, property owners, and other professionals (legal, banking, real estate) who deal with real property.
Article 6: Continuing Professional Competency (§ 49-600 to 49-610)
Outlines the requirements for Professional Development Hours (PDH) that licensees must complete to renew their licenses.
Specifies the number of hours required biennially (e.g., 30 PDH units for both engineers and surveyors, with specific allocations if dually licensed), acceptable activities for earning PDHs (courses, seminars, teaching, publications), and record-keeping requirements.
Addresses carry-over of PDH units and limits on non-technical subjects.
In essence, Chapter 49 is the foundational regulatory document that ensures the professional integrity, technical competence, and public accountability of engineers and land surveyors practicing in South Carolina.
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