South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 49 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION- SOUTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS
1. Purpose of Chapter 49
Chapter 49 establishes the rules and regulations for the licensing, practice, and professional conduct of professional engineers (PEs) and professional land surveyors (PLSs) in South Carolina. Its main goals are:
Protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Ensure that only qualified individuals practice engineering and land surveying.
Define the responsibilities and procedures for licensing and regulation.
2. Scope and Authority
The LLR oversees professional licensing in South Carolina.
The SC PE/LS Board operates under LLR and has the authority to:
Issue licenses for engineers and surveyors.
Set standards for education, experience, and examinations.
Investigate complaints against licensees.
Discipline licensees for violations of law or professional misconduct.
Chapter 49 applies to all professional engineers and land surveyors practicing in South Carolina, whether they are residents or not.
3. Definitions
Chapter 49 includes definitions that clarify who can practice:
Professional Engineer (PE): Someone licensed to practice engineering in the state.
Professional Land Surveyor (PLS): Someone licensed to conduct land surveys in the state.
Engineer-in-Training (EIT) / Surveyor-in-Training (SIT): Individuals who have passed initial exams but are not yet fully licensed.
Practice of Engineering: Any service or work that requires engineering knowledge, including design, consultation, or supervision of engineering projects.
Practice of Land Surveying: The measurement and mapping of land boundaries, construction layout, or property surveys.
4. Licensing Requirements
The regulations outline how to become licensed as a PE or PLS:
A. Education
A degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program is usually required for engineers.
For surveyors, a combination of education and practical experience in surveying is required.
B. Experience
Engineers must complete a certain number of years of practical experience under a licensed PE (usually 4 years).
Surveyors must have equivalent experience under a licensed PLS.
C. Examinations
Fundamentals Exam: First step for engineers (EIT) or surveyors (SIT).
Principles & Practice Exam: Final step to become a PE or PLS.
Exams are administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) or other approved bodies.
D. Licensure by Comity
Out-of-state licensees can apply for South Carolina licensure if their qualifications meet SC standards.
5. Renewal and Continuing Education
Licenses must be renewed regularly (typically every two years).
Licensees must complete continuing education (CE) to maintain professional competence.
CE hours include ethics, technical updates, and other approved courses.
6. Professional Conduct and Ethics
Chapter 49 includes rules about ethical behavior, including:
Avoiding conflicts of interest.
Only signing and sealing work that is prepared under your direct supervision.
Maintaining accurate records and drawings.
Reporting any misconduct or unsafe practice by other licensees.
7. Seals, Signatures, and Stamps
Licensees must use a seal or stamp on engineering or surveying documents.
The seal indicates the work has been prepared or reviewed by a licensed professional.
Misuse of a seal is a violation and can result in disciplinary action.
8. Disciplinary Actions
The Board can impose penalties for violations, including:
Suspension or revocation of license
Fines
Cease and desist orders
Reprimands
Violations include:
Practicing without a license.
Fraud or misrepresentation.
Negligence or incompetence in professional work.
Unethical behavior or violations of regulations.
9. Exemptions
Certain activities may be exempt from licensure rules:
Employees performing work under the supervision of a licensed engineer or surveyor.
Government employees doing engineering or surveying as part of official duties.
Work that does not require professional judgment in engineering or surveying (e.g., drafting or simple calculations).
10. Board Administration
The SC PE/LS Board has appointed members, usually licensed professionals.
Responsibilities include:
Evaluating applications.
Setting exam schedules.
Investigating complaints.
Issuing rules for practice and ethics.
Maintaining a public registry of licensees.
Summary
In short, Chapter 49 ensures that engineering and surveying in South Carolina are done safely, ethically, and by qualified professionals. It sets the standards for education, experience, examinations, licensing, renewals, ethics, and disciplinary actions. The Board enforces these rules to protect the public and maintain professional standards.
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