Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors
The Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors provides consumer protection to the public through the licensing of professional engineers, land surveyors and on-site wastewater designers. The Board recommends rules and regulations for administering licensing and regulatory laws. It also investigates and resolves complaints. BRPELS is self-funded and fully supported by its licensing and registration fees.
BRPELS History
1935 - Engineer Registration Act approved, with 1,437 applicants the first year.
1947 - Changes to the previous act expanded duties and strengthened authority of the Registration Board. Established the title “professional engineer” and the practice in proven competency.
1959 - The Board began approving registrations for corporations. Also adopted a “Code of Conduct” for registrants.
1986 - Added two professional land surveyors to the Board, of 5 professional engineers.
July 1991 - Established first format for Board approved stamp image in rule. All licensees had to use new stamp as of April 1992.
July 25, 1999 - In 1999, the legislature established the On-Site licensing program under Board jurisdiction.
2019 - The Board became its own state agency through legislative action and governor approval, separating from the Department of Licensing.
"Professional Engineering in Washington - The First Fifty Years"
Book courtesy of the Quentin H. Gateley, PE family, as a public service.