Iowa Code § 542B.14 - General requirements for licensure — temporary permit to practice engineering

1. Each applicant for licensure as a professional engineer or professional land surveyor shall have all of the following requirements, respectively, to wit: a. As a professional engineer: (1) (a) Graduation from a course in engineering of four years or more in a school or college which, in the opinion of the board, will properly prepare the applicant for the examination in fundamental engineering subjects. (b) However, prior to July 1, 1988, in lieu of compliance with subparagraph division (a), the board may accept eight years’ practical experience which, in the opinion of the board, is of satisfactory character to properly prepare the applicant for the examination in fundamental engineering subjects. (c) Between July 1, 1988, and June 30, 1991, in lieu of compliance with subparagraph division (a), the board shall require satisfactory completion of a minimum of two years of postsecondary study in mathematics, physical sciences, engineering technology, or engineering at an institution approved by the board, and may accept six years’ practical experience which, in the opinion of the board, is of satisfactory character to properly prepare the applicant for the examination in fundamental engineering subjects. (d) For applicants who obtained an associate of science degree or a more advanced degree between July 1, 1983, and June 30, 1988, in lieu of compliance with subparagraph division (a), the board shall only require compliance with the provisions of subparagraph division (c) with regard to areas of study and practical experience. Applicants qualifying under this subparagraph division must meet the requirements of subparagraph (2), by June 30, 2001. (2) Successfully passing an examination in fundamental engineering subjects which is designed to show the knowledge of general engineering principles. A person passing the examination in fundamental engineering subjects is entitled to a certificate as an engineer intern. (3) In addition to any other requirement, a specific record of four years or more of practical experience in engineering work which is of a character satisfactory to the board. (4) Successfully passing an examination designed to determine the proficiency and qualifications to engage in the practice of engineering. b. As a professional land surveyor: (1) Graduation from a college course of two years or more, which shall include mathematics, basic science courses, and practical experience, all of which, in the opinion of the board, will properly prepare the applicant for the examination in fundamental land surveying subjects. (2) Successfully passing an examination in fundamental land surveying subjects which is designed to show the knowledge of general land surveying principles. (3) In addition to any other requirement, a specific record of four years or more of practical experience in land surveying work which is of a character satisfactory to the board. (4) Successfully passing examinations designed to determine the proficiency and qualifications to engage in the practice of land surveying. (5) Successfully passing an examination specific to the laws of this state. 2. The board may establish by rule a temporary permit and a fee to permit an engineer to practice for a period of time without applying for licensure. 3. Notwithstanding section 272C.12, subsection 3, paragraph “c”, the board shall not issue a temporary license to practice as a professional land surveyor. [C39, §1866.1; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.14] 84 Acts, ch 1104, §5; 87 Acts, ch 165, §1, 2 C93, §542B.14 94 Acts, ch 1107, §14; 95 Acts, ch 65, §5; 96 Acts, ch 1055, §7; 98 Acts, ch 1054, §1; 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §14, 15; 2012 Acts, ch 1023, §141; 2013 Acts, ch 5, §20, 21; 2021 Acts, ch 58, §1; 2023 Acts, ch 25, §1 – 3; 2025 Acts, ch 84, §1, 2 2023 amendment to subsection 1, paragraph b applies to applications for a license as a professional land surveyor submitted on or after July 1, 2023; 2023 Acts, ch 25, §3 Subsection 1, paragraph b, NEW subparagraph (5) NEW subsection 3