Section 1380.210  Approved Engineering Program

a)         The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation-Division of Professional Regulation (Division) shall, upon the recommendation of the State Board of Professional Engineers (the Board), approve an engineering program as reputable and in good standing if it meets the following minimum criteria:

1)         The educational institution is legally recognized and authorized by the jurisdiction in which it is located to confer a baccalaureate degree in engineering.

2)         Faculty

A)        The faculty shall have a sufficient number of full-time, or full-time equivalent, instructors to make certain that the educational obligations to the student are fulfilled.  A program at the basic level shall have no fewer than 3 full-time faculty members whose primary commitment is to that program.  If an institution relies on part-time faculty members, it shall demonstrate that, in addition to the commitment of at least 3 full-time equivalent faculty members, effective mechanisms are in place to provide adequate levels of student advising and faculty interaction, and faculty control over the curriculum.

B)        The faculty shall have demonstrated competence in their area of teaching as evidenced by appropriate degrees from professional colleges or institutions.  Other evidence of faculty capability includes non-academic engineering experience, experience in teaching, ability to communicate effectively, participation in professional, scientific and other learned societies, licensure as a professional engineer and an interest in students' curricular activities.

C)        Teaching loads shall allow time for research and professional development activities.  Stimulation of students' minds requires faculty involvement in scientific and technological development and in instructional innovation.

3)         Curriculum

A)        The curriculum shall include at least 4 academic years leading to the awarding of the baccalaureate degree while providing integration of the educational experience with the ability to apply the knowledge gained to the identification and solution of practical problems.

B)        The overall curriculum shall include a minimum of 120 semester hours or their equivalent (e.g., 180 quarter hours) and shall include at least the following subjects:

i)          Mathematics – 15 hours.

Mathematics shall be beyond trigonometry and emphasize mathematical concepts and principles rather than computations.  Coursework in calculus (differential and integral) and differential equations at the baccalaureate level are required.  Remaining coursework may include, but is not limited to, linear algebra, numerical analysis, matrix theory, probability, statistics, and advanced calculus.  Courses in computer usage and/or programming shall not be used to satisfy the mathematics requirement.

ii)         Basic Sciences – 15 hours.

Basic sciences must include general chemistry and general calculus-based physics.  Chemistry courses shall make up no less than 5 semester credit hours with at least 1 hour of laboratory experience and physics shall make up no less than 8 semester hours.  Remaining basic science courses may include, but are not limited to, general biological sciences, earth sciences, advanced chemistry, advanced physics, and advanced biology.

iii)        Engineering Sciences – 30 hours.

Courses must be taught within the college/faculty of engineering (unless specifically taught by other faculty and the course substantially meets the standards as required by engineering faculty), have their roots in mathematics and basic sciences, and carry knowledge further toward creative application of engineering principles.  Approved engineering courses include, but are not limited to, mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer electrical and electronic circuits, material science, transport phenomena engineering economics, and computer science (other than computer programming skills).

iv)        Engineering Design – 15 hours.

Coursework involves the conversion of resources to predetermined objectives.  Courses must stress the establishment of objectives and criteria, synthesis, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation to develop student creativity through open-ended problems and consideration of alternative solutions.  The inclusion of realistic constraints, such as economic factors, safety, aesthetics, ethics, and social impact is appropriate.  Examples of these subjects include design of:  circuits, machines, power networks, process equipment and systems, and water treatment.

v)         Humanities/Social Sciences – 15 hours.

Coursework includes subjects in philosophy, history, literature, fine arts, religion, sociology, psychology, political science, economics, and foreign language (other than student’s native language).  Non-traditional courses may include social responsibility and professional ethics.  Subjects such as accounting and management may only satisfy engineering electives and cannot be used to fulfill this course objective.

C)        Laboratory experience is essential to an engineering education at both theoretical and practical levels.

D)        Computer-based experience shall be included in the program of each student.  The program shall include technical computations, problem solving, data acquisition and usage, process control and computer-assisted design.  The student shall have access to computational facilities in order to integrate these techniques into the program.

E)        The program shall require that the student demonstrate competency in both written and oral communication.  Curriculum will include composition courses exploring fundamentals of expository writing.

F)         An understanding of ethical, social, economic and safety considerations shall be included in the engineering program.

G)        For those institutions that elect to prepare a student to enter the profession at the advanced level, the curriculum shall satisfy the criteria set forth in this Section at the basic level, and shall include at least one year of additional study.  That year shall include at least ⅔ of a year of advanced mathematics, basic sciences, engineering sciences and engineering design.  Of this component, at least ⅓ of a year shall be devoted to engineering design.  The program shall be designed toward a meaningful individual course of study and include thesis, research and/or special projects.

4)         Facilities

A)        The laboratory facilities shall reflect the requirements of the offered educational program.  The laboratory should provide for individual project work by the students and the faculty.  The facilities shall be equipped with instruments and scientific equipment of a kind and quality to ensure the effective functioning of the laboratory.

B)        The libraries in support of the engineering program shall be both technical and nontechnical, to include books, journals and other reference material for collateral reading in connection with the instructional and research programs and professional work.  The library collection shall reflect the existence of an active acquisition policy; this policy shall include specific acquisitions on the request and recommendation of the faculty of the engineering program.  There shall be computer-accessible information centers and inter-library loan services for both books and journals.  The library collections, whether centralized or decentralized, shall be readily available for use with the assistance of trained library staff, or through an open-stack arrangement, or both.

C)        There shall be computer facilities accessible to the engineering students and faculty.

5)         The institution shall maintain permanent student records that summarize the credentials for admission, attendance, grades and other records of performance.

b)         In determining whether a baccalaureate degree program should be approved, the Division shall take into consideration but not be bound by accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

c)         The Division, upon the recommendation of the Board, has determined that baccalaureate degree engineering programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET meet the minimum criteria set forth in subsection (a) for an approved engineering program and are, therefore, approved, subject to review.

1)         The Division, upon the recommendation of the Board, has determined that the signed Mutual Recognition Program agreement between ABET and the Canadian Engineering Accrediting Board (CEAB) of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE) is considered to have met the minimum criteria as equivalent to the EAC/ABET accredited programs and are, therefore, approved, subject to review.

2)         The Division, upon the recommendation of the Board, does not recognize ABET "substantially equivalent" programs as meeting the minimum criteria set forth in subsection (a) for an approved engineering program and are, therefore, not approved.

d)         The Division, upon the recommendation of the Board, has withdrawn program approval of the following programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.  Subsequent to notification, the Board reviewed the programs and determined that they do not meet the requirements of this Section and are, therefore, no longer approved.  An applicant graduating from any of the following programs will have his or her transcript reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine if he or she meets Illinois requirements:

1)         Purdue University: Geomatic Engineering

2)         California State, Fresno: Civil and Geomatic Engineering and Construction, Major in Geomatics

3)         Ohio State: Geomatic Engineering

4)         New Mexico State: Surveying Engineering

5)         Ferris State University: Surveying Engineering

6)         University of Maine: Surveying Engineering Technology

e)         Withdrawal of Program Approval

1)         The following are grounds for withdrawal of approval of an engineering program or a program leading to a degree in basic engineering.

A)        Non-compliance with any provisions of the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989 [225 ILCS 325] (the Act);

B)        Non-compliance with any provision of this Part;

C)        Fraud or dishonesty in furnishing documentation for evaluation of the program; or

D)        Failure to continue to meet the criteria of an approved program as set out in this Section.

2)         If the Board has reason to believe there has been any fraud or dishonesty in the furnishing of any documentation for the evaluation of a program on the part of any licensee, it shall refer such matter to appropriate Division personnel for any disciplinary action which might be appropriate under the Act.

3)         A program whose approval is being reconsidered by the Division shall be given 15 days written notice prior to any recommendation by the Board and may either submit written comments or request a hearing before the Board.

f)         Evaluation of Newly Submitted Programs

1)         An educational institution with a baccalaureate degree program that has not been evaluated will cause to be forwarded to the Division documentation concerning the criteria in this Section.

2)         Once the Division has received the documentation or after 6 months have elapsed from the date of application, whichever is later, the Board will evaluate the program based on all documentation received from the school and any additional information the Division has received that will enable the Board to evaluate the program based on the criteria specified in this Section.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.220  Definition of a Non-approved Program

a)         A non-approved program shall be defined as a baccalaureate degree which was gained from an educational institution legally recognized by the jurisdiction in which it is located to confer a baccalaureate degree of at least four years in length, and which meets the education requirements specified in the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) 2019 Engineering Education Standard.

1)         Applicants applying under this Section shall have their education evaluated at their expense by NCEES to verify that the baccalaureate degree meets the education requirements specified in subsection (a).

2)         The required evaluation forms may be obtained at NCEES Engineering and Surveying Credentials Evaluations, 200 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29607.

b)         Educational courses taken to satisfy the NCEES Engineering Education Standard requirements may be completed prior to, concurrent with, or subsequent to receiving the baccalaureate degree.

c)         The Division, upon the recommendation of the Board, has determined that an applicant who has gained a baccalaureate degree accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET, and that has the NCEES 2019 Engineering Education Standard is eligible to apply under this Section.  However, engineering technology courses shall not be accepted toward meeting the educational requirements in accordance with this Section and the prescribed education requirements of the NCEES 2019 Engineering Education Standard.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.230  Approved Experience

a)         Each application shall be reviewed by the Division or the Professional Engineer Board (Board) to determine whether the applicant has shown evidence that the professional (non-structural) engineering experience meets the requirements for licensure as described in this Section.  All experience shall have been acquired after conferral of the baccalaureate degree except as provided in subsections (a)(1), (a)(4), and (a)(5).

1)         Credit for one year of experience shall be given for completion of graduate study resulting in a master's degree in engineering from a U.S. university, including as part of a combined or dual-degree or co-terminal program where the baccalaureate degree requirements are being met simultaneously with the master’s degree requirements.

2)         Credit for two years of experience shall be given for completion of graduate study resulting in a doctor's degree in engineering from a U.S. university.

3)         The maximum credit for graduate study shall be 2 years.

4)         Credit for one year of experience shall be given for a graduate of a university certified cooperative program.

A)        An internship shall not qualify for co-op credit.

B)        The co-op program shall consist of supervised industrial or field training to last at least one academic year and alternate with semesters of full-time academic education.

C)        Applicants claiming credit for participation shall submit an official transcript reflecting university credit for completion of the co-op program.

D)        All experience must be verified, on forms provided by the Division, by the supervising engineer who is licensed as a professional engineer.

5)         Credit for professional engineering experience earned PRIOR TO conferral of a baccalaureate degree shall be given if the employment is full-time and if the applicant takes eight or more years to earn the degree as a part-time student, as provided for in Section (10)(b) of the Act.

6)         All experience shall be gained under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer or a person legally practicing professional engineering pursuant to Section 3 of the Act who verifies the experience during which the applicant was doing work at a professional level, and the manner in which the work prepares the applicant for licensure as a professional engineer.

7)         Credit for all necessary experience shall only be given for actual experience in the practice of professional engineering.  Acceptable experience shall be within the definition of the practice as set forth in Section 4(o) of the Act and shall require the application of technical knowledge and professional engineering principles.

8)         The required engineering experience shall require the applicant to demonstrate progressive growth in quality, responsibility, and capability of making independent technical decisions, and be held accountable for the performance of the applicant's duties.

9)         Engineering experience that is structural in nature shall not be accepted for the Professional Engineer license as it is outside the scope of practice as set forth in Section 4(o) of the Act.

10)       A maximum of three years of experience may be given for full-time teaching of upper division junior/senior courses or graduate courses in an approved engineering program as defined in Section 1380.210.  An academic year of full-time instruction shall be considered equivalent to one year of experience as required for licensure.  Instruction may not be done concurrently while enrolled as a student in an approved engineering program at any level.  Instruction must be documented and certified via affidavit by the department chair or dean of the engineering program.

11)       All experience must be verified and submitted on forms provided by the Division or as part of the NCEES Record.

12)       Experience gained outside of the U.S. may be accepted and shall be accompanied by certified documents detailing the requirements to legally practice professional engineering in the country and proof that the supervisor met those requirements at the time of supervision.  The applicant, at their expense and if necessary, is responsible for providing translation of documents into English for review by the Board.  A maximum of four years of experience gained in this manner shall be given.

b)         A post-graduate degree used to satisfy the educational requirements under Section 1380.220 shall not be eligible for use as experience credit.

c)         Experience Requirements

1)         For a graduate from an approved program

A)        To be enrolled as an Engineer Intern, no experience is required.

B)        To be licensed as a Professional Engineer, 4 years of acceptable experience is required.

2)         For a graduate from a non-approved program

A)        To be enrolled as an Engineer Intern, 4 years of acceptable experience is required.

B)        To be licensed as a Professional Engineer, 8 years of acceptable experience is required.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.240  Application for Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (Repealed)

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.242  Application for Enrollment as an Engineer Intern by Acceptance of Examination

a)         An applicant who is in the senior year of an approved engineering baccalaureate degree program as set forth in Section 1380.210, including as part of a combined or dual-degree or co-terminal program where the baccalaureate degree requirements are being met simultaneously with the master’s degree requirements, shall sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (Part I) and then submit the application provided by the Division, required fee as specified in Section 1380.275, certification of passage of Part I, and an official transcript showing conferral of the degree within 12 months after sitting for the exam.

b)         An applicant who is a graduate of an approved engineering baccalaureate degree program as set forth in Section 1380.210, shall sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (Part I) and then submit the application provided by the Division, required fee as specified in Section 1380.275, certification of passage of Part I, and an official transcript showing conferral of the degree.

c)         An applicant who is a graduate of a non-approved baccalaureate degree as set forth in Section 1380.220, shall sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (Part I) and then submit the application provided by the Division, required fee as specified in Section 1380.275, certification of passage of Part I, an official NCEES Credential Evaluation as specified in Section 1380.220(a)(1) and experience verification forms completed by the supervisor, indicating the required 4 years of experience as specified in Section 1380.230.

1)         Applicants desiring to use post-graduate degrees as experience credit as specified in Section 1380.230 must submit an official conferred transcript for review and acceptance.

2)         Applicants claiming credit for participation in a cooperative program, as described in Section 1380.230(a)(4), must submit certification of participation with a brief description of the program, from the university and verification of supervision.

d)         Applicants who graduated from a program outside the United States or its territories and whose first language is not English must provide the Division proof of passage of the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Test (TOEFL-iBT) with a minimum score of 26 on the speaking module and a total minimum integrated score of 88.  In order to determine applicants whose first language is English, the applicant shall submit verification from the school that the program from which the applicant graduated certifying it was taught in English.  However, any applicant who subsequently earned a post-graduate degree in engineering from an accredited educational institution in the United States or its territories shall not be subject to this requirement.

e)         Upon receipt of the application and all supporting documentation in complete order:

1)         Persons with degrees from an approved engineering program will be enrolled as an Illinois Engineer Intern.

2)         Persons with degrees from a non-approved program whose 4 years of acceptable experience is reviewed and approved by the Board, based on the criteria specified in Section 1380.230, shall be enrolled as an Illinois Engineer Intern.

f)         Applicants will be deferred enrollment as an Illinois Engineer Intern if:

1)         Persons with degrees from an approved engineering program who did not have the baccalaureate degree conferred within 12 months after passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (Part I) shall be deferred enrollment as an Engineer Intern until their education meets the requirements of this Section.

2)         Persons with degrees from a non-approved program whose 4 years of experience is reviewed and not approved by the Board, based on the criteria specified in Section 1380.230, shall be deferred enrollment as an Illinois Engineer Intern until their experience meets the requirements of this Section.

3)         If an applicant fails to submit all required items for enrollment under the Act within 3 years after filing an application, the application shall expire and be denied.  The applicant may, however, make a new application for enrollment accompanied by the require fee, and furnish proof of meeting the qualifications in effect at the time of new application.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.245  Application for the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam (Part II) (Repealed)

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.250  Application for Licensure as a Professional Engineer by Acceptance of Examination

a)         A license applicant shall have satisfied the education requirement as specified in Section 1380.210 or Section 1380.220, acquired the experience required by Section 1380.230 and passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (Part I) and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (Part II) examinations in compliance with Section 1380.260 prior to applying to the Division.

b)         A license applicant shall satisfy one of the following when applying:

1)         Applicant Enrolled as an Illinois Engineer Intern.

An applicant who is enrolled with the Division as an Illinois engineer intern shall file an application on forms provided by the Division and shall include, in addition the requirements of Section 8 of the Act, the required fee specified in Section 1380.275 and the following:

A)        An official copy of his or her Illinois Engineer Intern certificate indicating prior Board approval of the baccalaureate degree and passage of Part I of the required examinations.

B)        Official certification for successful passage of Part II of the examination requirement as specified in Section 1380.260.

C)        Experience verification forms completed by the supervisor, indicating the required experience earned as specified in Section 1380.230.

i)          Applicants desiring to use post-graduate degrees as experience credit as specified in Section 1380.230 must submit an official conferred transcript for review and acceptance.

ii)         Applicants claiming credit for participation in a cooperative program, as described in Section 1380.230(a)(4), must submit certification of participation with a brief description of the program, from the university and verification of supervision.

D)        In lieu of the documentation specified in subsection (b)(1)(A), (B), and (C), an applicant may submit a current NCEES Record.

2)         Applicant Not Enrolled as an Illinois Engineer Intern.

An applicant not enrolled as an Illinois engineer intern shall file an application on forms provided by the Division and shall include, in addition to the requirements of Section 8 of the Act, the required fee specified in Section 1380.275 and the following:

A)        An official transcript showing conferral date for a degree from an approved engineering program as specified in Section 1380.210, or an official NCEES Credential Evaluation for a degree from a non-approved program verifying the degree meets the requirements specified in Section 1380.220(a).

B)        Certification of successful passage of Part I and Part II of the examination requirements as specified in Section 1380.260.

C)        Experience verification forms completed by the supervisor, indicating the required experience earned as specified in Section 1380.230.

i)          Applicants desiring to use post-graduate degrees as experience credit as specified in Section 1380.230 must submit an official conferred transcript for review and acceptance.

ii)         Applicants claiming credit for participation in a cooperative program, as described in Section 1380.230(a)(4), must submit certification of participation with a brief description of the program, from the university and verification of supervision.

D)        In lieu of the documentation specified in subsection (b)(2)(A), (B), and (C), an applicant may submit a current NCEES Record.

c)         Applicants who graduated from a program, who graduated from a program outside the United States or its territories and whose first language is not English must provide the Division proof of passage of the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Test (TOEFL-iBT) with a minimum score of 26 on the speaking module and a total minimum integrated score of 88.  In order to determine applicants whose first language is English; the applicant shall submit verification from the school that the program from which the applicant graduated was taught in English.  However, any applicant who subsequently earned a post-graduate degree in engineering from an accredited educational institution in the United States or its territories shall not be subject to this requirement.

d)         Upon receipt of the application and all supporting documentation in complete order, the applicant's file will be reviewed by the Division for evaluation of the required experience as specified in Section 1380.230.  Upon submitting an application with proof of satisfying the education requirements under Section 1380.210 or Section 1380.220, proof of passing both examinations, and acceptable experience, the applicant, if otherwise qualified, shall be granted a license to practice professional engineering in this State.

e)         Applicants will be deferred licensure as a professional engineer if:

1)         Applicants whose experience is reviewed and not approved by the Board, based on the criteria specified in Section 1380.230, shall be deferred licensure as a professional engineer until the experience meets the requirements.

2)         If an applicant fails to submit all required items for licensure under the Act within 3 years after filing an application, the application shall expire and be denied.  The applicant may, submit a new application for licensure accompanied by the required fee, and furnish proof of meeting the qualifications for licensure in effect at the time of new application.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.260  Examination

a)         Examinations for licensure are administered in a computer-based format.  Applicants may attempt a particular NCEES exam one time per testing window and no more than three times in a 12-month approval period, which begins with the examinee’s first attempt.  Applicants must apply and register directly with the exam administrator to sit for the examinations and then apply to the Division upon successful passage.

b)         The examination for licensure as a professional engineer shall be divided into two Parts. If an applicant wishes only to be enrolled as an Engineer Intern, and if the applicant otherwise qualifies under Section 1380.242, the applicant shall be required to take only Part I of the examination.

1)         Part I – Fundamentals of Engineering Examination shall consist of problems or other examining techniques designed to evaluate the applicant's knowledge of the basic and engineering sciences and related subjects normally considered as the fundamentals of an engineering education.

2)         Part II – Principles and practice of Engineering Examination shall consist of problems or other examining techniques relating to designs in or to the practice of professional engineering as described in Section 4(o) of the Act.  The Structural I, Structural II, and 16-hour Structural examinations shall not satisfy the examination requirement for Part II.

c)         The examination administered by the Division shall be provided by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The specific examination content, length and method of administration shall be as determined by periodic evaluations of the test specifications by NCEES.

d)         Part I of the examination will be waived for an applicant who is licensed as a structural engineer and who received such license by passing the fundamentals of engineering examination administered under the Structural Engineering Licensing Act of 1989 [225 ILCS 340].

e)         The scoring of the examinations and determination of scores shall be as approved by NCEES.  Separate scores shall be given for Part I and Part II and shall be reported as pass or fail.

f)         An applicant who sits for both Parts I and II of the examination and passes only Part I shall be eligible to be enrolled as an Engineer Intern.

g)         Retake of Examination

1)         Applicants shall be required to retake only the Parts on which a passing score was not achieved.

2)         If an applicant neglects, fails without an approved excuse, or refuses to take the next available examination offered for licensure under this Act within 3 years after filing the application, the fee paid by the applicant shall be forfeited and the application denied.  If an applicant fails to pass an examination for licensure under this Act within 3 years after filing the application, the application shall be denied.  However, such applicant may thereafter make a new application for examination, accompanied by the required fee (Section 9(b) of the Act). New applications shall include proof of meeting the qualifications for examination in effect at the time of the new application except as provided in subsection (h).

h)         Successful scores of previously passed Parts of the examination shall be accepted for the purposes of licensure provided the applicant has met all other requirements for licensure as outlined in the Act.  For such purposes, the most recent score on a Part shall be the score of record.  In no circumstances shall the Division accept a previous passing score on a Part for an applicant whose score of record is a failing score.

i)          A candidate who fails an examination may not review his/her examination booklet or the associated answer sheets.  Rescoring of the examination or any individual problem is not permitted; however, a retabulation of the numerical score will be permitted for paper examinations but no retabulation of a computer based examination is allowed.

j)          If an applicant has failed an examination, the examination may not be waived for licensure.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.270  Restoration

a)         A licensee seeking restoration of a license which has expired for 5 years or less shall have the license restored upon application on forms provided by the Division and payment of the required fee specified in Section 1380.275 and proof of 30 professional development hours in accordance with Section 1380.325 completed within 2 years prior to the date of submitting the restoration application.

b)         A licensee seeking restoration of a license which has been placed on inactive status for 5 years or less shall have the license restored upon application to the Division and payment of the current renewal fee specified in Section 1380.275 and proof of successful completion of 30 professional development hours in accordance with Section 1380.325 completed within 2 years prior to the date of submitting the restoration application.

c)         A licensee seeking restoration of a license after it has expired or been placed on inactive status for more than 5 years shall file an application on forms provided by the Division for review by the Division, together with proof of successful completion of 30 professional development hours in accordance with Section 1380.325 completed within 2 years prior to the date of submitting the restoration application and the fee required by Section 1380.275.  The licensee shall also submit one of the following:

1)         Sworn evidence of active practice in another jurisdiction for at least the last 2 years.  Such evidence shall include a statement from the appropriate board or licensing authority in the other jurisdiction that the licensee was authorized to practice during the term of said active practice;

2)         An affidavit attesting to military service as provided in Section 17 of the Act;

3)         Proof of passage of Part II of the examination provided in Section 1380.260 within the 5 years preceding restoration; or

4)         Other evidence of continued competence in professional engineering.  Evidence shall be satisfied by one of the following:

A)        Employment in a responsible capacity by a licensed professional engineer as determined by the Board;

B)        Lawfully practicing professional engineering as an employee of a governmental agency; or

C)        Teaching professional engineering courses in a college or university or educational programs.

d)         Any person seeking restoration of a license within 2 years after discharge from military service pursuant to Section 17 of the Act will be required to pay only the current renewal fee.

e)         A certification attesting the applicant has read and understands the Act and this Part.

f)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation, of the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division because of discrepancies or conflicts in information, information needing further clarification, and/or missing information, the licensee seeking restoration of his or her license will be requested to:

1)         provide such information as may be necessary and/or

2)         appear for an interview before the Board when the information available to the Board is insufficient to evaluate the individual's current competency to practice under the Act.  Upon recommendation of the Board, and approval by the Director of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation-Division of Professional Regulation (Director), an applicant shall have his or her license restored or will be notified of the reason for the denial of such application for restoration.

g)         If an applicant is denied restoration under subsection (c)(4), the applicant's license may be restored by taking and passing Part II of the examination as provided in Section 1380.260.

h)         A professional design firm seeking restoration of a registration that has expired for any length of time shall have the license restored upon payment of the restoration fee as specified in Section 1380.275 plus any lapsed renewal fee required by Section 1380.275 and submitting proof of the following:

1)         Certificate of Good Standing from the Illinois Secretary of State or a copy of the letter or certificate received from the county clerk where an assumed name has been filed.

2)         Proof that the managing agent-in-charge is still a full-time employee or a resolution appointing a new managing agent.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.275  Fees

The following fees shall be paid to the Department and are not refundable:

a)         Application Fees

1)         The fee for application for a license as a professional engineer is $100.

2)         The application fee for a certificate of enrollment as an engineer intern is $20.

3)         The application fee for a certificate of registration as a professional design firm is $75.

4)         In addition, applicants for an examination shall be required to pay, either to the Department or to the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of determining an applicant's eligibility and providing the examination. Failure to appear for the examination on the scheduled date, at the time and place specified, after the applicant's application for examination has been received and acknowledged by the Department or the designated testing service, shall result in the forfeiture of the examination fee.

b)         Renewal Fees

1)         The fee for the renewal of a license shall be calculated at the rate of $30 per year.

2)         The fee for renewal of a certificate of registration as a professional design firm is $75 for the renewal period (see Section 1380.310(c)).

c)         General Fees

1)         The fee for the restoration of a license other than from inactive status is $50 plus payment of all lapsed renewal fees.

2)         There is no charge for the issuance of a replacement license for a license that has been lost or destroyed, or for issuance of a license with a change of name or address.  Licenses are available electronically through the Department's website.

3)         The fee for a certification of a licensee's record for any purpose is $20.

4)         The fee to have the scoring of an examination administered by the Division reviewed and verified is $20 plus any fee charged by the testing service.

d)         Additional Fees

1)         Any person who delivers a check or other payment to the Department that is returned to the Department unpaid by the financial institution upon which it is drawn shall pay to the Department, in addition to the amount already owed to the Department, a fee of $50.

2)         If the check or other payment was for a renewal or issuance fee and that person practices without paying the renewal fee or issuance fee and the fee for a returned check, an additional fee of $100 shall be imposed.

3)         The fees imposed by this Section are in addition to any other discipline provided under the Act for unlicensed practice or practice on a nonrenewed license.  The Division will notify the person that fees shall be paid to the Department by certified check or money order within 30 calendar days after the notification.

4)         If, after the expiration of 30 days from the date of the notification, the person has failed to submit the necessary remittance, the Division will automatically terminate the license or certificate or deny the application without hearing.

5)         If, after termination or denial, the person seeks a license or certificate, he or she shall apply to the Division for restoration or issuance of the license or certificate and pay all fees due to the Department. The Department may establish a fee for the processing of an application for restoration of a license or certificate to pay all expenses of processing this application.

6)         The Director may waive the fees due under this Section in individual cases when the Director finds that the fees would be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

e)         All of the fees collected pursuant to this Section shall be deposited in the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund.  (See Section 20(c) of the Act.)

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.280  Endorsement

a)         Any person who holds an unexpired certificate of registration or license to practice professional engineering, issued under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia and who desires to become licensed by endorsement shall file an application, on forms provided by the Division, together with:

1)         The required fee specified in Section 1380.275.

2)         Proof of meeting requirements substantially equivalent to those in force in this State at the time of original or subsequent licensure by examination in the other jurisdiction, including official conferred college transcripts, and verification of experience.

3)         A certification by the jurisdiction of original licensure and certification of current licensure from the jurisdiction of predominant active practice including the following:

A)        The time during which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction, including the date of the original issuance of the license;

B)        The basis of licensure and a description of all licensure examinations by which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction and the date of successful passage of the examinations; and

C)        Whether the records of the licensing authority contain any record of disciplinary action taken or pending against the applicant.

4)         If the qualifications of the applicant at the time of original licensure did not meet the requirements in effect at that time for licensure in this State, the applicant may submit additional certifications from other jurisdictions to indicate meeting the qualifications in effect in this State at the time of any later licensure.

5)         In lieu of the documentation specified in subsections (a)(2), (3) and (9), an applicant may submit a current NCEES Record.

6)         Non-approved program applicants shall, at their expense, submit an NCEES Credential Evaluation that verifies their degree meets the requirements specified in Section 1380.220(a).  Applicants shall obtain the forms from NCEES Engineering and Surveying Credentials Evaluations, 200 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29607.

7)         Applicants who graduated from a program outside the United States or its territories and whose first language is not English must provide the Division proof of passage of the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Test (TOEFL-iBT) with a minimum score of 26 on the speaking module and a total minimum integrated score of 88.  In order to determine applicants whose first language is English; the applicant shall submit verification from the school that the program from which the applicant graduated was taught in English.  However, any applicant who subsequently earned a post-graduate degree in engineering from an accredited educational institution in the United States or its territories shall not be subject to this requirement.

8)         The Division may, in individual cases, upon the recommendation of the Board, waive a portion of the examination requirements after consideration of the quality of an applicant's engineering education and experience, including whether he or she has graduated from an approved engineering program, has achieved special honors or awards, has had articles published in professional journals, has participated in the writing of textbooks relating to professional engineering, and any other attribute which the Board accepts as evidence that such applicant has outstanding and proven ability in the practice of professional engineering.

9)           Acceptable Experience: Applicants for endorsement having obtained the following acceptable experience, in accordance with Section 1380.230, shall be considered in compliance with the experience requirements of Section 10 of the Act:

A)        Under Section 10(a) of the Act, at least 4 years of acceptable experience after receipt of the baccalaureate degree, or

B)        Under Section 10(b) of the Act, at least 8 years of acceptable experience after receipt of the baccalaureate degree.

10)         Appendix A of this Part outlines the licensure requirements in force during various periods and should be consulted by the applicant to aid in the evaluation of his/her qualifications.

b)         The Division shall examine each endorsement application to determine whether the qualifications of the applicant at the time of original or subsequent licensure were substantially equivalent to the requirements then in force in this State. 

c)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation listed in subsection (a), or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division or the Board, because of lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking a license will be requested to provide such information as may be necessary and appear for an oral interview before the Board.

d)         The Division shall either issue a license by endorsement to the applicant or notify such applicant of the reasons for the denial of the application.  An applicant not qualified for licensure by endorsement will automatically be reviewed under the provisions of Section 1380.250.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.285  Inactive Status

a)         Any licensed professional engineer who notifies the Division in writing on forms prescribed by the Division may elect to place his or her license on inactive status and shall be excused from the payment of renewal fees until he or she notifies the Division in writing of his or her desire to resume active status.

b)         Any licensee seeking restoration from inactive status shall do so in accordance with Section 1380.270 of this Part.

c)         Any licensed professional engineer whose license is on inactive status shall not practice engineering in the State of Illinois.  Practicing or offering to practice on a license which is on inactive status shall be considered unlicensed activity and shall be grounds for discipline pursuant to Section 24 of the Act.

d)         Inactive status is not available for a Professional Design Firm.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)

Section 1380.290  Professional Design Firm

a)         Persons who desire to practice professional engineering in this State in the form of a corporation, professional service corporation, partnership, professional limited liability company, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or sole proprietorship (if the sole proprietorship is conducting or transacting business under an assumed name in accordance with the Assumed Business Name Act [805 ILCS 405]) shall, in accordance with Section 23 of the Act, file an application with the Division, on forms provided by the Division, together with the following:

1)         For Corporations or Professional Service Corporations (registration as a professional design firm shall meet the registration requirements of Section 12 of the Professional Service Corporation Act [805 ILCS 10/12]):

A)        The name of the corporation and its registered address, the names of all members of the board of directors, and the name of the state and license number for each director who is a licensed design professional.

B)        A copy of the Articles of Incorporation bearing the seal of the office, in the jurisdiction in which the Corporation is organized, whose duty it is to register corporations under the laws of that jurisdiction.  If it is a foreign corporation, a copy of the certificate of authority to transact business in this State issued by the Secretary of State is also required.  The purpose clause of the Articles of Incorporation or certificate of authority shall designate that the corporation is authorized to provide professional engineering services. Each corporation shall remain active and in good standing with the Secretary of State in order to maintain a professional design firm registration.

C)        A signed and dated resolution of the board of directors of the corporation designating a regular full-time employee of the corporation who is an Illinois licensed professional engineer as the managing agent in charge of the professional engineering activities in Illinois.  The Illinois license number of the professional engineer designated as the managing agent shall also be included in the resolution.

D)        A copy of the authority to transact business under the Assumed Business Name Act issued by the Secretary of State for any assumed names of the corporation, if applicable.

E)        A certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State and a copy of the latest annual report, if applicable.

2)         For Partnerships:

A)        General

i)          A copy of the signed and dated partnership agreement authorizing the partnership to provide professional engineering services.  The agreement shall contain the name of the partnership, its business address and the names of all general partners.  The name of the state in which each partner is licensed as a design professional and the license number shall be listed on the application.

ii)         A signed and dated resolution of the general partners designating a regular full-time employee of the partnership who is an Illinois licensed professional engineer as the managing agent in charge of the professional engineering activities in this State.  The license number of the managing agent shall be included in the resolution.

iii)        A copy of the partnership documentation bearing the stamp of the county clerk where the partnership has been filed.

iv)        A letter or certificate from the county clerk where an assumed name has been filed, if applicable.

B)        Limited Partnership

i)          A copy of the signed and dated partnership agreement indicating that it has been filed with the Secretary of State authorizing the partnership to provide professional engineering services.  The partnership agreement shall contain the name of the partnership, its business address and the name of each partner.  The name of the state in which each partner is licensed as a design professional and the license number shall be listed on the application.

ii)         A signed and dated resolution adopted by the partners designating a full-time employee of the partnership who is an Illinois licensed professional engineer in this State as the managing agent in charge of the professional engineering services.  The Illinois license number of the professional engineer designated as the managing agent shall also be included in the resolution.

iii)        A certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State and a copy of the latest annual report, if applicable.

iv)        A copy of the authority to transact business under the Assumed Business Name Act issued by the Secretary of State for any assumed names of the partnership, if applicable.

3)         For Professional Limited Liability Companies, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships:

A)        An application containing the name of the professional limited liability company, limited liability company, or partnership, the business address and the members/partners of the company/partnership, the name of the state in which each is licensed and the license number of each design professional who is a member or partner.

B)        A signed and dated resolution of the members or partners designating a regular full-time employee of the company who is an Illinois licensed professional engineer as the managing agent in charge of the professional engineering activities in this State.  The license number of the managing agent shall also be included in the resolution.

C)        A copy of the operating agreement or partnership agreement filed with the Secretary of State stating the company or partnership is authorized to offer professional engineering services.

D)        A copy of the authority to transact business under the Assumed Business Name Act issued by the Secretary of State for any assumed names of the professional limited liability company, limited liability company, or partnership, if applicable.

E)        A certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State and a copy of the latest annual report, if applicable.

4)         For Sole Proprietorships with an Assumed Name:

A)        An application containing the name of the sole proprietorship and its business address and the name and Illinois license number of the professional engineer who owns and operates the business.

B)        A letter or certificate from the county clerk where an assumed name has been filed.

5)         A list of all Illinois office locations at which the corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability company/partnership, partnership or sole proprietorship provides engineering services.

6)         The fee required in Section 1380.275.

b)         A professional design firm may designate more than one managing agent in charge of professional engineering activities. However, a licensee designated as the managing agent may not serve as a managing agent for more than one corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability company/partnership, or partnership doing business in Illinois.

c)         Upon receipt of the documents listed in subsection (a) and review of the application, the Division shall issue a registration authorizing the corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability company/partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship to engage in the practice of professional engineering or notify the applicant of the reason for the denial of the application.

d)         Each corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability company/partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship shall be responsible for notifying the Division within 30 days after any changes in:

1)         The membership of the board of directors, members/partners of the professional limited liability company, limited liability company/partnership, or the general partners;

2)         The licensure status of the general partners, members/partners of the professional limited liability company, limited liability company/partnership, or any of the licensed design professional members of the board of directors; and

3)         An assumed name.

e)         Each corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability company/partnership, or partnership shall be responsible for notifying the Division, in writing, by certified mail, within 10 business days after the termination or change in status of the managing agent.  Thereafter, the corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability company/partnership, or partnership, if it has so informed the Division, has 30 days to notify the Division of the name and license number of the professional engineer licensed in Illinois who is the newly designated managing agent.

f)         Any failure to notify the Division as required in subsections (d) and (e) or any failure of the corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability company/partnership, or partnership to continue to comply with the requirements of Section 23 of the Act will subject the corporation, limited liability company or partnership to the loss of its registration to practice professional engineering in Illinois.

g)         Sole Proprietorships.  A sole proprietorship who is conducting or transacting business under the real name of the professional engineer who has an active Illinois license will not be required to file an application and comply with the requirements set forth in this Section.  However, if the sole proprietorship operates under an assumed name, the sole proprietor shall file an application in accordance with subsection (a)(4).  Any sole proprietorship not owned and operated by an Illinois licensed professional engineer shall be prohibited from offering professional engineering services to the public.

h)         In addition to the seal requirements in Section 14 of the Act, all documents or technical submissions prepared by the design firm shall contain the design firm registration number issued by the Division.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 876, effective January 5, 2023)