Firm COA and qualifier tracking, in every state
Quick answer
A firm’s certificate of authorization often rests on one named licensed person: the qualifier, qualifying agent or engineer in responsible charge. When that person leaves, or their license in that state lapses, the COA can be at risk even though everyone else is still licensed. SealBench records who qualifies each COA and flags any COA whose qualifiers are gone or no longer hold an active license there.
Why the qualifier matters
Boards word it differently. Florida requires an engineering business to be qualified by a Florida-licensed PE, its qualifying agent; if the only one leaves, the firm may no longer offer engineering in Florida and has 60 days to be requalified (FBPE). Texas ties a firm’s registration to a full-time active Texas license holder (22 TAC 137.77(g)). Our tables record a replacement deadline for only a few states, so for the rest the answer is to ask the board. The qualifying engineer guide walks through notice rules and the checklist for the day someone gives notice.
How SealBench tracks qualifiers
- Each COA names its qualifiers. SealBench warns before you save a qualifier who holds no license in that state.
- Every COA is checked against its people. If every qualifier on a COA has left, the COA is flagged, with the replacement deadline where our tables record one. If a qualifier’s license in that state is no longer active, the COA is flagged too: no licensed qualifier there.
- “What if this person leaves”: pick anyone on the roster and see every sheet, state license and firm COA that would lose its only eligible sealer or qualifier.
- Set Check: Set Check takes one permit set in one state and gives each sheet a suggested sealer, or the reason nobody on your roster can seal it: a license in the project’s state, the right discipline, a license still active on the issue date, and the firm’s COA. Architectural sheets need an architect. The answer is saved as a dated PDF record.
SealBench doesn’t tell the board anything and doesn’t file a new qualifier for you. It shows the gap so your firm can act while there’s still time.
What it costs
One license is free. Pro is $5 a month for one person and every license they hold. A firm pays $12 a month for each licensed person it tracks (or $120 a year), billed for at least 3; office staff who aren’t licensed sign in free. One price per person, however many states they’re licensed in. See pricing.
Common questions
What is a COA qualifier?
The licensed person a board ties a firm’s authorization to. Florida calls them the qualifying agent; other states say engineer in responsible charge or principal. The name and the rules vary by state.
Does a lapsed license count the same as a departure?
It can. A qualifier whose license in that state is no longer active may not meet the board’s wording, even though they’re still at the firm. SealBench flags it either way; ask the board what it means for your COA.
Which states give a deadline to replace a qualifier?
Our tables record one for only a few states, such as Florida’s 60 days. Everywhere else, ask the board. See the qualifying engineer guide.
What does it cost?
One license is free. Pro is $5 a month for one person and every license they hold. A firm pays $12 a month for each licensed person it tracks (or $120 a year), billed for at least 3; office staff who aren’t licensed sign in free. One price per person, however many states they’re licensed in. See pricing.
Find the COA that depends on one person
Send one permit set and your roster. Within two business days we return who may seal each sheet, and why anyone is blocked. Your first Set Check is free.
Request a free Set CheckSealBench suggests who may seal each sheet and shows why. The licensed professional takes responsible charge and applies the seal. SealBench is not a law firm, does not give legal advice, and does not file anything with any board. Questions or corrections: support@sealbench.com.