SealBench and Harbor Compliance: which one an engineering firm needs
Quick answer
They do different jobs. Harbor Compliance is a state licensing compliance platform: License Manager software, plus a managed service whose team prepares and files certificate of authorization applications in the states where a firm practices. SealBench is a tracker your firm runs itself: every PE and architect license, firm COA and CE requirement, and Set Check to show who may seal each sheet. Some firms could use both.
| Item | SealBench | Harbor Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | License, COA and CE tracking for engineering and architecture firms, plus Set Check | A state licensing compliance platform: License Manager software and managed filing services; registered agent service |
| Files with the board | No. Your firm files | Yes: its managed service prepares and files COA applications |
| Price | $12 a month per licensed person, or $120 a year; billed for at least 3. Unlicensed staff free | Not shown on the pages we read; a free “Compliance Score” assessment |
| Individual PE licenses and CE | Every person’s licenses and CE hours against each state’s rule | — |
| Firm COAs | Each registration with the qualifiers it depends on, flagged when one leaves or their license lapses | License Manager tracks licenses and renewal dates across states |
| Who can seal each sheet | Set Check: per sheet, by state, discipline, license status on the issue date and firm COA | — |
When each one fits
- You want the filings done for you. Harbor Compliance’s managed service prepares and files COA applications. SealBench doesn’t file anything.
- You need entity compliance beyond engineering. Harbor Compliance covers business licensing, entity registration and a registered agent service.
- You keep the roster in-house and send sets into several states. SealBench tracks every person’s licenses and CE with the firm’s COAs, and Set Check shows who may seal each sheet.
Harbor Compliance’s engineering page says 34 states require a firm license (certificate of authorization) and 8 more have other requirements before a firm offers services. Our own rule tables count 37 of 51 jurisdictions that expect an engineering firm to hold a COA or firm registration, not yet confirmed with each board; the two counts use different definitions.
Sources
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
Does SealBench file COA applications like Harbor Compliance?
No. SealBench tracks and checks; your firm files with the board. Harbor Compliance offers a managed filing service.
Does Harbor Compliance track individual PE CE hours?
We didn’t find individual CE tracking described on the pages we read. Ask Harbor Compliance.
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.
See Set Check on your own permit set
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.