Can you seal outside your discipline? PE, SE, RA and PLA
Quick answer
It depends on the state and the sheet. In our data, 8 jurisdictions tie sealing to the discipline on the PE license; the rest issue one PE license and expect engineers to seal only work within their competence. Hawaii and Illinois reserve structural work for structural engineers, and 7 more do for some structures. Architectural sheets generally need an architect, with limited exceptions for engineers.
A mechanical PE on electrical sheets
In the 8 jurisdictions that license by discipline (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Vermont), the discipline on the license has to fit the sheet. Elsewhere, a PE license isn’t limited by discipline on paper, but engineers may seal only work within their own competence, and the board can discipline someone who doesn’t. In both cases the firm should be able to show why that engineer is qualified for that sheet.
Structural engineers
In our data, Hawaii and Illinois require a structural engineer (SE) license for structural work; Illinois says a PE cannot perform or offer structural engineering services. Alaska, California, Georgia, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington require an SE license for some structures, such as larger or higher-risk buildings. The details are on each state page and in who can seal drawings, by state.
Engineers and architects
Architectural sheets generally need an architect. Our architect tables record that 37 jurisdictions let engineers seal architectural work only in limited cases, 6 allow some, and 2 don’t; those tables haven’t been checked against the architecture boards’ rules yet, so treat them as a starting point. The reverse holds too: architects don’t seal engineering sheets beyond what their state allows.
Landscape architects
Landscape sheets need a landscape architect licensed in the project’s state. SealBench doesn’t hold state rules for landscape architects yet, so check the board for what else they may seal.
How Set Check handles discipline
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. Engineering sheets need an engineer in the right discipline; landscape sheets need a landscape architect; survey sheets need a land surveyor.
Common questions
Can a civil PE seal structural drawings?
In most states a PE may seal work within their competence, but Hawaii and Illinois require an SE license for structural work, and 7 more for some structures. Check the state.
Can an engineer seal architectural drawings?
Usually only in limited cases, such as small or exempt buildings or work incidental to an engineering project. Check the architecture board’s rule for the state.
Does SealBench decide whether I’m competent in a discipline?
No. It checks the license, the discipline on it where the state licenses by discipline, the date and the firm COA. Competence is the engineer’s call and the firm’s.
Check your next set before it goes out
Send one permit set and your roster. Within two business days we return who may seal each sheet, and why anyone is blocked: state license, discipline, expiry and the firm’s registration. Your first Set Check is free.
Request a free Set CheckSources
SealBench 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.