Section 1480.10  Statutory Authority (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 15 Ill. Reg. 7081, effective April 29, 1991)

 

Section 1480.20  Licensure (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 15 Ill. Reg. 7081, effective April 29, 1991)

 

Section 1480.30  Approved Education Qualifications (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 15 Ill. Reg. 7081, effective April 29, 1991)

 

Section 1480.40  Approved Experience Qualifications (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 15 Ill. Reg. 7081, effective April 29, 1991)

 

Section 1480.45  Renewals (Renumbered)

 

(Source:  Section 1480.45 renumbered to Section 1480.190, new Section 1480.190 adopted at 15 Ill. Reg. 7081, effective April 29, 1991)

 

Section 1480.50  Restoration of Expired Certificate (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 15 Ill. Reg. 7081, effective April 29, 1991)

 

Section 1480.60  Granting of Variances (Renumbered)

 

(Source:  Section 1480.60 renumbered to Section 1480.220, new Section 1480.220 adopted at 15 Ill. Reg. 7081 effective April 29, 1991)

 

Section 1480.110  Approved Structural Engineering Program

 

a)         The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation-Division of Professional Regulation (Division) shall, upon the recommendation of the Structural Engineering Board ("Board"), approve an applicant's engineering curriculum if the degree is from an educational institution that is legally recognized and authorized by the jurisdiction in which it is located to confer a baccalaureate degree in engineering.

 

b)         An applicant shall have at a minimum, conferral of a baccalaureate degree in engineering of at least 4 academic years and provides integration of the educational experience with the ability to apply the knowledge gained to the identification and solution of practical problems.

 

c)         An applicant shall have passed a minimum of 18 semester hours, or their equivalent (e.g., 27 quarter hours) of courses in the analysis, behavior, and design of structural elements and systems.  The required coursework may be obtained from a combination of any of the following levels of education, baccalaureate, master, or PhD. The required 18 semester hours, or their equivalent (e.g., 27 quarter hours) may include, but not be limited to:

 

1)         Structural analysis courses such as determinate and indeterminate structures, stability and finite element methods; and

 

2)         Structural design courses such as structural steel, reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, foundation, masonry, and wood engineering.

 

d)         Courses such as mechanics (statics and dynamics), mechanics of materials, properties of materials, and soil mechanics shall not be included in the minimum 18 semester hours.

 

e)         A senior level project course may qualify for use toward the requirement described in subsection (c) if the applicant was in charge of the structural engineering component of the project and submits a project summary of the individual's specific role on the project.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10205, effective July 23, 2025)

 

Section 1480.120  Definition of a Non-Approved Program

 

a)         A Degree with curriculum of at least four academic years, leading to the conferral of:

 

1)         A baccalaureate degree accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); or

 

2)         An architectural degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB); or

 

3)         A related science baccalaureate degree that includes the indicated minimum number of semester hours in at least the following subjects (courses may be completed prior to, concurrent with, or subsequent to receiving the baccalaureate degree):

 

A)        Mathematics (beyond trigonometry) – 15 hours.

 

B)        Basic Sciences (Physics and Chemistry) – 15 hours.

 

C)        Additional Sciences and/or Engineering Sciences (with a minimum of 9 hours in structural analysis/design) – 30 hours.

 

b)         In evaluating the acceptability of an applicant's non-approved degree, the Board shall consider courses taken to attain a graduate degree in engineering and/or additional course credits in mathematics, science or engineering as education, when the course work of an applicant with a baccalaureate degree fails to satisfy the requirements of subsection (a). Education considered in this manner shall not also be credited as engineering experience.

 

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, may apply under this Section; however, engineering technology courses shall not be accepted toward meeting the educational requirements for a non-approved program in accordance with this Section.

 

d)         Mathematics shall be beyond trigonometry, and include differential and integral calculus, and differential equations at the baccalaureate level. Mathematics may also include, but not be limited to, the study of probability, statistics, numerical analysis, and advanced calculus.  Courses in computer usage and/or programming may not be used to satisfy the mathematics requirement.

 

e)         Basic sciences shall include basic physics and chemistry, and may also include advanced physics and chemistry.

 

f)         Additional Sciences and/or Engineering Sciences

 

1)         Additional sciences courses have their roots in mathematics and basic sciences but carry the knowledge toward creative application.  Such subjects include, but are not limited to, geology, geography, dendrology, astronomy, biology, and soil mechanics.

 

2)         Engineering sciences courses have their roots in mathematics and basic sciences but carry knowledge further toward creative application of engineering principles.  Approved engineering courses include, but are not limited to, structural design, structural analysis, mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, electrical and electronic circuits, material science, transport phenomena, engineering economics, and computer science (other than computer programming skills).

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 946, effective January 5, 2023)

 

Section 1480.130  Approved Experience

 

a)         Every application shall be reviewed by the Division or the Board to determine whether the applicant's experience meets the requirements described in this Section.  Approved experience, other than in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(A), shall have been acquired after conferral of the baccalaureate degree.

 

1)         Credit for Graduate Study:

 

A)        One year of experience shall be given for completion of graduate study resulting in conferral of a master's degree with an emphasis in structural engineering from a U.S. university, including as part of a combined or dual degree program where the baccalaureate degree requirements are being met simultaneously with the master's degree requirements.  The course of study shall include a minimum of 12 semester hours, or their equivalent (e.g., 18 quarter hours), of structural analysis, behavior, or design courses.

 

B)        One year of experience shall be given for completion of graduate study resulting in conferral of a doctoral degree with an emphasis in structural engineering from a U.S. university and a course of study that includes a minimum of 12 semester hours, or their equivalent (e.g., 18 quarter hours), of structural analysis, behavior, or design courses beyond a master's degree. Two years of experience shall be given for completion of graduate study resulting in conferral of a doctoral degree with an emphasis in structural engineering from a U.S. university and a course of study that includes a minimum of 24 semester hours, or their equivalent (e.g., 36 quarter hours), of structural analysis, behavior, or design courses without a master's degree.

 

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

 

D)        If coursework from a post-graduate degree is used to satisfy the education requirement, the applicable post-graduate degree shall not also be credited as structural engineering experience.

 

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

 

A)        An internship shall not qualify for cooperative program credit;

 

B)        The cooperative 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 in the university cooperative program shall submit an official transcript from the university reflecting the university credit for completion of the program; and

 

D)        All experience must be verified, on forms provided by the Division, by the supervising engineer who is licensed to practice structural engineering.

 

3)         Credit for all required experience shall be given for actual experience in the practice of structural engineering under the employ or immediate supervision of an engineer legally practicing structural engineering.  Acceptable experience shall be within the definition of the practice as set forth in Section 5 of the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989 ("Act") [225 ILCS 340/5], and shall require the application of technical knowledge and structural engineering principles.

 

4)         All experience shall be progressive in nature and the applicant must demonstrate growth in quality, responsibility and the capability of making independent technical decisions, and be held accountable for the performance of the applicant's duties.

 

5)         Credit for a maximum of three years of the experience required for licensure shall be given for the full-time teaching of upper division junior/senior courses or graduate courses in structural engineering as a part of, or in conjunction with, an approved engineering curriculum as set forth in Section 1480.110.  An academic year of full-time teaching (2 semesters, or 3 quarters) at a level of assistant professor, or higher, shall be considered equivalent to 6 months of the experience required for licensure.  This teaching experience shall be fully documented, and certified by an affidavit from the department chairman, or dean, of the engineering curriculum involved.

 

6)         All experience must be verified and submitted on forms provided by the Division or as part of a National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying ("NCEES") Record.

 

7)         Experience gained outside of the U.S. shall be accompanied by certified documents detailing the requirements to legally practice structural engineering in that country and proof that the supervisor met those requirements at the time of supervision.  Applicant is responsible for providing translations into English as necessary and at their expense.  A maximum of two years of verified experience gained in this manner shall be given.

 

b)         Experience requirement to be licensed as a Structural Engineer:

 

1)         For a graduate from an approved program, four years of acceptable experience is required.

 

2)         For a graduate from a non-approved program, eight years of acceptable experience is required.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10205, effective July 23, 2025)

 

Section 1480.135  Application for Enrollment as a Structural Engineer Intern by Acceptance of Examination

 

a)         An applicant who is in the senior year of an approved engineering baccalaureate degree as set forth in Section 1480.110, may sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (Part I) and then submit the application, required fee as specified in Section 1480.195, and an official transcript showing conferral of the baccalaureate degree within 12 months after sitting for the exam.

 

b)         An applicant who is either a graduate of an approved engineering baccalaureate degree as set forth in Section 1480.110, or a graduate of a non-approved baccalaureate degree as set forth in Section 1480.120, may sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (Part I) and then submit the application, required fee as specified in Section 1480.195 and an official transcript showing conferral of the baccalaureate degree.

 

c)         Applicants who received their education in a foreign country other than Canada, shall have the education evaluated at their expense.  Applicants shall obtain the forms from NCEES Credentials Evaluations, 200 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville, SC  29607.  Evaluations completed prior to October 30, 2006 from Engineering Credentials Evaluation International (ECEI) are also accepted.  The Board has only approved NCEES and ECEI as evaluators for degrees.  The Board will review all transcripts and the evaluation submitted to the Division to determine if the education meets the requirements set forth in Sections 1480.110 or 1480.120.

 

d)         Upon receipt of the application and all supporting documentation in complete order, all files will be presented to the Board for evaluation of the required education based on the criteria specified in Sections 1480.110 or 1480.120.

 

1)         Once the applications have been approved, those persons will be notified of their enrollment as a structural engineer intern.

 

2)         Applicants who are reviewed by the Board and not approved, based on requirements specified in this Section, shall be deferred enrollment as an Illinois structural engineer intern until applicant meets the requirements.

 

e)         If an applicant fails to submit all required items for licensure under the Act within three 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.  (See 225 ILCS 340/9.)

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10205, effective July 23, 2025)

 

Section 1480.140  Application for Licensure by Acceptance of Examination

 

a)         An applicant shall have acquired the experience required by Section 1480.130 and passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (Part I) and the Principles and Practice of Engineering ("PE") Structural (Part II) examinations in compliance with Section 1480.150 prior to making application to the Division.

 

b)         An applicant must satisfy one of the following options when applying:

 

1)         Applicant Enrolled as an Illinois Structural Engineer Intern. An applicant who is enrolled as an Illinois structural engineer intern shall file an application on forms supplied by the Division and shall include, in addition to the requirements of Section 9 of the Act [225 ILCS 340/9], the following:

 

A)        An official copy of the applicant's Illinois structural 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 1480.150.

 

C)        Experience verification forms completed by the supervisor, indicating the required experience earned as specified in Section 1480.130.

 

i)          Applicants desiring to use post-graduate degrees as experience credit as specified in Section 1480.130 must submit an official conferred transcript for review and acceptance.

 

ii)         Applicants claiming credit for participation in a cooperative program, as described in Section 1480.130(a)(2), must submit certification of participation with a brief description of the program, from the university and verification of supervision.

 

D)        The required fee specified in Section 1480.195.

 

E)        Certification attesting the applicant has read and understands that Act and this Part.

 

F)         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 Structural Engineer Intern. An applicant not enrolled as an Illinois structural engineer intern shall file an application on forms supplied by the Division and shall include, in addition to the requirements of Section 9 of the Act [225 ILCS 340/9], the following:

 

A)        An official transcript showing conferral date for a degree from an approved structural engineering program as specified in Section 1480.110 or a non-approved program as specified in Section 1480.120.

 

B)        Official certification for successful passage of the required examinations for licensure as specified in Section 1480.150.

 

C)        Experience verification forms completed by the supervisor, indicating the required experience earned as specified in Section 1480.130.

 

i)          Applicants desiring to use post-graduate degrees as experience credit as specified in Section 1480.130 must submit an official conferred transcript for review and acceptance.

 

ii)         Applicants claiming credit for participation in a cooperative program, as described in Section 1480.130(a)(2), must submit certification of participation with a brief description of the program, from the university and verification of supervision.

 

D)        The required fee specified in Section 1480.195.

 

E)        Certification attesting the applicant has read and understands the Act and this Part.

 

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

 

c)         If an applicant has ever been licensed to practice engineering in another jurisdiction, certification from the jurisdiction of original licensure and any other jurisdiction in which the applicant is or has ever been licensed, including the following:

 

1)         The date of issuance of the applicant's license and the current status of the license;

 

2)         The basis of licensure and a description of the examination by which the applicant was licensed, if any; and

 

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

 

d)         Applicants not enrolled as a structural engineer intern in Illinois who received their baccalaureate education in a foreign country other than Canada, shall have the education evaluated at their expense.  Applicants shall obtain the forms from NCEES Credentials Evaluations, 200 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville, SC  29607.  Evaluations completed prior to October 30, 2006 from Engineering Credentials Evaluation International (ECEI) are also accepted.  The Board has only approved NCEES and ECEI as evaluators for degrees.  The Board will review all transcripts and the evaluation submitted to the Division to determine if the education meets the requirements set forth in Sections 1480.110 and 1480.120.

 

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

 

1)         The applicant's file will be presented to the Board for evaluation of the required education, examinations and experience as specified in this Section.  Once the application has been approved, those persons if otherwise qualified, shall be granted a license to practice structural engineering in this State.

 

2)         Applicants who are reviewed by the Board and not approved, based on requirements specified in this Section, shall be deferred licensure as an Illinois structural engineer until applicant meets the requirements.

 

f)         If an applicant fails to submit all required items for licensure under the Act within three 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.  (See 225 ILCS 340/9.)

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10205, effective July 23, 2025)

 

Section 1480.145  Seal and Signature Requirements

 

a)         Every licensed structural engineer shall have a reproducible seal or facsimile, which may be computer generated, the impression of which shall contain the name, the license number of the structural engineer, and the words "Licensed Structural Engineer State of Illinois".  A structural engineer shall seal all documents prepared by or under the direct supervision and control of the structural engineer.  Any document that bears the name of a professional design firm, rather than bearing the name of the individual licensed structural engineer responsible for the document, shall be deemed an invalid seal.  The individual licensee's written signature and date of signing, along with the date of license expiration, shall be placed adjacent to the seal.  The licensee may provide, at the licensee's sole discretion, an original signature in the licensee's handwriting, a scanned copy of the document bearing an original signature, or a signature generated by a computer.

 

b)         All technical submissions issued by a structural engineering firm, corporation, limited liability company, professional limited liability company or partnership are required to bear the corporate or assumed business name and design firm registration number, in addition to the seal requirements.

 

c)         A suggested facsimile of the design and lettering of the seal is found in Section 1480.ILLUSTRATION A.

 

(Source:  Added at 47 Ill. Reg. 946, effective January 5, 2023)

 

Section 1480.150  Examination

 

a)         The examination for licensure as a structural engineer shall be divided into two parts.  The examination administered by the Division shall be provided by NCEES.  The specific examination content shall be as determined by periodic evaluations of the test specifications by NCEES.

 

1)         Part I – NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering ("FE") Examination.  This 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 engineering.

 

2)         Part II – NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering ("PE") Structural Examination.  This examination replaces the 16-hour Structural examination.  This examination shall consist of two components:  the Vertical Forces (gravity/other) and Incidental Lateral component and the Lateral Forces (wind/earthquake) component.  Each component shall have independent "breadth" and "depth" sections.  An applicant must receive acceptable results for each section on both components to pass the Structural Examination.  The problems may include, but not be limited to, bridges, buildings, foundations, and the practice of structural engineering as set forth in Section 5 of the Act [225 ILCS 340/5].

 

3)         An applicant may sit for each section of a component in separate exam administrations but must receive acceptable results for each section on both components within the timeframe approved by NCEES.  If both components are not satisfactorily completed within the timeframe approved by NCEES, the applicant shall be required to retake the first component.

 

4)         Part I of the examination shall be waived for an applicant who is enrolled as an Illinois structural engineer intern or an applicant who passed the fundamentals of engineering examination administered under the authority of the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989 or by another jurisdiction.

 

b)         A state constructed Structural III examination shall not be accepted towards meeting the examination requirements for licensure.

 

c)         The NCEES 8-hour Principles & Practice of Engineering Civil/Structural examination shall not be accepted towards meeting the examination requirement for licensure as a structural engineer.

 

d)        Both components of the PE Structural examination must be taken in the same depth – buildings or bridges.

 

e)         The scoring of the examinations and determination of scores shall be as approved by NCEES.

 

f)         Separate scores shall be given for the FE and the PE Structural examinations.  All scores shall be graded as pass or fail.  Once an applicant fails a part of the examination, that Part shall not be waived.

 

g)         Post-administration access to, or review of, examination materials by an examinee or an examinee's representative shall be in accordance with NCEES policy.

 

h)         Retake of Examination

 

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

 

2)         If an applicant fails to pass an examination for licensure under this Act within three years after filing the application, the application shall be denied.  However, the applicant may thereafter make a new application for examination, accompanied by the required fee (See Section 1480.195).  New applications shall include proof of meeting the qualifications for examination in effect at the time of the new application except as provided for in subsection (h)(1).

 

i)          Successful scores of previously passed Parts of the examination shall be accepted for the purpose of licensure provided the applicant has met all other requirements for licensure as outlined in the Act and this Part.  For these 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.

 

j)          Examinations will be in a computer-based format.  Examinees will be provided one attempt per testing window when a particular exam part or section is offered by NCEES.  Applicants shall register directly with NCEES to sit for the examination.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10205, effective July 23, 2025)

 

Section 1480.160  Restoration

 

a)         A licensee seeking restoration of a license that has expired for less than 5 years shall have the license restored upon application on forms provided by the Division, proof of 30 hours of continuing education completed in accordance with Section 1480.185 within 2 years prior to the date of submitting the application, payment of the required fee specified in Section 1480.195, and certification attesting the applicant has read and understands the Act and this Part.

 

b)         A licensee seeking restoration of a license that has been placed on inactive status for less than 5 years shall have the license restored upon application on forms provided by the Division, proof of 30 hours of continuing education completed in accordance with Section 1480.185 within 2 years prior to the date of submitting the application, payment of the current renewal fee specified in Section 1480.195, and certification attesting the applicant has read and understands the Act and this Part.

 

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 Board and proof of 30 hours of continuing education completed in accordance with Section 1480.185 within 2 years prior to the date of submitting the application, together with the fee required by Section 1480.195, and certification attesting the applicant has read and understands this Part.  The licensee shall also submit:

 

1)         Sworn evidence of active practice in another jurisdiction for at least the last 2 years.  The 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 the active practice;

 

2)         An affidavit attesting to military service, as provided in Section 14 of the Act;

 

3)         Proof of passage of the NCEES structural examination (See Section 1480.150) within the 5 years preceding restoration; or

 

4)         Other evidence of continued competence in structural engineering, shall be satisfied by one of the following:

 

A)        Employment in a responsible capacity by a licensed structural engineer;

 

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

 

C)        Teaching structural engineering courses at a college or university; or

 

D)        Submitting a written proposal to the Division for review by the Board of college level structural engineering courses, structural engineering association programs or certifications, or similar programs the applicant plans to complete (subject to pre-approval of the Board) to demonstrate continued evidence of practice and competence.  Continuing education, as required in Sections 1480.160 or 1480.185, cannot be utilized for this requirement.

 

d)         Any person seeking restoration of a license within 2 years after discharge from military service (See Section 14 of the Act [225 ILCS 340/14]) will be required to pay only the current renewal fee.

 

e)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation, or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience required by subsection (c)(4) is questioned by the Division because of discrepancies or conflicts in information, information needing further clarification, or missing information, the licensee seeking restoration of a license may be requested to:

 

1)         Provide information as may be necessary; or

 

2)         Appear for an interview before the Board to explain the relevance or sufficiency 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 Division of Professional Regulation ("Director") with the authority delegated by the Secretary, an applicant shall have the license restored or shall be notified of the reason for the denial of the application for restoration.

 

f)         A professional design firm seeking restoration of a license that has expired for any length of time shall have the license restored upon payment of the restoration fee as specified in Section 1480.195 plus any lapsed renewal fee required by Section 1480.160 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-in-charge.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10205, effective July 23, 2025)

 

Section 1480.170  Endorsement

 

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

 

1)         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 (i.e., a separate written structural engineering examination and the FE examination), including official conferred college transcripts and verification of experience;

 

2)         A certification by the jurisdiction of original licensure and certification 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 examinations by which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction and the date of passage of any such examinations; and

 

C)        Whether the records of the licensing authority contain any disciplinary action taken against the applicant;

 

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

 

4)         The required fee set forth in Section 1480.195;

 

5)         Applicants who received their baccalaureate education in a foreign country, other than Canada and who were originally licensed after January 1, 1997 shall have the education evaluated at their expense. Applicants shall obtain the forms from NCEES Engineering and Surveying Credentials Evaluations, 200 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville, SC  29607.  Evaluations completed prior to October 30, 2006 from Engineering Credentials Evaluation International (ECEI) are also accepted.  The Board has only approved NCEES and ECEI as evaluators for all degrees.  The Board will review all transcripts and the evaluation submitted to the Division to determine if the education meets the requirements set forth in Sections 1480.110 and 1480.120;

 

6)         Certification attesting the applicant has read and understands the Act and this Part; and

 

7)         In lieu of the documentation specified in subsections (a)(1) and (2), an applicant may submit a current NCEES Record.

 

b)         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 structural engineering education and experience, including whether he or she has graduated from an approved program, has achieved special honors or awards, has had numerous articles published in professional journals, has participated in the writing of textbooks relating to structural engineering, and any other attribute the Board accepts as evidence that the applicant has outstanding and proven ability in the practice of structural engineering.

 

c)         In order to provide background in structural engineering experience, an applicant licensed as a structural engineer in another state or territory and who has met all previously stated requirements may be requested to appear before the Board for an oral interview at which questions will be asked to determine the applicant's qualifications and knowledge of structural engineering.  Specifically, questions may explore the applicant's knowledge concerning the design of concrete, structural steel, timber, masonry and foundations and analysis procedures, design codes, materials and recommended practices for design and construction.

 

d)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation, 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 may be requested to:

 

1)         Provide information as may be necessary;

 

2)         Appear for oral interviews before the Board; or

 

3)         If licensed prior to January 1, 1997, upon review of the educational requirements, have the applicant's education evaluated at the applicant's expense as set forth in subsection (a)(5).

 

e)         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.  After review of the application, the Division shall either issue a license by endorsement to the applicant or notify the applicant of the reasons for the deferral or denial of the application.  An applicant not qualified for licensure by endorsement shall automatically be reviewed under the provisions of Section 1480.140.

 

f)         If an applicant fails to submit all required items for licensure under the Act within three 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 49 Ill. Reg. 10205, effective July 23, 2025)

 

Section 1480.175  Seismic Design Requirement (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 946, effective January 5, 2023)

 

Section 1480.180  Inactive Status

 

a)         Any licensed structural 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 a desire to resume active status.

 

b)         Any licensee seeking restoration from inactive status shall do so in accordance with Section 1480.160.

 

c)         Any licensed structural engineer whose license is on inactive status shall not practice structural engineering in the State of Illinois.  Practicing or offering to practice on a license that is on inactive status shall be considered unlicensed activity and shall be grounds for discipline under Section 20 of the Act.

 

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

 

e)         Any licensed structural engineer whose license is on inactive status is not required to comply with the Continuing Education requirements listed in Section 1480.185.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 946, effective January 5, 2023)

 

Section 1480.185  Continuing Education

 

The continuing education ("CE") required as a condition for license renewal under the Act is set forth in this Section.  All structural engineers shall meet these requirements.

 

a)         Continuing Education Requirements

 

1)         For every renewal, renewal applicants shall complete 30 hours of CE relevant to the practice of structural engineering during each prerenewal period. The prerenewal period is the 24 months preceding the expiration date of the license.  Failure to comply with these requirements may result in nonrenewal of the structural engineer's license or other disciplinary action, or both.

 

2)         Beginning with the November 30, 2020 renewal and every renewal thereafter, the total continuing education hours shall include one hour of sexual harassment prevention training that shall meet the requirements of 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.400.  A licensee completing a course on sexual harassment prevention developed or offered by the Illinois Department of Human Rights pursuant to the Illinois Human Rights Act [775 ILCS 5], the licensee's employer or an acceptable provider listed within this Section, may count that course toward the one hour requirement under this Section. (See Section 2105-15.5 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law [20 ILCS 2105/2105-15.5].)

 

3)         Beginning with the November 30, 2024 renewal and every renewal thereafter, the total CE hours shall include:

 

A)        A minimum of one hour of programs, courses or activities in the area of Illinois statutes and rules that regulate structural engineers and structural engineering.

 

B)        A minimum of one hour of programs, courses, or activities in the area of professional conduct and/or ethics.

 

4)         Structural engineers licensed in Illinois but residing and practicing in another state must comply with the CE requirements set forth in this Section.  Continuing education credit hours used to satisfy the CE requirements of another state and meeting the requirements of this Section may be submitted toward fulfillment of the CE requirements of the State of Illinois.

 

5)         The minimum length of any single CE activity is one hour. After completion of the initial CE hour, credit may be given in one-half hour increments.

 

6)         One continuing education hour shall represent a minimum of 50 minutes of instruction or participation.  No credit will be allowed for introductory remarks, meals, breaks or administrative matters related to courses of study.  For a CE activity consisting of a single presentation with duration greater than 60 minutes or consisting of multiple individual presentations with total duration greater than 60 minutes, the CE credit earned shall be determined by totaling the minutes of instruction or participation and dividing by 60 to convert to hours.  The number of hours from this calculation shall be rounded down to the nearest one-half hour increment.

 

7)         Nontechnical portions of a CE activity, such as receptions, dinners, etc., do not qualify for credit as CE.

 

8)         A maximum of 15 qualifying CE hours gained within six months before the current renewal deadline and not used for the current renewal period may be carried over to the subsequent renewal period, but shall not include the topics described in subsections (a)(2) and (3), which must all be satisfied during each prerenewal period.  CE hours used in this manner must be documented on the appropriate Department issued form.

 

9)         A maximum of 12 CE hours may be earned within a 24-hour period, where a period begins at midnight.

 

b)         Activities for which CE credit may be earned are as follows:

 

1)         Successful completion of a college or university course in the area of structural engineering, related sciences and structural engineering ethics.  One semester credit hour is equivalent to 15 hours of CE and one quarter credit hour is equivalent to 10 hours of CE.

 

2)         All required CE hours may be obtained online; however, each self-administered course shall include an examination that will be graded by the sponsor.

 

3)         Successful completion of continuing education courses.

 

4)         A maximum of 10 CE credit hours per prerenewal period may be earned for attending in-house courses.  Credit for in-house courses will be based on one CE credit for each hour of attendance. For courses presented in‑house by outside individuals, see subsection (b)(3).

 

5)         Attending workshops or professional or technical meetings, conventions or conferences in person or by webinar in real-time with opportunities for interaction with the presenter.  Attendance at qualifying programs, professional and/or technical society meetings will earn CE credits for the actual time of each program. Visiting exhibitor booths or similar activities shall not qualify for CE credit.  Recorded webinars shall be considered self-administered and subject to the requirements of subsection (b)(2).

 

6)         Teaching or instructing a structural engineering course, seminar, lecture, presentation or workshop shall constitute 3 CE hours for each hour spent in the actual presentation.  Teaching credit shall be valid for the initial presentation only.  Teaching credit shall not apply to faculty teaching regularly scheduled curriculum courses at a college, university, or other educational institution.

 

7)         Authoring published papers, articles or books.  The preparation of each published paper or book chapter dealing with structural engineering may be claimed as 10 hours of CE credit.

 

8)         Active participation on a structural engineering board, on a professional engineering board that includes the structural engineering discipline, or on a committee or serving as an officer in a professional or technical engineering society that includes the structural engineering discipline as part of its charter.

 

A)        Two CEs will be awarded per committee membership or office held.

 

B)        A maximum of eight CEs will be accepted per prerenewal period.

 

c)         All programs or courses shall:

 

1)         Contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of the professional skills and scientific knowledge of the licensee in practice of structural engineering;

 

2)         Foster the enhancement of general or specialized practice and values of structural engineering;

 

3)         Be developed and presented by persons with education and/or experience in the subject matter of the program; and

 

4)         Specify the course objectives, course content and teaching methods to be used.

 

d)         Acceptable providers for programs or course activities shall include, but not be limited to:

 

1)         National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES);

 

2)         Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI);

 

3)         National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE);

 

4)         Engineering Society of Illinois (ESI);

 

5)         American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC-IL);

 

6)         Technical or professional societies or organizations relating to professional engineering, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE);

 

7)         Technical or professional societies or organizations relating to structural engineering;

 

8)         Colleges, universities or other accredited educational institutions; or

 

9)         Providers of services or products used by or specified by structural engineers.

 

e)         The Division shall not pre-approve individual courses or programs.

 

f)         CEs that are non-structural in nature shall not be accepted unless licensee can substantiate how the course enhances their license, as a structural engineer in Illinois cannot legally offer or perform non-structural services.

 

g)         For auditing or restoration purposes, it shall be the responsibility of a licensee to maintain a record of CE for six years after the renewal that includes:

 

1)         All of the following:

 

A)        The name and address of the sponsor or presenter;

 

B)        A brief statement of the subject matter, printed program schedules, registration receipts or other proof of participation;

 

C)        The number of hours attended in each program; and

 

D)        The date and place of the program; or

 

2)         The certificate of attendance, transcript or records of CE credits maintained by an acceptable provider of continuing education or a records administrator, or log of activities that include activities for CE credit not given by a CE provider.

 

h)         Certification of Compliance with CE Requirements

 

1)         Each renewal applicant shall certify, on the renewal application, full compliance with the CE requirements set forth in subsection (a).

 

2)         The Division may require additional documentation in order to demonstrate compliance with the CE requirements.  It is the responsibility of each renewal applicant to retain or otherwise produce evidence of compliance.  The additional documentation will be required in the context of a Division audit.

 

3)         When there appears to be a lack of compliance with CE requirements, an applicant will be notified and may request an interview with the Board.  At that time the Board may recommend that steps be taken to begin formal disciplinary proceedings as required by Section 10-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act [5 ILCS 100/10-65].

 

i)          The Division may conduct random audits to verify compliance with continuing education requirements.

 

j)          Waiver of CE Requirements:  A licensee may be exempt from the foregoing CE requirements if one of the following situations occurs.  If an exemption is claimed, it is required that the renewal fee and any documentation needed to support the exemption be submitted for renewal of a license.  Waiver requests must be made before the end of the renewal period.  Waiver requests sent after the end of the renewal period shall not be considered.

 

1)         A licensee shall not be required to report continuing education hours during the first biennial renewal period in which the licensee obtained initial licensure in Illinois, but shall be subject to the continuing education requirements for all subsequent biennial renewal.

 

2)         A licensee who is on full-time active duty in the military service of the United States, or is a licensee who is called to temporary active duty in the military service or Armed Forces of the United States for a period of time exceeding 120 consecutive days during the renewal period, when that activity or location restricts participation in a continuing education program.

 

3)         A licensee who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Division that meeting these requirements would be an undue hardship by reason of disability, illness, or other clearly mitigating circumstances shall submit supporting documentation.

 

A)        The documentation shall be in the form of a sworn statement by the licensee, statement from a licensed healthcare professional, or medical record showing the disability, illness, or circumstance preventing the licensee's participation in the continuing education program during a substantial part of the prerenewal period.

 

B)        If the Division finds from the evidence that good cause has been shown for non-compliance, the Division may waive enforcement, extend the time within which the applicant shall comply, or establish a particular program or schedule of continuing education for the renewal period in which the undue hardship existed.

 

C)        Consecutive waiver requests made for reasons of disability, illness, or other circumstances may be prima facie evidence for non-renewal of applicant's license based on an inability to actively engage in licensed practice.

 

4)         Any renewal applicant who, prior to the expiration date of the individual's license, submits a request for a waiver, pursuant to the provisions of this subsection (j), shall be deemed to be in good standing and may practice until the Division's final decision on the waiver has been made.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10205, effective July 23, 2025)

 

Section 1480.190  Renewals

 

a)         Every license issued to an individual under the Act shall expire on November 30 of each even-numbered year.  The holder of a license may renew the license during the month preceding the expiration date by completing the continuing education requirements in accordance with Section 1480.185 and paying the required fee set forth in Section 1480.195.

 

b)         It is the responsibility of each licensee to notify the Division of any change of address. Failure to receive a renewal form from the Division shall not constitute an excuse for failure to pay the renewal fee or to renew one's license.

 

c)         Every license issued to a professional design firm under the Act shall expire on April 30 of each odd-numbered year.  The holder of the license may renew that license for a 2-year period during the month preceding the expiration date by paying the required fee. The holder shall certify that the firm still meets the requirements of the Act and is in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State (when applicable) and has an active managing agent-in-charge.

 

d)         Practicing or offering to practice on a license that has expired shall be considered unlicensed activity and shall be grounds for discipline under Section 20 of the Act.

 

e)         It is the responsibility of each licensee to notify the Division of any discipline or conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any crime that is a felony under the laws of the United States or any state or territory thereof, or that is a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or any crime that is directly related to the practice of the profession of structural engineering since the last renewal.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 946, effective January 5, 2023)

 

Section 1480.195  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 structural engineer is $100. In addition, applicants for an examination shall be required to pay the examination fee, either to the Department or to the designated testing service.  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.

 

2)         The application fee for a license as a structural engineer intern is $50.

 

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

 

b)         Renewal Fees

 

1)         The fee for the renewal of a structural engineer 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 1480.190(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 the issuance of a license with a change of name or address. Licenses are available electronically through the Department website.

 

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

 

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

 

5)         The fee for a roster of persons licensed as structural engineers or structural engineer interns in this State shall be the actual cost of producing the roster.

 

d)         All of the fees collected pursuant to this Section shall be deposited in the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund.

 

e)         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 returned check or other payment as described in subsection (e)(1) 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 shall notify the person that payment of 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 shall 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 Division. The Division 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 in which the Director finds that the fees would be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 946, effective January 5, 2023)

 

Section 1480.200  Professional Design Firm

 

a)         Persons who desire to practice structural engineering in this State in the form of a corporation, professional service corporation, partnership, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, 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 19 of the Act [225 ILCS 340/19], file an application with the Division on forms provided by the Division, together with the following:

 

1)         For Corporations or Professional Service Corporations.  Professional design firms 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 signed and dated resolution of the board of directors of the corporation designating a regular full-time employee of the corporation who has an active Illinois structural engineer license as the managing agent in charge of the structural engineering activities in Illinois.  The Illinois license number of the structural engineer designated as the managing agent shall also be included in the resolution.

 

C)        A copy of the authority to transact business under the Assumed Business Name Act [805 ILCS 405] issued by the Illinois Secretary of State for any assumed names of the corporation, if applicable.

 

D)        A certificate of good standing from the Illinois Secretary of State.

 

2)         For Partnerships

 

A)        General

 

i)          A copy of the signed and dated partnership agreement authorizing the partnership to provide structural 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 adopted by the general partners designating a regular full-time employee of the partnership who has an active Illinois structural engineer license as the managing agent in charge of the structural 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 signed and dated copy of the partnership agreement indicating that it has been filed with the Illinois Secretary of State authorizing the partnership to provide structural 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 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 has an active Illinois structural engineer license as the managing agent in charge of the structural engineering activities in this State.  The Illinois license number of the  managing agent shall be included in the resolution.

 

iii)        A certificate of good standing from the Illinois Secretary of State.

 

iv)        A copy of the authority to transact business under the Assumed Business Name Act [805 ILCS 405] issued by the Illinois Secretary of State for any assumed names of the partnership, if applicable.

 

3)         For Professional Limited Liability Companies or Limited Liability Partnerships

 

A)        An application containing the name of the professional limited liability company or limited liability partnership, the business address and the members/partners of the company/partnership, the name of the state 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 has an active Illinois structural engineer license as the managing agent in charge of the structural engineering activities in this State.  The license number of the managing agent shall be included in the resolution.

 

C)        A copy of the authority to transact business under the Assumed Business Name Act [805 ILCS 405] issued by the Illinois Secretary of State for any assumed names of the professional limited liability company or limited liability partnership, if applicable.

 

D)        A certificate of good standing from the Illinois Secretary of State.

 

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 structural 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 office locations in Illinois at which the corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, limited partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship provides structural engineering services.

 

6)         The fee required in Section 1480.195.

 

b)         A professional design firm may designate more than one managing agent in charge of structural 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 partnership, limited partnership, or partnership doing business in Illinois, except when an entity is created as a joint venture of two or more professional design firms for a specific project.  The managing agents designated by the professional design firms may be designated as the managing agents for the participating firms in the joint venture.

 

c)         Upon receipt of the documents required by 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 partnership, limited partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship to engage in the practice of structural 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 partnership, limited 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 partnership, limited partnership, partnership, or the general partners;

 

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

 

3)         An assumed name.

 

e)         Each corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, limited partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship 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 partnership, limited partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship, if it has so informed the Division, has 30 days to notify the Division of the name and license number of the structural 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 partnership, limited partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship to continue to comply with the requirements of Section 19 of the Act [225 ILCS 340/19] will subject the corporation, professional service corporation, professional limited liability company, limited liability partnership, limited partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship to the loss of its registration to practice structural engineering in Illinois.

 

g)         Sole Proprietorships.  Any sole proprietorship owned and operated by a structural engineer who has an active Illinois license is exempt from the registration requirements of a professional design firm.  However, if the sole proprietorship operates under an assumed name, the sole proprietor shall file an application in accordance with subsection (a)(4) with the Division. A sole proprietorship shall notify the Division of all assumed name changes. Any sole proprietorship not owned and operated by an Illinois licensed structural engineer shall be prohibited from offering structural engineering services to the public.

 

h)         In addition to the seal requirements in Section 12 of the Act [225 ILCS 340/12], all documents or technical submissions prepared by the design firm shall contain the design firm registration number issued by the Division.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10205, effective July 23, 2025)

 

Section 1480.205  Acts Constituting the Practice of Structural Engineering Pursuant to Section 5 of the Act

 

a)         Design/Build.  The design/build project delivery process is a method whereby an entity signs a single contract to provide a combination of professional design services and construction services.  As used in this Section, design/build does not refer to contractual requirements for a subcontractor to retain a structural engineer to provide services related to performance of the contract.

 

b)         A design/build entity shall not offer to provide or provide structural engineering services, unless registered as a professional design firm or unless it complies with subsection (c)(3).  Offering to provide structural engineering services shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, any tender of engineering services either independently or in combination with construction services by any sign, card, advertisement or other device that might indicate to the public that the entity is entitled to provide engineering services.

 

c)         The design/build entity will not be required to register as a professional design firm pursuant to Section 19 of the Act only if the structural engineering services in the design/build project delivery process are provided by the entity in accordance with the following:

 

1)         A structural engineer licensed or a professional design firm registered in Illinois independently contracts with the entity and participates substantially in all material aspects of the offering and providing of services relating to any bid process, contract negotiations, design, consultation, development, preparation and coordination of technical submissions, and verification of adherence to technical submissions and completion.

 

2)         At the time of offering services, a written disclosure shall be given to the client by the entity identifying the licensed structural engineer who will be engaged by and is contractually responsible to the entity offering design/build project services.

 

3)         The entity agrees that the licensed structural engineer will have direct supervision of the structural engineering design work.  The entity also agrees that the engineering services will not be terminated on the project without replacement within 30 days by another licensed structural engineer.

 

(Source:  Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 5669, effective March 30, 2010)

 

Section 1480.210  Standards of Professional Conduct

 

To safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public and to maintain integrity and high standards of skill and practice of structural engineering.  The following standards of professional conduct shall be binding upon every licensee and on all Professional Design Firms authorized to offer or perform structural engineering services in Illinois.

 

a)         Licensees' Obligation to the Public

 

1)         Licensees shall be cognizant that their first and foremost responsibility is to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare when performing services for clients and employers.

 

2)         Licensees shall sign and seal only those plans and other documents that conform to accepted structural engineering standards and that safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare.

 

3)         Licensees shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate when their professional judgment is overruled when the health, safety, or welfare of the public is endangered.

 

4)         Licensees shall, to the best of their knowledge, include all relevant and pertinent information in an objective and truthful manner within all professional documents, statements, and testimony.

 

5)         Licensees shall express a professional opinion publicly only when it is founded upon an adequate knowledge of the facts and a competent evaluation of the subject matter.

 

6)         Licensees shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on structural engineering matters that are inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they explicitly identify the interested parties on whose behalf they are speaking and reveal any interest they have in the matters.

 

7)         Licensees shall not partner, or offer to practice with any person or firm that they know is engaged in fraudulent or dishonest business or professional practices.

 

8)         Licensees who have knowledge or reason to believe that any person or firm has violated any laws or this Part applying to the practice of structural engineering shall report it to the Division, may report it to appropriate authorities, and shall cooperate with the Division and those authorities as requested.

 

9)         Licensees shall not knowingly provide false or incomplete information regarding an applicant in obtaining licensure.

 

10)       Licensees shall comply with the licensing laws and rules governing structural engineering profession in each of the jurisdictions in which they practice.

 

b)         Licensees' Obligation to Employer and Clients

 

1)         Licensees shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical field of structural engineering involved.

 

2)         Licensees shall not affix their signatures or seals to any plans, specifications, or other documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any plans, specifications, or other documents not prepared under their direct supervisory control.

 

A)        In circumstances where a licensee in responsible charge of the work is unavailable to complete the work (e.g., death, incapacity, termination of employment, relocation), a successor licensee may take responsible charge by performing all professional services, including design criteria, recalculations, code research and compliance, and any other necessary and appropriate changes in order to complete the project.

 

B)        The successor licensee shall have control of and responsibility for the work product and the signed and sealed originals of all documents.

 

3)         Licensees may accept an assignment and assume responsibility for coordination of an assignment outside of their field of competence if each technical segment is signed and sealed by the licensee responsible for preparation of that technical segment.

 

4)         Licensees shall not reveal facts, data, or information obtained in a professional capacity without the prior consent of the client, employer, or public body on which they serve except as authorized or required by law or this Part.

 

5)         Licensees shall not solicit or accept gratuities, directly or indirectly, from contractors, their agents, or other parties in connection with work for employers or clients.

 

6)         Licensees shall disclose to their employers or clients all known or potential conflicts of interest or other circumstances that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their professional service or engagement.

 

7)         Licensees shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to in writing by all interested parties.

 

8)         Licensees shall not solicit or accept a professional contract from a governmental body on which a principal or officer of their organization serves as a member.  Conversely, licensees serving as members, advisors, or employees of a government body or department, who are the principals or employees of a private entity, shall not participate in decisions with respect to professional services offered or provided by the entity to the governmental body that they serve.

 

9)         Licensees shall not use confidential information received in the course of their assignments as a means of making personal profit without the consent of the party from whom the information was obtained.

 

c)         Licensees' Obligation to Other Licensees

 

1)         Licensees shall not falsify or permit misrepresentation of their, or their firm's professional qualifications.  They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their degree of responsibility in prior assignments nor the complexity of said assignments.  Presentations incidental to the solicitation of employment or business shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers, employees, associates, joint ventures, or past accomplishments.

 

2)         Licensees shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or indirectly, any commission, or gift, or other valuable consideration in order to secure work, and shall not make any political contribution with the intent to influence the award of a contract by public authority.

 

3)         Licensees shall not injure or attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other licensees, nor indiscriminately criticize other licensees' work.

 

4)         Licensees shall make a reasonable effort to inform another licensee whose work is believed to contain a material discrepancy, error, or omission that may impact the health, safety, or welfare of the public, unless such reporting is legally prohibited.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 10205, effective July 23, 2025)

 

Section 1480.215  Structural Engineer Complaint Committee

 

a)         The Structural Engineer Complaint Committee of the Structural Engineering Board, authorized by Sections 8 and 22 of the Act, shall be composed of 2 members of the Structural Engineering Board, a Supervisor over Design Investigations and a Chief of Prosecutions over Design Prosecutions. The Deputy Director of Enforcement shall designate the Supervisor and Chief who sit on the Complaint Committee.

 

b)         The Complaint Committee shall meet at least once every 2 months to exercise its functions and duties set forth in subsection (c).  The Complaint Committee may meet concurrently with the Complaint Committees of the Architecture Licensing Board, the Land Surveyors Examining Board and the State Board of Professional Engineers to discuss interrelated professional matters.  The Complaint Committee shall make every effort to consider expeditiously and take prompt action on each item on its agenda.

 

c)         The Complaint Committee shall have the following duties and functions:

 

1)         To review investigative case files after an initial inquiry into the involved parties and their licensure status have been obtained.  "Case file" means the allegation made against an involved party that resulted in a preliminary inquiry and other information being obtained in order to determine whether an investigation should be initiated or prosecution pursued.  A "Formal Complaint" means the notice of allegations and charges or basis for licensure denial which begins the formal proceedings.

 

2)         To refer the case file to the Supervisor over the Design Investigators for further action.  The Complaint Committee shall give the Supervisor an indication as to the prosecutorial merit and relative severity of the allegations to aid in the prioritization of investigative activity.

 

3)         To recommend that a case file be closed.

 

4)         To recommend that an Administrative Warning Letter be issued and the case file closed.

 

5)         To refer the case file to Prosecutions for review and action.

 

6)         To report the actions of the Complaint Committee at each Board meeting and to present enforcement statistics such as the type of alleged violation

 

d)         In determining what action to take or whether to proceed with investigation and prosecution of a case file, the Complaint Committee shall consider the following factors, but not be limited to:  the effect on the public's health, safety and welfare; the sufficiency of the evidence presented; prosecutorial merit; and sufficient cooperation from complaining parties.

 

e)         At any time after referral to Prosecutions, the Division may enter into negotiations to resolve issues informally by way of a Consent Order.  Factors to be considered in deciding whether to enter into settlement negotiations shall include, but not be limited to:  the effect on the public's health, safety and welfare caused by the respondent's alleged conduct; sufficient investigation of the case; prosecutorial merit; relative severity of the respondent's alleged conduct; and past practices of the Division.

 

f)         No file shall be closed nor Formal Complaint dismissed except upon recommendation of the Complaint Committee and/or approval by the Structural Engineering Board.  Those case files that previously have been before the Board and are the subject of a Consent Order or formal Order of the Director may be closed without further recommendation or approval of the Structural Engineering Board or the Complaint Committee.

 

g)         Disqualification of a Structural Engineering Board Member

 

1)         A Board member shall be recused from consideration of a case file or Formal Complaint when the Board member determines that a conflict of interest or prejudice would prevent that Board member from being fair and impartial.

 

2)         Participation in the initial stages of the handling of a case file, including participation on the Complaint Committee and in informal conferences, shall not bar a Board member from future participation or decision making relating to that case file.

 

h)         An informal conference is the procedure established by the Division that may be used for compliance review, fact finding, discussion of the issues, resolving case files, licensing issues or conflicts prior to initiating any Formal Complaint or formal hearing.  An informal conference may only be conducted upon agreement of both parties.  Informal conferences shall be conducted by a Division attorney and shall include a member of the Board.  Board members shall be scheduled for informal conferences on a rotating basis.

 

(Source:  Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 5669, effective March 30, 2010)

 

Section 1480.220  Granting Variances

 

The Director may grant variances from this Part in individual cases when the Director finds that:

 

a)         the provision from which the variance is granted is not statutorily mandated;

 

b)         no party will be injured by the granting of the variance; and

 

c)         the rule from which the variance is granted would, in the particular case, be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 946, effective January 5, 2023)

 

Section 1480.ILLUSTRATION A   Structural Engineer Seal and Signature

 

(Source:  Added at 47 Ill. Reg. 946, effective January 5, 2023)