ARC 2219C

ARC 2219C

ENGINEERING AND LAND SURVEYING

EXAMINING BOARD[193C]

Notice of Intended Action

Twenty-five interested persons, a governmental subdivision, an agency or association of 25 or more persons may demand an oral presentation hereon as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)"b."

Notice is also given to the public that the Administrative Rules Review Committee may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this proposed action under section 17A.8(6) at a regular or special meeting where the public or interested persons may be heard.

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 542B.6, the Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board proposes to amend Chapter 3, "Application and Renewal Process," and Chapter 4, "Engineering Licensure," Iowa Administrative Code.

The proposed amendment to Chapter 3 reflects simplifications in the application process for the Fundamentals of Land Surveying examinations, which increase the availability of the examinations. The proposed amendment to Chapter 4 removes outdated information and reflects current practice.

Any interested person may make written or oral suggestions or comments on the proposed amendments on or before November 17, 2015. Comments should be directed to Robert Lampe, Executive Officer, Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board, 200 E. Grand Avenue, Suite 350, Des Moines, Iowa 50309; by telephone at (515)725-9024; or by e-mail to robert.lampe@iowa.gov.

A public hearing will be held at 9 a.m.on November 17, 2015, at the offices of the Professional Licensing Bureau, 200 E. Grand Avenue, Suite 350, Des Moines, Iowa. At the hearing, persons who wish to speak will be asked to give their names and addresses for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of the proposed amendments.

Any person who plans to attend the public hearing and has special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Board to discuss specific needs.

There is no fiscal impact. No current fees are being changed and no new fees are being imposed.

The proposed amendments are subject to waiver or variance pursuant to 193—Chapter 5.

The proposed amendments were approved by the Board on September 24, 2015.

After analysis and review of this rule making, no impact on jobs has been found. The proposed amendments do not impact the time line for licensure or for new licensees to begin working.

These amendments are intended to implement Iowa Code section 542B.21.

The following amendments are proposed.

Item 1. Amend subrule 3.2(2) as follows:

3.2(2) Fundamentals of Land Surveying examination application components and due dates. The components of this application include: the completed, notarized application form; references pursuant to 193C—paragraph 5.1(5)"b"; and transcripts. Fundamentals of Land Surveying examination applications must be submitted to the board office. Examinations are offered during four two-month testing periods throughout the year. Applications must be postmarked on or before October 15 for the January/February window, February 15 for the April/May window, April 15 for the July/August window, and August 15 for the October/November window. Applications will be reviewed by the board at the next regularly scheduled board meeting.

Item 2. Amend paragraph 4.1(2)"e" as follows:

e. Commencing with the computer-based FE exams in 2014, all All FE exam candidates will apply directly to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and will self-attest as to the candidate's eligibility to sit for the FE exam. At that time, NCEES will cease its prior practice of receiving and verifying college transcripts for candidates with ABET/EAC- or CEAB-accredited engineering degrees and for candidates in their senior years of such programs. The board will also cease its practice of processing FE exam applications for those candidates who hold engineering degrees from nonaccredited programs who must have one year of experience in order for the degrees to be accepted by the board. The board will instead verify acceptable education and experience at the time an applicant applies to sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering examination or applies for an Engineer Intern (EI) number. The board shall apply the education and experience standards set forth in this rule, but will allow reasonable flexibility in timing in the event an applicant sat for and passed the FE exam at a point earlier than provided in this rule. The board will not, however, issue an EI number unless all required experience required for candidates who hold engineering degrees from nonaccredited programs has been satisfied at the time of the EI application.