TBPELS News

Proposed amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 131

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board) proposes amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 131, regarding the licensing of professional engineers, and specifically §131.2, relating to Definitions. For more information

Proposed amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 133

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board) proposes amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 133, regarding the licensing of professional engineers. The proposed amendments are specifically to §133.31, relating to Educational Requirements for Applicants, §133.43, relating to Experience Evaluations, §133.53, relating to Reference Statements, §133.67, relating to Examinations on the Principles and Practice of Engineering, and §133.69, relating to Waiver of Examinations, regarding the licensing of professional engineers.

Proposed amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 134

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board) proposes amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 134, regarding the licensing, registration, and certification for surveyors. The proposed amendments are specifically to §134.25, relating to Applications from Out-Of-State Registration Holders, §134.43, relating to Experience Evaluations, §134.53, relating to Reference Statements, §134.67, relating to Examinations on the Principles and Practice of Surveying, and §134.68, relating to Licensed State Land Surveyor Examination, regarding the licensing, registration, and certification for surveyors.

August Board Meeting

The TBPELS Board will be meeting Wednesday, August 7th & Thursday, August 8th, 2024. Schedules, agendas, live streams, and recordings are available on our Board Meetings page.

Proposed amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 131

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board) proposes amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 131, regarding the licensing of professional engineers, and specifically §131.2, relating to Definitions.

Proposed amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 133

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board) proposes amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 133, regarding the licensing of professional engineers. The proposed amendments are specifically to §133.31, relating to Educational Requirements for Applicants, §133.43, relating to Experience Evaluations, §133.53, relating to Reference Statements, §133.67, relating to Examinations on the Principles and Practice of Engineering, and §133.69, relating to Waiver of Examinations, regarding the licensing of professional engineers.

Proposed amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 134

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board) proposes amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 134, regarding the licensing, registration, and certification for surveyors. The proposed amendments are specifically to §134.25, relating to Applications from Out-Of-State Registration Holders, §134.43, relating to Experience Evaluations, §134.53, relating to Reference Statements, §134.67, relating to Examinations on the Principles and Practice of Surveying, and §134.68, relating to Licensed State Land Surveyor Examination, regarding the licensing, registration, and certification for surveyors.

Educational Requirements Proposed Amendments

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors proposes amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code §134.31, relating to the Educational Requirements for Applicants for surveyors-in-training and registered professional land surveyors.

Holiday Closure July 4th & 5th

TBPELS will be closed on Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

Application to Serve on the Surveying Advisory Committee (SAC)

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS) is seeking qualified applicants to be considered to serve on the Surveying Advisory Committee (SAC). Texas Occupations Code §1001.216 provides for an advisory committee for the purpose of providing advice and recommendation to the board on matters related to the regulation of land surveying.

Information for applicants:

  • Total Membership of the SAC is 9 members who are current Texas Registered Professional Land Surveyors (R.P.L.S.) and Licensed State Land Surveyors (L.S.L.S.) All applicants must be current, active, and in good standing.
  • The Board is currently looking to fill 3 vacancies on the SAC.
  • Members will serve 3 year terms.
  • There are generally 4-6 SAC meetings per year. Many meetings are held virtually but some are held at the TBPELS offices in Austin.
  • Members are volunteers and are not paid for their service.
  • Applicants must have been a Texas R.P.L.S. for a minimum of 5 years.

If you are interested in applying for a position on the SAC and meet the requirements above, please fill out the application form.

Applications Closed

Applications must be received by the close of business on Friday June 28, 2024.

P.E. License Renewals

Renewals for P.E. licenses expiring 6/30/2024 are now open. Click here to renew online.

Front Lobby Construction

The front lobby of our building will be under construction and inaccessible from May 1st through June 30th. The building is still accessible via the rear entrance, which is indicated with signage. During this construction period, if possible, we highly recommend contacting us via email (info@pels.texas.gov) in lieu of physically coming to the building.

Governor Abbott Appoints Three To Texas Board Of Professional Engineers And Land Surveyors

Greg Abbott has appointed Robert Moreno and reappointed Ademola “Peter” Adejokun and Kiran Shah to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for terms set to expire on September 26, 2029.

Texas Surveying Exam Change a Success

On October 13, 2023, the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS) administered the first Texas Specific Surveying Exam (TSSE) to professional land surveyor applicants. This exam is the culmination of several years of research, data collection and analysis, and exam development. Finalizing and administering the TSSE is the final step in a historic change to the surveying registration process in Texas.

February Board Meeting

The TBPELS Board will be meeting Wednesday, February 14th & Thursday, February 15th, 2024. Schedules, agendas, live streams, and recordings are available on our Board Meetings page.

December Renewals

11-17-2023

Engineering & Surveying licensees, registrants, and firms that expire on December 31, 2023 can renew online using ECHO.

November Board Meeting

11-02-2023

The TBPELS Board will be meeting Wednesday, November 8th & Thursday, November 9th, 2023. Schedules, agendas, live streams, and recordings are available on our Board Meetings page.

Physical Meeting Location:
Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Headquarters
1917 S. Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78745

NCEES PE Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Survey 2023

08-28-2023

The National Council for Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is looking for participants for a survey of the practice of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering conducted by Pearson VUE. NCEES is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professional licensure for engineers and surveyors.

The Professional Activities and Knowledge Study (PAKS) survey is the first and most important step in the development process for the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Principles and Practice PE exam. The PAKS occurs every 6 to 8 years to ensure that the exam is relevant to current practice in the profession. Licensed Naval Architects and Marine Engineers in all industries will be surveyed. Survey results are the basis of revision of the test specifications for the PE Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering exam. You will be asked to rate the importance of the knowledge areas required by a newly licensed professional naval architect/marine engineer, as well as the tasks that safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

August Board Meeting

07-31-2023

The TBPELS Board will be meeting Wednesday August 9th & Thursday August 10th, 2023. Schedules, agendas, live streams, and recordings are available on our Board Meetings page.

Physical Meeting Location:
Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Headquarters
1917 S. Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78745

PE & RPLS Renewal Fees Increase

07-31-2023

Renewal and Late Renewal fees for PEs and RPLSs are $50 effective September 1, 2023. This will be in effect starting with the September 2023 PE renewal cycle and December 2023 RPLS renewal cycle.

Please visit our Agency Fees page for more information.

Principles and Practice of Professional Surveying (PS) & Texas Specific Surveying Exam (TSSE)

06-26-2023

As of May 2023, the exam requirements to become a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) in Texas have changed. The previously used 8 hour RPLS exam has been replaced with a combination of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Principles and Practice of Professional Surveying (PS) exam and a new Texas Specific Surveying Exam (TSSE).

Application to Serve on the Surveying Advisory Committee (SAC)

06-16-2023:

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS) is seeking qualified applicants to be considered to serve on the Surveying Advisory Committee (SAC). Texas Occupations Code §1001.216 provides for an advisory committee for the purpose of providing advice and recommendation to the board on matters related to the regulation of land surveying. Go to our SAC Page for more info and to apply.

Proposed Cleanup Amendments to Surveyor Licensing Rules Available for Review and Public Comment

06-16-2023:

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors has proposed rule amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 134, Subchapters C and H, regarding Applications from Former Standard Registration Holders and Proposed Actions on Applications. Any comments or request for a public hearing on the proposed rules may be submitted, no later than July 16, 2023.

May Board Meeting

05-05-2023:

The TBPELS Board will be meeting Wednesday May 10th & Thursday May 11th, 2023. Schedules, agendas, live streams, and recordings are available on our Board Meetings page.

Physical Meeting Location:
Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Headquarters
1917 S. Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78745

Proposed Rules on Surveyor Exam Process Available for Review and Public Comment

04-26-2023:

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors has proposed rule amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Codes, Chapter 134, Subchapter G, regarding the examination process for professional land surveyors. Any comments or request for a public hearing on the proposed rules may be submitted, no later than May 21, 2023, to Lance Kinney, Ph.D., P.E., Executive Director, Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

TBPELS Announces Changes to Exam Requirements to Become
a Registered Professional Land Surveyor in Texas

At the November 17, 2022, meeting of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS), changes were approved to the examination requirements to become a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) in the state of Texas. Starting in May 2023, the current RPLS exam will be replaced with a combination of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Principles and Practice of Professional Surveying (PS) exam and a new Texas Specific Surveying Exam (TSSE).

Licensed Mechanical Engineers Needed

NCEES is currently seeking licensed mechanical engineers to participate in a professional activities and knowledge study, or PAKS, for the PE Mechanical exams. The results of this online survey will be used to update the content of the PE exam, which is used throughout the United States. The deadline is March 15, 2023.

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
Honors Govind Nadkarni, P.E. For His Service

TBPELS advisory member and former board member Govind Nadkarni, P.E., was awarded with the Distinguished Service Award with Special Commendation at the 101st NCEES annual meeting held in August in Carlsbad, California. Nadkarni was honored for his extensive work on the state, national, and international level with NCEES and TBPELS. We congratulate him on this important recognition.

Over his career with the board, Nadkarni has been recognized three times by NCEES, including the Distinguished Service Award in 2012. He is the only member from Texas and first Asian American to receive all three awards. He was appointed to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS) in 2000 and served through 2012. As an advisory member, he serves as a mentor to new board members, providing valuable information and historical knowledge regarding board operations.

Nadkarni has been integral in several important activities with the board, including international agreements with South Korea, Canada and Australia. He has participated in ABET visits on behalf of the board and is a liaison to various engineering groups for outreach events in the coastal/south Texas area. He is also involved in engineering outreach and engagement for universities.

Surveyor Advisory Committee

The Surveying Advisory Committee (SAC) is a statutorily required advisory committee to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS) that is charged with providing advice and recommendations to the board on matters related to the regulation of land surveying.  The Board has recently revised the structure of the SAC, setting the membership at nine members, each serving a three year term.  The application for open positions was opened earlier in the year and we had an incredible response to the request – over 70 RPLS submitted an application for the three open spots. The review and selection process is complete and the Board approved the new members at the August Board Meeting.  The three new members to the SAC are:

  • Vasileios Kalogirou, RPLS
  • David McDow, RPLS, LSLS
  • Dorothy Taylor, RPLS

Thanks to everyone that submitted an application.  Each year we will be selecting three additional SAC members and we encourage interested RPLS to continue to volunteer in the future.  We will post the application information on the TBPELS website mid-2023 for the next round of nominations. 

We look forward to working with the new members of the Surveying Advisory Committee.