Frequently asked questions: Engineers, land surveyors, and on-site

Licensing and exams

I’m currently licensed in Washington, and am applying to become licensed in another state. How do I verify my license? Is there a fee?

Go to https://verify.ncees.org and follow the instructions for requesting a license or exam verification. If your state isn’t listed, email the verification form to us at engineers@dol.wa.gov or fax it to us at 360.664.2551. We’ll send it directly to the state you have requested. We don’t charge a fee to verify your license or exam.

Day-to-day practice

I’m a professional land surveyor, and while researching property I found an error on a survey recorded by another land surveyor. Can I amend the survey?

No, you can only amend a survey you recorded. You can tell the surveyor about the error so he or she can amend the survey. If the surveyor won’t correct the survey, and you think it’s a substantial error, you can file a complaint with us. If you were hired to do a survey of that property or adjoining property, you would still do a complete and record that survey.

As a professional land surveyor, how do I record an amended survey to correct minor scrivener’s errors or typos on a survey I recorded?

There are 2 ways to record the correction:

• Make the correction and record an amended survey, noting the correction on the amendment.
• or
• Complete an affidavit of correction and record it with the county. The affidavit will be attached to your survey. (WAC 332-130-050(3).)

If I review another engineer or land surveyor’s work, should I stamp their documents?

No, when you review the work done by another professional engineer or land surveyor, you must prepare a report that discusses the findings of your review along with any supporting calculations or sketches. Then you must seal/stamp, sign, and date the report. The report will make reference to, or be attached to, the documents you reviewed. (WAC 196-23-020 (5).)