The state of New Hampshire has recently updated its regulations affecting the licensure, renewal, and continuing professional development of professional engineers. These changes, adopted and effective as of January 26, 2024, clarify and amend various procedures and requirements that directly impact engineers practicing in the state.
Related articles:
CEU Requirements for New Hampshire Professional Engineers
Continuing Education Requirements for NH PEs
Key Takeaways
Here are the essential updates to New Hampshire’s licensure and professional development rules for engineers.
| Category | Requirements and Actions |
| License Renewal | – Apply before expiration with fees and CPD proof. |
| Renewal Application | – Complete Universal and Addendum forms. |
| Denial of Renewal | – Possible if CPD incomplete, unethical acts, or errors in application. |
| Reinstatement | – Fulfill CPD, pay fees, provide CPD documentation if lapsed >12 months. |
| Disciplinary Actions | – Initiated based on misconduct evidence. |
| Disciplinary Sanctions | – Include notices, hearings, or settlements. |
| Civil Penalties | – Fines based on offense severity, repeat offenses, and ability to pay. |
| CPD Requirements | – 30 hours biennially; first-time renewals exempt. |
| CPD Activities | – Must be relevant; includes courses, seminars, teaching, publications. |
| CPD Credits | – Varied by activity type, e.g., courses, teaching, publications. |
| Record Keeping | – Maintain records for 4 years; include logs and attendance proofs. |
| Exemptions and Waivers | – For military service, retirees, or extenuating circumstances. |
You can find the New Hampshire board’s summary of these changes here.
Renewal of Licensure
Important Changes and What They Mean
- License Renewal Process:
- Timely Application: Engineers must apply for renewal before their license expires to avoid penalties (Eng 401.01).
- Application Requirements: The renewal application must be accompanied by the fee specified in Plc 1002.41 and proof of completed continuing professional development as stipulated in Eng 403 (Eng 401.02).
- Application Verification:
- Investigation and Verification: Renewal applications will undergo an investigation to verify the accuracy and completeness of the information provided (Eng 401.04).
- Deficiency Notifications: Applicants will be notified of any deficiencies within 60 days of the application receipt, with a subsequent 60 days allowed to remedy these issues.
- Denial of Renewal:
- Renewal may be denied for non-compliance with continuing education requirements, unethical acts, similar reasons that would deny an initial application, or failure to provide accurate information (Eng 401.04).
- Reinstatement of Licensure:
- Engineers whose licenses have lapsed for 12 months or more must fulfill continuing education requirements and pay all applicable fees for reinstatement (Eng 401.05).
Certificate of Authorization for Business Organizations
Business organizations must also renew their certificates of authorization every two years, ensuring compliance with all operational and professional standards required by the state (Eng 401.06, 401.07).
Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions
Framework for Maintaining Professional Integrity
- Initiation of Disciplinary Actions:
- The board will initiate investigations or hearings based on any information suggesting professional misconduct (Eng 402.01).
- Disciplinary Sanctions:
- Sanctions, including immediate license suspensions, will be imposed after due notice, opportunity for a hearing, or through consent decrees (Eng 402.02).
- Reciprocal Discipline:
- If a licensee is disciplined in another jurisdiction, they must demonstrate why similar discipline should not be applied in New Hampshire (Eng 402.02).
- Civil Penalties:
- Fines are determined based on the severity of the offense, the licensee’s disciplinary history, and their ability to pay, among other factors (Eng 402.03, 402.04).
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Ensuring Ongoing Professional Competence
- CPD Requirements:
- Licensees must complete at least 30 hours of approved professional development activities every two years to renew their licenses (Eng 403.01).
- New Licensee Exemption:
- New licensees are exempt from CPD requirements for their first renewal period (Eng 403.02).
- Reciprocity:
- Licensees from other jurisdictions must meet the CPD requirements of their home state or those of New Hampshire if their state does not have CPD requirements (Eng 403.03).
- CPD Hour Criteria and Credits:
- Professional development activities must be relevant and properly organized. Various activities, including teaching, publishing, and participating in professional societies, qualify for different amounts of credits (Eng 403.05, 403.06).
- Record Keeping:
- Licensees are responsible for maintaining records of their CPD activities for at least four years and must provide these records upon request for audit purposes (Eng 403.07).
- Exemptions and Waivers:
- Exemptions are available under certain conditions, such as extended active military duty or retirement. Waivers for the CPD hour deadline may be granted due to extenuating circumstances like serious illness or accidents (Eng 403.08, 403.09).
Conclusion
The updated rules for New Hampshire professional engineers emphasize timely licensure renewal with mandatory continuing professional development documentation and associated fees. Disciplinary actions are detailed for non-compliance, including potential sanctions and civil penalties based on the severity and frequency of offenses. Engineers must maintain accurate CPD records for four years, with specific activities and credits outlined to ensure ongoing professional competence and legal compliance.