Iowa Land Surveying Licensing Law

Iowa Code · 13 sections

The following is the full text of Iowa’s land surveying licensing law statutes as published in the Iowa Code. For the official version, see the Iowa Legislature.

Iowa Code § 542B.1

A person shall not engage in the practice of engineering or land surveying in the state unless the person is a licensed professional engineer or a licensed professional land surveyor as provided in this chapter, except as permitted by section 542B.26. [C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §1854; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.1] C93, §542B.1 95 Acts, ch 65, §1; 96 Acts, ch 1055, §4; 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §10

Iowa Code § 542B.13

Applications for licensure shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the board, shall contain statements made under oath, showing the applicant’s education and a detailed summary of the applicant’s technical work, and the board shall not require that a recent photograph of the applicant be attached to the application form. An applicant is not ineligible for licensure because of age, citizenship, sex, race, religion, marital status, or national origin, although the application form may require citizenship information. The board may consider the past felony record of an applicant. The board may require that an applicant submit references. Applications for examination in fundamentals in the practice of engineering and land surveying shall be accompanied by application fees determined by the board. The board shall determine the annual cost of administering the examinations and shall set the fees accordingly. [C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §1866; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.13] 84 Acts, ch 1104, §4 C93, §542B.13 95 Acts, ch 65, §4; 96 Acts, ch 1055, §7

Iowa Code § 542B.14

engineering. 1. Each applicant for licensure as a professional engineer or professional land surveyor shall have all of the following requirements, respectively, to wit: a. As a professional engineer: (1) (a) Graduation from a course in engineering of four years or more in a school or college which, in the opinion of the board, will properly prepare the applicant for the examination in fundamental engineering subjects. (b) However, prior to July 1, 1988, in lieu of compliance with subparagraph division (a), the board may accept eight years’ practical experience which, in the opinion of the board, is of satisfactory character to properly prepare the applicant for the examination in fundamental engineering subjects. (c) Between July 1, 1988, and June 30, 1991, in lieu of compliance with subparagraph division (a), the board shall require satisfactory completion of a minimum of two years of postsecondary study in mathematics, physical sciences, engineering technology, or engineering at an institution approved by the board, and may accept six years’ practical experience which, in the opinion of the board, is of satisfactory character to properly prepare the applicant for the examination in fundamental engineering subjects. (d) For applicants who obtained an associate of science degree or a more advanced degree between July 1, 1983, and June 30, 1988, in lieu of compliance with subparagraph division (a), the board shall only require compliance with the provisions of subparagraph division (c) with regard to areas of study and practical experience. Applicants qualifying under this subparagraph division must meet the requirements of subparagraph (2), by June 30, 2001. (2) Successfully passing an examination in fundamental engineering subjects which is designed to show the knowledge of general engineering principles. A person passing the examination in fundamental engineering subjects is entitled to a certificate as an engineer intern. (3) In addition to any other requirement, a specific record of four years or more of practical experience in engineering work which is of a character satisfactory to the board. (4) Successfully passing an examination designed to determine the proficiency and qualifications to engage in the practice of engineering. b. As a professional land surveyor: (1) Graduation from a college course of two years or more, which shall include mathematics, basic science courses, and practical experience, all of which, in the opinion of the board, will properly prepare the applicant for the examination in fundamental land surveying subjects. (2) Successfully passing an examination in fundamental land surveying subjects which is designed to show the knowledge of general land surveying principles. (3) In addition to any other requirement, a specific record of four years or more of practical experience in land surveying work which is of a character satisfactory to the board. (4) Successfully passing examinations designed to determine the proficiency and qualifications to engage in the practice of land surveying. (5) Successfully passing an examination specific to the laws of this state. 2. The board may establish by rule a temporary permit and a fee to permit an engineer to practice for a period of time without applying for licensure. 3. Notwithstanding section 272C.12, subsection 3, paragraph “c”, the board shall not issue a temporary license to practice as a professional land surveyor. [C39, §1866.1; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.14] 84 Acts, ch 1104, §5; 87 Acts, ch 165, §1, 2 C93, §542B.14 94 Acts, ch 1107, §14; 95 Acts, ch 65, §5; 96 Acts, ch 1055, §7; 98 Acts, ch 1054, §1; 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §14, 15; 2012 Acts, ch 1023, §141; 2013 Acts, ch 5, §20, 21; 2021 Acts, ch 58, §1; 2023 Acts, ch 25, §1 – 3; 2025 Acts, ch 84, §1, 2 2023 amendment to subsection 1, paragraph b applies to applications for a license as a professional land surveyor submitted on or after July 1, 2023; 2023 Acts, ch 25, §3

§542B.14, PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS 2

Subsection 1, paragraph b, NEW subparagraph (5) NEW subsection 3

Iowa Code § 542B.16

Each licensee, upon licensure, shall obtain a seal of a design approved by the board, bearing the licensee’s name, Iowa license number, and the words “professional engineer” or “professional land surveyor” or both, as the case may be. A legible rubber stamp or other facsimile of the seal may be used and shall have the same effect as the use of the actual seal.
All engineering documents and land surveying documents shall be dated and shall contain all of the following: a. The signature of the licensee in responsible charge. b. A certification that the work was done by the licensee or under the licensee’s direct personal supervision. c. The Iowa legible seal of the licensee.
An agency, subdivision, or municipal corporation of this state, or an officer of the state, subdivision, or municipal corporation, shall not file for record or approve any engineering document or land surveying document which does not comply with this section.
A licensee shall not place the licensee’s signature or seal on any engineering document or land surveying document unless the licensee was in responsible charge of the work, except that the licensee may do so if the licensee contributed to the work and the licensee in responsible charge has signed and certified the work.
Violation of this section by a licensee shall be deemed fraud and deceit in the licensee’s practice. [C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §1868; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.16] C93, §542B.16 96 Acts, ch 1055, §1; 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §16

Iowa Code § 542B.17

The board shall issue a certificate of licensure as a professional engineer to an applicant who has passed the examination as a professional engineer and who has paid an additional fee. The certificate shall be signed by the chairperson and secretary of the board under the seal of the board. The certificate shall authorize the applicant to engage in the practice of engineering. The certificate shall not carry with it the right to practice land surveying, unless specifically so stated on the certificate, which permission shall be granted by the board without additional fee in cases where the applicant duly qualifies as a professional land surveyor as prescribed by the rules of the board. [C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §1869; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.17] C93, §542B.17 95 Acts, ch 65, §6; 96 Acts, ch 1055, §7; 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §17 Referred to in §459.102

Iowa Code § 542B.19

To any applicant who shall have passed the examination as a professional land surveyor and who shall have paid an additional fee as set by the board, the board shall issue a certificate of licensure signed by its chairperson and secretary under the seal of the board, which certificate shall authorize the applicant to practice land surveying as defined in this chapter and to administer oaths to assistants and to witnesses produced for examination, with reference to facts connected with land surveys being made by such professional land surveyor. [C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §1870; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.19] C93, §542B.19 96 Acts, ch 1055, §6; 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §19 Administration of oaths, chapter 63A

Iowa Code § 542B.2

As used in the chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. “Board” means the engineering and land surveying examining board provided by this chapter. 2. “Design coordination” includes the review and coordination of technical submissions prepared by others, including as appropriate and without limitation, consulting engineers, architects, landscape architects, land surveyors, and other professionals working under the direction of the engineer. 3. “Engineer intern” means a person who passes an examination in the fundamental engineering subjects, but does not entitle the person to claim to be a professional engineer. 4. “Engineering documents” includes all plans, specifications, drawings, and reports, if the preparation of such documents constitutes or requires the practice of engineering. 5. “Engineering surveys” includes all survey activities required to support the sound conception, planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of engineered projects, but excludes the surveying of real property for the establishment of land boundaries, rights-of-way, easements, and the dependent or independent surveys or resurveys of the public land survey system. 6. “In responsible charge” means having direct control of and personal supervision over any land surveying work or work involving the practice of engineering. One or more persons, jointly or severally, may be in responsible charge. 7. “Land surveying documents” includes all plats, maps, surveys, and reports, if the preparation thereof constitutes or requires the practice of land surveying. 8. “Land surveyor” means a person who engages in the practice of professional land surveying. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in this chapter to “land surveyor” or “land surveying” means “professional land surveyor” or “professional land surveying”. 9. a. “Practice of engineering” means any service or creative work, the adequate performance of which requires engineering education, training, and experience in the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences, such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design and design coordination of engineering works and systems, planning the use of land and water, performing engineering surveys and studies, and the review of construction for the purpose of monitoring compliance with drawings and specifications, any of which embraces such services or creative work, either public or private, in connection with any utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, work systems, projects, and industrial or consumer products or equipment of a mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal nature, insofar as they involve safeguarding life, health, or property, and including such other professional services as may be necessary to the planning, progress, and completion of the services identified in this subsection. b. A person is construed to be engaged in the practice of engineering if the person does any of the following: (1) Practices any branch of the profession of engineering. (2) Makes a representation by verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, or other manner that the person is a professional engineer. (3) Uses any title which implies that the person is a professional engineer or that the person is certified under this chapter. (4) The person holds the person’s self out as able to perform, or who does perform, any service or work included in the practice of engineering. 10. a. “Practice of land surveying” includes providing professional services such as consultation, investigation, testimony, evaluation, planning, mapping, assembling, and interpreting reliable scientific measurements and information relative to the location of property lines or boundaries, and the utilization, development, and interpretation of these facts into an orderly survey, plat, or map. The practice of land surveying includes but is not limited to the following: (1) Locating, relocating, establishing, reestablishing, setting, or resetting of permanent

§542B.2, PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS 2

monumentation for any property line or boundary of any tract or parcel of land. Setting permanent monuments constitutes an improvement to real property. (2) Making any survey for the division or subdivision of any tract or parcel of land. (3) Determination, by the use of the principles of land surveying, of the position for any permanent survey monument or reference point, or setting, resetting, or replacing any survey monument or reference point excluding the responsibility of engineers pursuant to section 314.8. (4) Creating and writing metes and bounds descriptions as defined in section 354.2. (5) Geodetic surveying for determination of the size and shape of the earth both horizontally and vertically for the precise positioning of permanent land survey monuments on the earth utilizing angular and linear measurements through spatially oriented spherical geometry. (6) Creation, preparation, or modification of electronic or computerized data, including land information systems and geographical information systems, relative to the performance of the activities identified in subparagraphs (1) through (5). b. This subsection does not prohibit a professional engineer from practicing any aspect of the practice of engineering. A land surveyor is not prohibited from performing engineering surveys as defined in the practice of engineering. c. A person is construed to be engaged in or offering to be engaged in the practice of land surveying if the person does any of the following: (1) Engages in land surveying. (2) Makes a representation by verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, or other manner that the person is a land surveyor. (3) Uses any title which implies that the person is a land surveyor or that the person is licensed under this chapter. (4) Holds the person’s self out as able to perform, or who does perform, any service or work included in the practice of land surveying. 11. “Professional engineer” means a person, who, by reason of the person’s knowledge of mathematics, the physical sciences, and the principles of engineering, acquired by professional education or practical experience, is qualified to engage in the practice of engineering. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in this chapter to “engineer” or “engineering” means “professional engineer” or “professional engineering”. [C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §1855; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.2] 84 Acts, ch 1104, §2 C93, §542B.2 94 Acts, ch 1107, §13; 95 Acts, ch 65, §2, 3; 98 Acts, ch 1037, §1; 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §11; 2012 Acts, ch 1023, §140 Referred to in §459.102

Iowa Code § 542B.21

The board shall have the power by a five-sevenths vote of the entire board to suspend for a period not exceeding two years, or to revoke the certificate of licensure of, or to reprimand any licensee who is found guilty of the following acts or offenses: 1. Fraud in procuring a certificate of licensure. 2. Professional incompetency. 3. Knowingly making misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in the practice of the licensee’s profession or engaging in unethical conduct or practice harmful to the public. Proof of actual injury need not be established. 4. Habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs. 5. Conviction of a felony under the laws of the United States, of any state or possession of the United States, or of any other country. A copy of the record of conviction or plea of guilty is conclusive evidence. 6. Revocation or suspension of licensure to engage in the practice of engineering or land surveying, or other disciplinary action by the licensing authority of another state, territory, or country. A certified copy of the record or order of suspension, revocation, or other disciplinary action is prima facie evidence of such fact. 7. Fraud in representations as to skill or ability. 8. Use of untruthful or improbable statements in advertisements. 9. Willful or repeated violations of the provisions of this Act. [C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §1872; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.21] 85 Acts, ch 195, §13 C93, §542B.21 95 Acts, ch 65, §7, 8; 96 Acts, ch 1055, §7, 10, 11 Referred to in §272C.3, 272C.4, 542B.22 See 77 Acts, ch 95, §10

Iowa Code § 542B.24

Any person who is not legally authorized to practice in this state according to the provisions of this chapter, and shall practice, or shall in connection with the person’s name use any designation tending to imply or designate the person as a professional engineer or professional land surveyor, may be restrained by permanent injunction. [C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §1875; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.24] C93, §542B.24 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §21

Iowa Code § 542B.26

a. This chapter shall not apply to any full-time employee of any corporation while doing work for that corporation, except in the case of corporations offering their services to the public as professional engineers or professional land surveyors. b. Corporations engaged in designing buildings or works for public or private interests not their own shall be deemed to be engaged in the practice of engineering within the meaning of this chapter. With respect to such corporations all principal designing or constructing engineers shall hold certificates of licensure issued under this chapter. This chapter shall not apply to corporations engaged solely in constructing buildings and works.
This chapter shall not apply to any professional engineer or professional land surveyor working for the United States government, nor to any professional engineer or professional land surveyor employed as an assistant to a professional engineer or professional land surveyor licensed under this chapter if such assistant is not placed in responsible charge of any work involving the practice of engineering or land surveying work, nor to the operation or maintenance of power and mechanical plants or systems. [C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §1876; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.26] C93, §542B.26 95 Acts, ch 65, §9; 96 Acts, ch 1055, §4, 7; 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §22 Referred to in §542B.1

Iowa Code § 542B.27

In addition to any other penalties provided for in this chapter, the board may by order impose a civil penalty upon a person who is not licensed under this chapter as a professional engineer or a professional land surveyor and who does any of the following: a. Engages in or offers to engage in the practice of professional engineering or professional land surveying. b. Uses or employs the words “professional engineer” or “professional land surveyor”, or implies authorization to provide or offer professional engineering or professional land surveying services, or otherwise uses or advertises any title, word, figure, sign, card, advertisement, or other symbol or description tending to convey the impression that the person is a professional engineer or professional land surveyor or is engaged in the practice of professional engineering or professional land surveying. c. Presents or attempts to use the certificate of licensure or the seal of a professional engineer or professional land surveyor. d. Gives false or forged evidence of any kind to the board or any member of the board in obtaining or attempting to obtain a certificate of licensure. e. Falsely impersonates any licensed professional engineer or professional land surveyor. f. Uses or attempts to use an expired, suspended, revoked, or nonexistent certificate of licensure. g. Knowingly aids or abets an unlicensed person who engages in any activity identified in this subsection.
A civil penalty imposed shall not exceed one thousand dollars for each offense. Each day of a continued violation constitutes a separate offense.
In determining the amount of a civil penalty to be imposed, the board may consider any of the following: a. Whether the amount imposed will be a substantial economic deterrent to the violation. b. The circumstances leading to the violation. c. The severity of the violation and the risk of harm to the public. d. The economic benefits gained by the violator as a result of noncompliance. e. The interest of the public.
Before issuing an order under this section, the board shall provide the person written notice and the opportunity to request a hearing on the record. The hearing must be requested within thirty days of the issuance of the notice and shall be conducted in the same manner as provided in section 542B.22.
The board, in connection with a proceeding under this section, may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the disclosure of evidence, and may request the attorney general to bring an action to enforce the subpoena.
A person aggrieved by the imposition of a civil penalty under this section may seek judicial review in accordance with section 17A.19.
If a person fails to pay a civil penalty within thirty days after entry of an order under subsection 1, or if the order is stayed pending an appeal within ten days after the court enters a final judgment in favor of the board, the board shall notify the attorney general. The attorney general may commence an action to recover the amount of the penalty, including reasonable attorney fees and costs.
An action to enforce an order under this section may be joined with an action for an injunction. 96 Acts, ch 1055, §2; 96 Acts, ch 1219, §29; 97 Acts, ch 23, §65; 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §23

Iowa Code § 542B.3

An engineering and land surveying examining board is created within the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing. The board consists of three members who are licensed professional engineers, two members who are licensed professional land surveyors, and two members who are not licensed professional engineers or licensed professional land surveyors and who shall represent the general public. An individual who is licensed as both a professional engineer and a professional land surveyor may serve to satisfy the board membership requirement for either a licensed professional engineer or a licensed professional land surveyor, but not both. Members shall be appointed by the governor subject to confirmation by the senate. A licensed member shall be actively engaged in the practice of engineering or land surveying and shall have been so engaged for five years preceding the appointment, the last two of which shall have been in Iowa. Insofar as practicable, licensed engineer members of the board shall be from different branches of the profession of engineering. Professional associations or societies composed of licensed engineers or licensed land surveyors may recommend the names of potential board members whose profession is representative of that association or society to the governor. However, the governor is not bound by the recommendations. A board member shall not be required to be a member of any professional association or society composed of professional engineers or professional land surveyors. [C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §1856; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §114.3] 84 Acts, ch 1104, §3; 86 Acts, ch 1245, §716; 88 Acts, ch 1125, §1 C93, §542B.3 96 Acts, ch 1055, §5; 2006 Acts, ch 1177, §36; 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §12; 2018 Acts, ch 1082, §1; 2023 Acts, ch 19, §1666 Confirmation, see §2.32

Iowa Code § 542B.35

“Real property inspection report” means a report stating whether, after visual examination, a parcel of real property which is being collateralized is materially impaired.
A real property inspection report is not a property survey or an engineering document and is exempt from the provisions of this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter which apply to property surveys. A real property inspection report shall not be filed or recorded with the county recorder. The real property inspection report shall include all of the following: a. A clear and prominent statement of disclosure to the buyer that the real property inspection report is not a property survey or an engineering document and should not be relied upon as such, and that property boundaries shown may be approximate only. b. A clear and prominent statement that the report is for the use of the mortgage lender or its assigns and determination of the actual placement of boundary lines should be addressed by a property survey in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
A person who completes the real property inspection report shall not claim to be a licensed professional land surveyor or a licensed professional engineer for purposes of the report. 90 Acts, ch 1060, §1 C91, §114.35 C93, §542B.35 96 Acts, ch 1055, §5; 97 Acts, ch 23, §66; 2012 Acts, ch 1009, §24; 2013 Acts, ch 30, §135

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)