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State of Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects

Firms

Certificates of Authorization

Organizations practicing or offering to practice engineering and/or architecture in Nebraska must apply to the Board for a Certificate of Authorization.


Minimum Requirements

  • If the organization practices architecture, designate one Nebraska-licensed architect as the Architect in Responsible Charge (AIC). The AIC must regularly perform professional services for the organization for the duration of the certificate of authorization.

  • If the organization practices engineering, designate one Nebraska-licensed professional engineer as the Engineer in Responsible Charge (EIC). The EIC must regularly perform professional services for the organization for the duration of the certificate of authorization.

  • If the organization practices both architecture and engineering, designate one Nebraska-licensed architect as the AIC and one Nebraska-licensed professional engineer as the EIC. Both licensees must regularly perform professional services for the organization for the duration of the certificate of authorization.


Does my Organization Need a Certificate of Authorization?

Your organization will need a Certificate of Authorization if it:

  • Practices or offers to practice architecture and/or engineering in Nebraska; or

  • Enters into an agreement to provide architectural and/or engineering services on a project in Nebraska; or

  • Engages in design-build in Nebraska; or

  • Bills for architectural or engineering services pertaining to projects in Nebraska;

         AND

  • Is a business entity created by law, including, but not limited to, a partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or joint venture.

Your organization will not need a Certificate of Authorization if it:

  • Engages in activities that result ONLY in non-customized, non-project- or site-specific manufactured/fabricated products which can then be specified by Nebraska-licensed architects or professional engineers; or

  • Is a "Public Service Provider," defined in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-3423 as "any political subdivision which appoints a municipal engineer or which employs a full-time person licensed under the Engineers and Architects Regulation Act who is in responsible charge of architectural or engineering work"; or

  • Engages in the practice of architecture or engineering only for itself.


When Do I Need to Submit an Application for Changes to Existing Certification Authorization Form?

An organization will need to submit an Application for Changes to Existing Certification Authorization Form if there is a change in:

  • Legal Name
  • Contact Information
  • Engineering and/or Architecture Authority
  • Size of Organization
  • Organization Leadership
  • Organizational Authority

There is no fee for the application unless the size of the organization is changing to a higher number of licensees.

Completed applications can be sent by:

  • Email - nbea.office@nebraska.gov
  • Mail - PO Box 95165, Lincoln, NE 68509-5165
  • Delivery - 215 Centennial Mall S, Suite 400, Lincoln, NE 68508-1813

Secretary of State Requirements

The Certificate of Authorization may be used to file any applications with the Nebraska Secretary of State to fulfill the appropriate statutes or requirements for practicing in Nebraska as an organization.

A Certificate of Authorization or letter of eligibility issued by the Board may be required by the Secretary of State to issue:

  • A certificate of authority to an organization intending to engage in the practice of architecture or engineering;

  • A registration of name to an organization intending to engage in the practice of architecture or engineering; or

  • A registration of trade name or service mark that includes the words architect or engineer, or any modification or derivative of such words, in the firm’s name or logotype.

Please contact the Secretary of State at (402) 471-4079 or email inquiries to their Corporate Division for guidance on their requirements.


Associated Fees

  • See our Fees page for a guide on fees associated with obtaining a Certificate of Authorization. The fees for architecture and engineering are the same. Please note the fee is based on the total number of licensed architects and professional engineers regularly performing services for the organization, not simply the number of Nebraska licensees employed.

  • Fees must be paid by check, money order, or ACH payment; the Board does not accept credit card payments for this application fee.


Renewal of Certificates of Authorization

  • Certificates of Authorization must be renewed every two years.
  • A renewal notice is sent to the organization at least one month prior to the expiration date. 
  • Certificates of Authorization cannot renew online.

More Information

  • The Nebraska E&A Regulation Act does not require individuals with an ownership interest in an architectural or engineering organization to be licensed architects or professional engineers.  The minimum requirement for an organization to practice architecture and/or engineering is to have one AIC and/or EIC, respectively, who regularly performs professional services for that organization.

  • Organizations may designate a Temporary Permit holder as the EIC or AIC to obtain a Cerrtificate of Authorization.

  • A Changes to Certificate of Authorization form must be submitted within thirty days of the effective date of a change in the status of any individual designated as the EIC or AIC, and for changes to the organization's legal name, contact information, or practice area. 

  • Renewing a Certificate of Authorization cannot be done online or over the phone. The Board will mail the renewal form to the address on file. 

  • More information can be found in Chapter 7 of the Board's Rules and Regulations.


Forms

 Application for Certificate of Authorization

 Application for Changes to Existing Certification Authorization Form


If you have any questions about certificates of authorization, please contact us.