According to The Nebraska Engineers and Architects Regulation Act, an organization is defined as a business entity created by law, including, but not limited to, a partnership, limited liability company, corporation or joint venture. 

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

The Application for Changes to Existing Certification Authorization must be submitted within thirty days of the effective date of the change.

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

A Certificate of Authorization is issued by the Board and authorizes an organization to practice engineering or architecture in Nebraska.

A Certificate of Authority is issued by the Nebraska Secretary of State and authorizes the organization to transact business in Nebraska.

You may need both certificates to practice architecture and/or engineering, engage in design-build or bill for architectural or engineering services on projects in Nebraska. 

Contact the Secretary of State’s office (402-471-2554) for more information about Certificates of Authority.

It is recommended to obtain a Certificate of Authorization first as our experience has been that this makes the process with the Secretary of State easier.

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 Nebraska 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.

Per Board Rule 7.3.8 and Board Policy 14.01, Board staff is authorized to review and issue Certificates of Authorization on a conditional basis, pending formal approval by the Board. A typical Certificate of Authorization application is usually reviewed and conditionally issued within one week after receipt of the application and fee.

Yes, if the organization continues to practice or is offering to practice in Nebraska, the Certificate will need to be renewed. Certificates of Authorization must be renewed every two years. A renewal notice is sent to the organization via email at least one month prior to the expiration date. Certificates of Authorization cannot be renewed online or over the phone.

There are no provisions in The Nebraska Engineers and Architects Regulation Act that require organizations to retain technical documents for a certain or definite period of time.

An organization can submit a Certificate of Authorization application before the individual(s) listed as being in responsible charge are licensed. However, the certificate will not be issued until the individual(s) are licensed or are issued a temporary permit.