Georgia Senate passes Bill 125 to amend engineering and surveying certification requirements

On February 10, 2025, the Georgia State Legislature introduced Senate Bill 125, aimed at reforming the certification process for professional engineers and land surveyors in the state. The bill, sponsored by Senators Walker III, Setzler, Kennedy, Strickland, Brass, and others, seeks to amend Chapter 15 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

The primary purpose of Senate Bill 125 is to decouple the sequential order of experience and examination requirements for obtaining a professional engineer certificate of registration. This change is intended to streamline the certification process, making it more accessible for aspiring engineers and land surveyors. By allowing candidates to pursue experience and examination concurrently, the bill aims to address the current bottlenecks that can delay certification and entry into the workforce.

Key provisions of the bill include a revision of Code Section 43-15-9, which outlines the eligibility criteria for professional engineer certification. The proposed amendment would eliminate the requirement that candidates must first complete a specific sequence of experience before taking the examination, thereby providing greater flexibility in the certification timeline.

The introduction of Senate Bill 125 has sparked notable discussions among stakeholders in the engineering community. Proponents argue that the bill will enhance workforce development by allowing more individuals to enter the profession sooner, potentially addressing labor shortages in the field. However, some opposition has emerged, with critics expressing concerns that the decoupling of experience and examination could compromise the quality of engineering professionals entering the field.

The economic implications of this bill could be significant, as a more efficient certification process may lead to an increase in the number of qualified engineers and land surveyors, thereby supporting infrastructure development and other critical projects in Georgia. Socially, the bill could promote diversity within the profession by making it easier for underrepresented groups to pursue careers in engineering.

As the legislative process unfolds, experts anticipate that further debates and potential amendments may arise, particularly regarding the balance between accessibility and maintaining high professional standards. The outcome of Senate Bill 125 could have lasting effects on the engineering landscape in Georgia, influencing both the workforce and the quality of engineering services provided in the state.