Q. I do not have a NCEES record. What should I do?

A. As of August 2006 the MA Board requires that every Comity applicant obtain and submit a NCEES record. Candidates should visit the NCEES website www.ncees.org if they have questions regarding the process of obtaining a record. Specific information on the NCEES records program can be found in the “read further” section of the NCEES website located at the bottom of the main page.

Q. A lot of this application seems to be duplicating information that will be provided in my NCEES record. Must it all be filled out?

A. No, as is indicated in the instructions, candidates may write in “see NCEES record” where applicable on the application. Please note, however that samples of work must be submitted with the “experience table narrative & cover sheet” for each engagement.

Q. How much experience documentation/work samples are needed?

A. The Board advised that the amount of documentation/ work samples should not exceed one pound (1lb.) in weight. Ideally you would submit some documentation for each engagement listed on the experience table and/ or found in the NCEES record.

Q. How long does it take to get approved for Comity in MA?

A. Once the application is complete it will be forwarded to the MA. Board for review. It usually will not take more than 2-3 months for a decision from the Board, however it is generally recommended to allow up to six months for a decision. Applications are reviewed by the Board at each monthly meeting, on a first come, first served basis.

Q. I would like to obtain a temporary permit. Who may apply and what is the process?

A. Professional Engineers registered/ licensed in their state of residence may seek a temporary permit to practice engineering in MA. Massachusetts residents may not receive a temporary permit. MA does not offer temporary permits to Professional Land Surveyors. A temporary permit application must be completed and submitted to Professional Credential Services. The application may be found on our website, www.pcshq.com, in the Massachusetts PE by Comity section. Temporary Permits are usually processed within 3 business days of our receipt of the application.

PLEASE NOTE: If a temporary permit application is received by itself, before or without a comity application, the temporary permit will be valid for 30 days only. Candidates who plan to also seek comity should submit the temporary permit application either together with their comity application or after submission of the comity application with a cover letter explaining that a comity application is currently pending. The temporary permit may then be granted for as long as it takes the Board to decide upon the comity application (a period of not more than 12 months).

Q. How do I use the temporary permit?

A. Once the temporary permit number is issued, you may use your current stamp with “temporary permit Massachusetts # __________” written underneath the stamp. My NCEES exam and/ or current license in my jurisdiction are in a different branch of engineering than the majority of my experience.

Q. May I apply for the branch that I have experience in instead of the one I took the exam in?

A. No, Comity applicants may only apply for licensure in branch of engineering corresponding with the NCEES exam discipline associated with their original license. If an applicant has taken and passed more than one NCEES exam, that applicant may be licensed in whichever exam discipline they choose (including both, if separate applications and fees are submitted).