Model Law Designation FAQs
What are Model Law designations?
Model law designations – MLE, MLSE, MLS – indicate to state licensing boards that your education, experience, and examinations meet the NCEES Model Law requirements.
What is the benefit to having a model law designation?
In many states, being designated as an MLE, MLSE, or MLS will further expedite the comity licensure process.
What are the requirements to become a Model Law Engineer (MLE)?
Model Law Engineer (MLE) requirements:
- a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an EAC/ABET-accredited program,
- four years of acceptable engineering work experience,
- passed the NCEES FE and PE exams,
- have no felony convictions, and
- have a clean disciplinary record.
What are the requirements to become a Model Law Structural Engineer (MLSE)?
Model Law Structural Engineer (MLSE) requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an EAC/ABET-accredited program,
- Minimum of 18 semester hours of structural analysis and design courses, of which at least 9 are structural design courses,
- Pass the NCEES FE exam and one of the following:
- 16 hours of NCEES structural exams, 8 hours of which are the Structural II exam taken prior to January 1, 2011
- 16-hour state-written structural exams taken prior to 2004
- NCEES Structural II exam plus 8-hour state-written structural exams taken prior to January 1, 2011
- NCEES 16-hour Structural Engineering exam taken after January 1, 2011
- Four years of acceptable structural engineering work experience
- Clean disciplinary record
What are the requirements to become a Model Law Surveyor (MLS)?
Model Law Surveyor (MLS) requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in surveying from an EAC/ETAC/ASAC/ABET-accredited program
- Four years of acceptable surveying work experience
- Pass the NCEES FS and PS exams
- Clean disciplinary record
How do I obtain a Model Law designation?
When you apply for a record, NCEES staff will review your file to determine if it meets the Model Law criteria. You do not have to request this. If you qualify, your record will include the appropriate designation.
If you are a current Record holder and have taken steps that qualify for MLSE status since the initial approval of your application, log in to your MyNCEES account to request a review to determine your eligibility. A $50 fee is required at the time of the request.
What are the Model Law and Model Rules?
The NCEES Model Law and Model Rules are governing documents that outline best practices for the licensure of professional engineers and surveyors. They guide state licensing boards as they develop laws and rules that regulate these professions.