2026, No. 1

“… to establish and maintain a high standard of integrity, skills, and practice in the technical professions and to safeguard the health, safety, property, and welfare of the public …” (K.S.A. 74-7004)

What You Should Know About Professional Licensing

Professional licensing is a public policy issue that is often discussed yet not always understood well. Here are some answers to the most important questions about licensing and its role.

What is professional licensing?

Professional licensing is the process individuals undertake to earn specific credentials that indicate minimum levels of competency in professions. The processes of becoming and remaining licensed professionals involve rigorous training, exams, and ongoing education to ensure the individuals know about and deliver standards that defend and enhance the health, safety, property, and welfare of the public they serve.

Why does professional licensing matter?

Professions that require licensing do so because they are charged with the health, safety, and integrity of systems on which the public relies. Professional licenses establish standards for competency that are critical in professions that affect public safety, trust, welfare, and property rights – such as the design of buildings and the construction of public and private spaces. Professional licensing is rigorous for a reason.

How does licensing protect consumers and the public?

Professional licensing protects consumers and the public by ensuring baseline levels of proven qualification and expertise. It is an important verification of competency that ensures professionals are qualified to protect the public’s health, safety, property, and welfare. The public recognizes and values professional licensing, and there is trust in the rigor. Professional licensing also protects consumers from unqualified practitioners. That is particularly critical in highly complex, technical professions where consumers do not have the specialized knowledge needed to evaluate qualifications and performance. Among voters surveyed in 2019, nearly 75% believed professional licensing was important for public safety.

How does licensing help professionals?

Responsible professional licensing creates defined pathways for professionals based on verified competencies. It helps level playing fields by setting clear, evenly applied levels of qualification and removing subjectivity. That is particularly important in helping newcomers enter professions. Moreover, well-structured licensing systems establish consistency in the qualifications upon which reciprocity and mobility rely. Professional licensing establishes uniform standards and requirements. That uniformity establishes baselines of trust in licensing among the jurisdictions that make it possible for professionals to move from one to another and have their licenses acknowledged. Without that level of confidence, jurisdictions would be less inclined to accept others’ licenses.

Why are professions often treated differently than occupations?

There is an important distinction between highly complex, technical professions and trades, vocations, and occupations. Professions like engineering, land surveying, architecture, landscape architecture, and geology are granted high levels of public trust and directly affect public safety. Those professions are vested with the responsibility to certify the quality and integrity of their work, and that “seal of approval” is a social contract with the public. Because of that, they must meet rigorous educational requirements, undergo psychometrically supported examinations, and gain extensive professional experience to perform their duties with integrity, quality, and reliability.

How do licensing boards protect the public?

Professional licensing boards are responsible for protecting the public by establishing responsible licensing standards, ensuring compliance with the standards, and sanctioning bad actors. Those who serve on licensing boards are charged with (A) overseeing and enforcing the laws enacted by their legislatures to ensure professions are adhering to standards that fulfill their public-protection mandates and (B) preserving the credibility, validity, and reliability of the licenses they represent.

Does licensing limit competition?

Good licensing systems encourage competition because they establish consistent standards and facilitate reciprocity, which enables professional mobility. The ability for professionals to move and practice across jurisdictions increases the number of them available in the marketplace.

Can licensing be improved?

It is important that professional licensing recognizes and keeps pace with the needs of increasingly mobile professionals and the modern economy. Responsible professional licensing also should be responsive to the needs of modern professionals by helping to facilitate licensure and reciprocity across jurisdictions. Responsible licensing models protect the public while also providing individuals with clear career paths and consistent, evenly applied requirements.

This article is based on information from the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL) and does not reflect any official stance taken by or views of the Board.

2025–2026 Board Members

	Trudy Faulkner, Arch., Chair		Bill Haverkamp, P.S., Vice Chair		Jennifer Taylor, P.E., Secretary		Kimberly Kramer, P.E., Past Chair
		John Lilak, P.S., PE/PS Cmte Chair			Doug Louis, P.G., Arch/LA/PG Cmte Chair
	Mike Armour, P.E., P.S.		Derek Jackson, Public Member		Joe Johnson, Arch.		Carisa McMullen, L.A.
		Wendy Ornelas, Arch.		Jack Poole, P.E.		Heidi Thummel, Public Member

Jackson Elected to Leadership Position

One of KSBTP’s public members, Derek Jackson, Ph.D., associate vice president for community building at Kansas State University, recently was elected to serve a three-year presidential cycle for the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International. Appointed by the governor in July 2024, he serves on the Board’s Arch/LA/PG Committee.

Next Committee & Board Meetings

The next round of committee and Board meetings will be July 16–17, 2026. Agendas will be available on the KSBTP and Kansas Public Square websites by July 9. To subscribe to meeting notices, click here.

New Licensing Services Portal Is on the Horizon

As part of KSBTP’s ongoing commitment to improving services for licensees, the agency is preparing to launch a new online licensing platform in fall 2027.

The updated system is being designed to provide a more modern, streamlined, and user-friendly experience for individuals applying for, managing, renewing, and reinstating licenses. The new platform will introduce improved online accessibility, more efficient workflows, and a more electronic process to improve support for both current and future licensees.

While the technology supporting the licensing process is being modernized, it is important to note that licensing requirements, renewal timelines, and the agency’s oversight responsibilities will remain unchanged.

To help support a smooth transition to the new system, licensees are encouraged to review their current information on file with the agency and ensure contact details and mailing information are up to date. Maintaining accurate information will help the agency provide timely updates and communications throughout the transition process.

The Board appreciates your continued partnership and looks forward to introducing the enhanced licensing system soon.

Frequently Asked Questions About PRCs

To operate in Kansas, a business that practices any of the technical professions must hold a Certificate of Authorization (COA). To obtain a certificate, the business must designate one or more of its principals as being in responsible charge.

Who can be a principal in responsible charge (PRC)?

To be a PRC, a person must meet the following requirements.

1. Serve as an officer, member of the board of directors, member of a limited liability company, or partner in a company offering technical services;
2. Be licensed in one of the technical professions; and
3. Be a regular employee of and an active participant in the business.

What does a PRC do?

A PRC supervises the activities and decisions of the company regarding the profession in which the person is licensed. For example, in an architecture firm, the PRC oversees the firm’s architectural activities.

Does a company that offers services in multiple fields need multiple PRCs?

Possibly. A person may serve as a PRC only in a field in which she or he is licensed. For example, if a business provides engineering and land surveying services, a person licensed in both fields may serve as PRC of both. If the business also offers services in a field in which that person is not licensed (architecture, for example), the business must appoint an additional PRC for that field.

Does the PRC directly supervise every licensee in the business?

Not necessarily. A business decides how to organize itself internally. One business could have the PRC directly supervise licensees. Another could have project leaders who oversee licensees. If the PRC ultimately supervises the activities and decisions of the whole company, either is fine.

Does a PRC have to be a full-time employee?

No. A PRC may be either a full-time or part-time employee. However, the person must be an active participant in the business.

May an independent contractor or temporary employee be a PRC?

No. A PRC must be a “regular employee” of the business. Independent contractors are not employees of the business. And temporary employees are not regular employees; they are hired for a limited time to fulfill short-term needs.

Where is there more information about PRCs?

See generally K.S.A. 74-7003 and K.S.A. 74-7036.

Under the Dome: Summarizing the ’26 Legislative Session

	The west panel of the Statehouse dome murals, “Peace, Science, Art”

The governor signed HB 2513 on April 8. It increased the Board’s fiscal year 2027 expenditure limitation from $875,120 to $885,516 to allow for the salary increases approved during the 2025 legislative session.

HB 2588 originally proposed statewide electrician licensing by KSBTP. The House commerce committee passed it with an amendment to issue those licenses from the State Fire Marshal office. It stayed that way through the Senate commerce committee but eventually died on general orders in the Senate.

Some of the other 13 bills the Board monitored:

• Sub for HB 2114, requiring any licensed Professional Engineer who conducts required dam inspections to be approved by the State Agriculture Department’s chief engineer or to be a certified Intern Engineer who is under the supervision of such a licensed Professional Engineer (approved by the governor)
• HB 2592, creating the Kansas Task Force on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies to study such technologies and make recommendations to the Legislature (the House committee on legislative modernization heard the bill but never worked it)
• HB 2719, creating a process for certain rules and regulations to receive priority status in the adoption process (veto overridden)
• HB 2739, relating to fire safety and prevention rules and regulations; removing the definition of apartment houses from chapter 31 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated; providing requirements for adoption of the international fire code, 2024 edition (approved by the governor)
• SB 30, providing for occupational licensing annual reports by agencies to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules & Regulations and requiring that adoption of new occupational licenses and material changes to existing occupational licenses by a state agency be approved by the Legislature by ratification (veto overridden)
• SB 418, enacting the By-Right Housing Development Act, providing a streamlined permit approval process for by-right housing developments; allowing for third-party review of new residential construction development documents and inspection of improvements (approved by the governor)

Next ASBOG Testing Event Will Be in October

The National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) is preparing for the fall 2026 exams scheduled for October 1–2.

KSBTP encourages candidates to apply early to ensure their applications include all required documentation before the deadlines. For a complete list of the current testing sites, visit the Prometric website by clicking here. For more information, visit the Geologists page on the KSBTP website.

Access the ASBOG Examinee Candidate Handbook by clicking here. The handbook is the official guide to policies and procedures for the ASBOG national geology examinations. The guide provides important information to exam candidates regarding scope, content and development of the licensure exams, a step-by-step guide to register and pay for the computer-based exams and select a testing location, and example practice questions to help prepare for the examinations.

ASBOG has a Fundamentals of Geology (FG) prep course available. It is an immersive, on-demand, fully online course, designed to empower candidates for the FG exam. For more information, visit ASBOG’s website by clicking here.

KSBTP Is on LinkedIn

Follow KSBTP on LinkedIn for renewal reminders, updates from the national licensure examination councils, announcements from the Board office, meeting agendas, and more.

KSBTP is developing a LinkedIn strategy to reach its audiences with important information about the role it plays in protecting Kansans and serving professionals; professional licensing procedures for individuals and businesses; and career opportunities that are crucial to the economic health of the state. Posts also will celebrate and recognize the professionals KSBTP serves and the Board members who share their time and expertise.

Renewal Dates for 2026

If you or your license has been disciplined since your last renewal, you must complete the paper form and mail your renewal, your payment, and all legal paperwork associated with the discipline to the Board office.

You may not practice or offer to practice a technical profession in Kansas after the expiration date until successfully renewed or reinstated.

Check Your License & COA Expiration Dates on KLVP

On the new Kansas License Verification Portal (KLVP), start by selecting “Kansas Board of Technical Professions (KSBTP)” as the licensing body. Then select your profession (architecture, engineering, geology, landscape architecture, or surveying) to check your license. Select “Facility-Technical Professions” to check your COA (Certificate of Authorization).

Share Your Expertise in Service to the Professions

KSBTP is seeking licensed professionals in each of the technical professions (engineering, architecture, land surveying, landscape architecture, and geology) to serve as investigators as needed. On behalf of the Board, investigators examine complaints concerning the unlicensed practice of a technical profession or the failure of a licensee to meet professional standards.

KSBTP pays $120 per hour if an investigation is completed and the report is submitted within 30 days of receiving the case file. If a report is submitted more than 30 days after receiving the file, the compensation is $80 per hour. Investigators also are reimbursed for related out-of-pocket expenses.

If interested in serving as an investigator for the Board, contact ksbtpadmin@ks.gov and attach a current résumé. State of Kansas employees are not eligible.

Useful Links

🖰 Kansas Technical Professions Act (K.S.A. 74-7001 et seq.)

🖰 KSBTP Administrative Regulations (K.A.R. 66-1-1 et seq.)

🖰 Kansas State Board of Technical Professions (KSBTP)

🖰 National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)

🖰 National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)

🖰 Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB)

🖰 National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG)

License & Certificate Counts

As of March 31, 2026.

Congratulations, New Licensees

By exam, between July 1 and December 31, 2025.

Architect

Landscape Architect

Professional Engineer

Professional Geologist

Professional Surveyor

Disciplinary Actions

There were no revocations, suspensions, or aggregate fines of $500 or greater issued to licensees or Certificates of Authorization (COAs) between July 1 and December 31, 2025.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the enforcement information here is correct; however, it should not be relied upon without verification from the Board office. Note that the names of listed individuals and companies may be similar to those of parties that have not had enforcement actions taken against them. Disciplinary orders are public information, and copies may be obtained by contacting the Board office.

Complaints Procedure: To notify the Board of an alleged violation or to file a complaint, use the File a Complaint form provided on its website. The form must be submitted to the Board office with complete information, including the name and address of the person submitting it.

Technical Submissions is the newsletter of the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions.

The information in this newsletter is provided as a public service to enhance public education. It is not intended to take the place of statutory law, regulations, or guidance documents. Such information is subject to change. This information is not legal advice, so if you have additional questions or need clarification, consult with your own legal counsel for assistance or legal advice.

785-296-3053 • ksbtpadmin@ks.gov • www.ksbtp.ks.gov

Executive Director, Brad Parker • Office Manager, Megan Hughes Jasman • Licensing Administrator, Kimberly Ochoa • Licensing Technician, Maria Sanchez • Administrative Assistant, Stephanie Bresler