California PE Stamp

[ivanga7]

I am looking to buy my stamp after passing the California Civil PE exam. I got a notification from the board saying that my license number is Cxxxxx. Do I need to include the "C" that is right before my license number or could I just have "No. xxxxx"? I don't think I've seen any civil seals with the "C" at the beginning and I rather not have it on my stamp.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

After a 10 second internet search I believe you do need the "C". Check the laws for California; they'll dictate what needs to appear on the stamp.

Also, congratulations!

Professional and Structural Engineer (ME, NH, MA)
American Concrete Industries

http://www.americanconcrete.com

 

[SLTA]

I bet a super-quick call to the California board would answer that question. And congrats!

Please remember: we're not all guys!

 

[Lomarandil]

Note that rule 411 requires you to list the discipline ("branch or authority") in the stamp.

We've never used the letter ("Cxxxxx") in our stamps, and have gone through a lot of really nit-picky reviews.

My understanding is that the number is your number, and is the "legal designation" for lack of better terms. The letter is just a shorthand for what type of license you have.

 

[ivanga7]

Thank you guys. I called the California board but was sent straight to voicemail, hopefully they will return my call soon. I believe Lomarandil is right because this is how I've seen all civil stamps.

 

[Hokie93]

My California civil PE and structural stamps only have the license number (no prefixes). The stamps are in compliance with the Board rules unless they have very recently changed. As Lomarandil indicated, the stamp does need to include the discipline (civil, in your case).

 

[wannabeSE]

ivanga7

Let us know what the board says. I have a C prefix on my stamp and everyone I work with has the prefix on their CA seals. If I had to guess, I would say that many people include the prefix but it is not required.

The board requirements are at 411 (pdf page 11) at

http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/laws/boardrules.pdf

I looked at some OSHPD preapproved details that are sealed at

http://www.oshpd.ca.gov/fdd/Pre-Approval/preapprovalMfgCert-wTemplate.html

and it goes both ways.

 

[fel3]

I am a licensed civil engineer in California, c.1982. Both my certificate and my stamp have "No. #####" without the prefix "C". However, both also have the word "Civil" nearby. My wallet card has "C #####" (with several spaces) under the words "CERTIFICATE NO." and the words 'CIVIL ENGINEER" are nearby. Finally, I have seen stamps with and without the prefix "C".

==========
"Is it the only lesson of history that mankind is unteachable?"
--Winston S. Churchill

 

[JStephen]

When I got my first license, that board required you to submit a sample stamp with it. Many, maybe most, of the other boards haven't, but I've generally sent one in anyway, and figured they couldn't reasonably complain about it later if they didn't say anything at the time I got it.
I normally use my middle name and last name, no first name, on stamps, and have just had to run that by the boards (prior to ordering the stamps), with varying results.

 

[ivanga7]

I finally got a hold of the board and they could not give me a definite answer. I asked if I would be breaking any rules if I omitted the "C" prefix from my license number. They responded with the following: "I cannot say that you would be in violation of any rules. All I can say is that the "C" is part of the license number". She then referred me to Section 411 of the Board Rules, but I feel that they are a little vague.

 

[KootK]

Not an especially satisfying answer. I had the C&S included on my California stamps. It seemed like a conservative approach to me. Who's gonna object to some extra information, right?

As an aside, the licensing boards of the various states seem to have wildly varying attitudes regarding customer service. Some examples that stand out to me:

Washington/Orengon: extremely helpful and attentive to my needs. Pro-KootK and deserving of Xmas cards.

Illinois: I sometimes wonder if they are actively trying to prevent me from being licensed. Anti-KootK

California: seemingly ambivalent to my needs. KootK-Apathetic. Probably no Xmas card.

Although, I suppose that it is stretch for me to really consider myself a customer in these interactions.


I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[Hokie93]

Using the "License Lookup" feature on the California PE Board website, it is clear the license number is comprised only of digits. The "C" or "S" letter refers to the "type" of license (civil, structural, etc.). Perhaps it is permissible to include the letter on your stamp but I don't believe it is necessary.

 

[MillR]

I've have the C and the S on my CA seals.

But to KootK:
The Illinois board is absolutely impossible; do not ever let your license lapse there.
My favorite state is Wyoming. I called them up, asked the human that answered how to change my name, and she said: Just tell me what name you'd like to change it to and I can do that right now. You don't need a notarized form in triplicate with copies of every possible kind of ID and a meeting of the board that only happens three times a year resulting in me just continuing to use my old name?
Nope. Why would someone lie about changing their name on their PE license?
Good question, one I'd like to ask Illinois.

 

[sandman21]

Page 11 and 12

 

[KootK]

If you look up a particular license number on the CA lookup thingy, you may well get more than one registrant. Does that mean that the letter designation is legally required? Nope. Does it mean that, independent of a name, you'd require the letter designation to uniquely identify a particular registrant. Yup. Although, for the sake of the actual stamps, however, listing "Branch" would surely alleviate any confusion.

The Illinois board is absolutely impossible; do not ever let your license lapse there.

Funny you should mention that. In 2014, I discovered that my Canadian continuing education credits did not satisfy the letter of the law for IL because they weren't formal PDH's. Being the angel that I am, I self reported that. IL yanked my license and I set to work watching every AISC PDH webinar I could find. I just submitted my fourth letter to the board last week and am still sans-SE in Illinois.

The truth shall set you free enslave you utterly.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[sandman21]

Your branch must be designated, you can have it like my stamp with Civil at the bottom or like others with CXXXXXX

 

[DETstru]

I have a "C" before my number for my California PE stamp.