News

Former BRPELS Board member Chun Lau, PE, SE, FSEI, FASCE received a Special Service Award this week, from the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations Summit, in San Francisco.

Chun has dedicated much of his career to advancing the structural engineering profession through extensive volunteer service. He served for 10 years on the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors, including two terms as Chair and has held leadership and examination roles with NCEES.

A strong advocate for structural engineering licensure,…

BRPELS is seeking a collaborative, forward thinking Deputy Director to help guide the future of engineering, land surveying and on site professions statewide. 
 
We are a small, proactive and cohesive agency that values professionalism, community engagement, soft skills development and continuous learning. This role is a chance to expand your knowledge of laws and rules, contribute to public protection and make a meaningful statewide impact.
 
As our Director moves toward retirement, we’re double filling this position to support succession planning and ensure…

BRPELS joined the University of Washington, Tacoma to host a “Meet & Greet,” for engineering students, local engineering employers and professors. About 80 people attended the event, with students learning about possible internships, future jobs, earning an EIT certificate and eventual PE license. Several engineering students also attended from St. Martin's University in Olympia. The gathering was held Wednesday evening, October 21, 2026.

BRPELS coordinates these events at local colleges and universities as part of its outreach and education. The agency has held similar…

In early 2027, BRPELS is transitioning to a new licensing system. Processing applications, renewals, and other licensing transactions will be limited during this transition. We highly recommend visiting our…

Ade J. Bright, PE, SE, has been appointed by Governor Bob Ferguson as a new Board member for the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS).

Ade is a distinguished structural engineer and the founder and president of Bright Engineering, Inc., based in Seattle. With a career spanning over 48 years, he holds both a B.S. in Civil Engineering (1976) and an M.S. in Structural Engineering (1977) from the University of Washington.

Licensed as a Professional Engineer and Structural Engineer in Washington, Oregon and Colorado, Ade has earned a…

If you have been affected by wildfires, BRPELS and other state agencies are helping licensees and businesses with license renewals and other processes. If you need help contact us. Here's a link to the Governor’s emergency proclamation, suspending some state laws to help those impacted by wildfires. 

Several Washington PLS’s report a survey scam posing as a legitimate prospective customer. It looks like a normal request for professional services — but it’s actually a money trap that could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Here’s How the Scam Works

As exams and experience are now decoupled, do not apply to BRPELS until you pass the NCEES exams AND meet our qualifications, listed in both WAC and RCW.

A warning: applicants must provide all requested documentation within the required time frame, or the application may be abandoned and any fees paid will be forfeited.

What is decoupling?

Decoupling is separating experience from the exam. This means that the examinee…

Our agency newsmagazine…

June 23rd is International Women in Engineering Day!

- Support women to achieve their potential as engineers, applied scientists and leaders and to reward excellence.
- Encourage and promote the education, study and application of engineering.
- Work with organizations and influencers to promote gender diversity and equality in the workplace.

Learn more here.