Certificate Of Authorization (COA) – Qualifications

The Board issues and maintains Certificate of Authorization (COA) licenses to firms that provide or offer to provide engineering and or surveying services.  The one exception to this requirement is where the firm is a sole proprietorship* practicing in the name of the licensee.

The rules also provide that only firms holding a COA are authorized to use the terms “Engineer”, “Engineering”, “Survey” or “Surveying” or any other form of those words in their title.  If you have questions about this requirement, you are encouraged to call the Board’s office at 501-682-2824.

A Certificate of Authorization (COA) is issued to a firm. It’s necessary in order to provide or offer to provide engineering and or surveying services through a firm – Code of Arkansas Rules, 17 CAR §285-307.  The requirements to obtain a COA are:

• Apply for a License ONLINE, pay your $150.00 application fee, and provide basic information about the firm; and
• Designate an individual who is licensed in this state as being responsible for the firm’s engineering and or surveying activities.  

*A sole proprietorship, is a type of business entity that is owned and run by one person and there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business.  

For more information about the licensure process, including how to apply, fees, cutoff dates, & approval process, please visit Certificate of Authorization (COA) – Licensure Overview.