NCBELS Online Renewal Instructions
1. Correct any information in the boxes provided.
2. Enter only Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned in 2023. DO NOT include any carry-over hours in the total number of PDHs reported. Those hours will automatically be calculated with the hours reported for this year to determine total PDHs. Add leading zeros if necessary (015). It is the licensee’s responsibility to keep track of PDHs, including carry-over hours.
3. Before checking YES, to the question regarding CPC requirements, review the CPC exemptions/non-resident CPC requirements found in the renewal instructions.
Checking YES signifies that you have complied with the Continuing Professional Competency requirements having earned a minimum of 15 PDHs in 2023 or combined with carry-over PDHs from 2022 have a minimum of 15 PDHs; are exempt from the CPC requirements; or are a non-resident licensee who has met the CPC requirement of your jurisdiction. Checking YES will renew your license as Active.
4. Check YES to renew as INACTIVE only if you wish to renew your license as Inactive or have insufficient PDHs to renew as Active.
5. Indicate the address (business or residence) where you prefer to receive correspondence from the Board by checking the appropriate circle.
6. The Board primarily communicates with licensees by email. You are encouraged to provide your email address so you can receive renewal reminders, notice of Rule changes, newsletters, etc. As public record the email address is subject to disclosure.
7. Renewals after January 31, 2024 will be subject to a reinstatement fee of $100.00 (late payment total is $175.00).
8. Per Board Rule 21 NCAC 56.0505(a) and 21 NCAC 56.0606(a), you are required to provide the physical places of business and residential addresses. You can still provide a PO Box for your mailing address. You can login to the Licensees Only section on the Board’s web site at any time to update your addresses and e-mail. Also, you are required to give notice to the Board of a change of business or residential address within 30 days of the change.
Active vs. Inactive
In order to offer or provide engineering or land surveying services in North Carolina, your license must be Active, which means you must comply with the Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) requirements and obtain Professional Development Hours (PDHs), unless otherwise exempted per NC requirements.
If you do not plan to offer or provide engineering or land surveying services in North Carolina in the near future, you have the option to renew your license as Inactive. By claiming Inactive status, you are exempt from Continuing Professional Competency requirements but may not offer or provide engineering or land surveying in North Carolina. A licensee who has claimed Inactive status may return to Active status by attaining PDHs in accordance with Board Rule .1708 for each year exempted, not to exceed 30 PDHs. A licensee filing for Inactive status is not exempt from the renewal fee or reinstatement fee for late payment.
Exemptions
The following are exemptions to the Continuing Professional Competency requirements:
A new licensee by way of examination or comity is exempt for their first renewal. This does not include a reinstated licensee.
If currently licensed by and in good standing (license is not suspended or revoked) with the Board, a licensee who is serving in the armed forces of the United States and who is eligible for an extension of time to file a tax return pursuant to G.S. 105-249.2 is granted a waiver of the mandatory continuing education requirements for the time period disregarded pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. 7508. The request for exemption must be made in writing and must include supporting documentation. (See Board Rule .1707(2)) The licensee may also receive a waiver of the renewal fee per Board Rule .0506, .0607.
A licensee experiencing physical disability, illness, or other extenuating circumstances as reviewed and approved by the Board may be exempt. The request for exemption must be made in writing and must include supporting documentation.
A licensee that has renewed as Inactive.
Non-resident CPC Requirements
Licensees who are residents of jurisdictions other than North Carolina shall meet the CPC requirements of their resident jurisdiction. If the licensee resides in a jurisdiction that has no Continuing Professional Competency requirements, or the licensee is exempt from the CPC requirements in the licensee's resident jurisdiction, the licensee must meet the requirements of North Carolina.