Professional Engineers (PEs) in Minnesota are held to high ethical and technical standards to ensure public safety and uphold the integrity of the profession. But even experienced engineers can make mistakes, whether through oversight, negligence, or intentional misconduct.
When this happens, the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID (Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design) investigates and issues disciplinary actions ranging from fines to license revocation.
This article provides a detailed look at the disciplinary process for Minnesota engineers, including real-world cases from 2024 and 2025. Whether you’re a licensed PE, an aspiring engineer, or a firm owner, understanding the types of violations and consequences can help you avoid similar pitfalls.
Read on to explore the most common infractions, how complaints are handled, and what you can do to protect your license and professional reputation.
You may also like my article What are the Most Common Ethics Violations for Professional Engineers.
What Constitutes a Disciplinary Violation in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, licensed professional engineers are expected to comply with both the rules of professional conduct and the legal obligations defined by the Board of AELSLAGID. A disciplinary violation occurs when a PE fails to meet these standards, either through negligent practice, ethical breaches, or failure to comply with state regulations.
Some of the most common causes for disciplinary action include:
- Practicing engineering without a valid license
- Misrepresenting qualifications or credentials
- Failing to sign and seal engineering documents
- Violating continuing education requirements
- Failing to notify the Board of disciplinary actions taken in another state
- Submitting false or misleading information to the Board
Types of Penalties Issued to Minnesota Engineers
The Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID has the authority to impose a range of penalties depending on the severity and nature of a violation. Penalties are designed not only to hold engineers accountable, but also to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the profession.
Common penalties issued include:
- Reprimands: A formal notice of violation placed on the engineer’s record.
- Civil Penalties: Fines typically ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on the infraction.
- License Suspension or Revocation: For serious or repeat offenses, engineers may lose the right to practice for a set time or permanently.
- Cease and Desist Orders: Issued to individuals practicing without a license or engaging in unauthorized activities.
- Mandatory Continuing Education: In some cases, engineers are required to complete additional PDH (Professional Development Hours) to address knowledge gaps.
Most disciplinary cases in Minnesota involve a combination of penalties. For example, a reprimand paired with a fine and a requirement to complete additional training or report out-of-state actions. These measures reflect the Board’s goal of ensuring compliance while offering opportunities for professional correction.
Real Cases: Minnesota PE Disciplinary Actions (2024–2025)
Here’s a summary of actual enforcement actions taken by the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID against Professional Engineers during 2024 and 2025:
| Case Number | Violation Summary | Penalty | Fine |
| 23087 | Practiced engineering while license was expired | Cease-and-desist order | $2,000 |
| 58681 | Misrepresented qualifications online and offered services without firm licensure | Cease-and-desist order | $2,000 |
| 47289 | Practiced engineering with expired license and without firm licensure | Cease-and-desist order | $2,000 |
| 23189 | Practiced engineering with expired license and offered services without licensure | Cease-and-desist order | $2,000 |
| 20002 | Failed to report out-of-state disciplinary action to Minnesota Board | Cease-and-desist order | $1,000 |
| 49395 | Practiced engineering and used PE title after license expiration | Cease-and-desist order | $2,000 |
| 51801 | Offered engineering services without a required Certificate of Authorization | Cease-and-desist order | $1,000 |
| 49780 | Signed and certified design documents while license was expired | Cease-and-desist order | $2,000 |
| 46782 | Practiced without any Minnesota PE license | Cease-and-desist order | $2,000 |
| 57383 | Held out as a PE on firm website while license was expired | Cease-and-desist order | $2,000 |
Firms offering engineering services in Minnesota must hold a valid Certificate of Authorization, and failure to comply can lead to sanctions, a policy that is also strictly enforced by the Ohio engineering board.
Summary of Violations by Type
A review of the disciplinary cases from 2024 and 2025 reveals clear trends in the types of violations committed by professional engineers in Minnesota. The most common infractions involved practicing without a valid license or failing to obtain a firm license.
Below is a breakdown of the violations by type, along with the number of occurrences, typical penalties, and the range of fines.
| Violation Type | Number of Cases | Typical Penalty | Fine Range |
| Practicing engineering with an expired license | 5 | Cease-and-desist order | $2,000 |
| Offering services without firm licensure | 3 | Cease-and-desist order | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Misrepresentation or improper use of PE title | 2 | Cease-and-desist order | $2,000 |
| Failure to report out-of-state discipline | 1 | Cease-and-desist order | $1,000 |
These statistics show that most violations stem from administrative oversights rather than technical misconduct. However, each case still triggered enforcement action and financial penalties.
While only one recent case in Minnesota involved failure to report out-of-state discipline, a review of West Virginia’s enforcement actions shows how frequently this same violation can lead to fines and public reprimands. The misuse of a professional title or practicing with a lapsed license are serious matters, but the consequences can become severe—including license revocation—when combined with a failure to cooperate with the Board, as illustrated in these Kentucky PE disciplinary cases.
How the Disciplinary Process Works in Minnesota
Minnesota’s Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design follows a structured and transparent disciplinary process designed to uphold public trust and maintain high professional standards.
1. Complaint Submission
Anyone, clients, employers, peers, or members of the public, can file a complaint against a licensed professional. Complaints typically relate to unlicensed practice, ethics violations, or breaches of state law.
2. Initial Review
The Board reviews the complaint to determine whether it falls under its jurisdiction and whether it warrants further investigation. Some minor complaints may be resolved without formal discipline.
3. Investigation
If the Board proceeds, an investigation is conducted. This may include document requests, interviews, and records reviews. The engineer is notified and given a chance to respond.
4. Board Action
Following the investigation, the Board may take one of the following actions:
- Dismissal if no violation is found.
- Warning or Letter of Concern for minor issues.
- Consent Order if the licensee agrees to settle the matter with defined penalties.
- Formal Hearing for more serious or contested cases.
5. Penalties Issued
Penalties may include fines, a cease-and-desist order, required continuing education, or even license suspension or revocation.
6. Publication
Disciplinary actions are made public through the Board’s website and are published in regular bulletins. This transparency promotes accountability across the profession.
How to Report a Professional Engineer in Minnesota
If you suspect a Minnesota professional engineer has violated licensure laws or ethical standards, you can submit a complaint to the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID. The Board investigates all complaints to determine whether a violation occurred and, if so, what disciplinary action is appropriate.
Steps to File a Complaint:
1. Prepare Your Information
Gather documentation and details, including:
- The engineer’s name and license number (if available)
- A clear description of the issue
- Supporting evidence (emails, contracts, reports, etc.)
2. Complete the Complaint Form
Download the official complaint form from the Board’s website.
3. Submit the Form
Send the completed form and supporting materials via:
- Email: aelslagid@state.mn.us
- Mail:
Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID
85 East 7th Place, Suite 160
Paul, MN 55101
4. Board Review and Investigation
The Board reviews all submissions and determines whether further investigation is needed. You may be contacted for additional information.
Confidentiality and Retaliation
Complaints may be submitted anonymously, but doing so could limit the Board’s ability to investigate. The Board treats all complaints seriously and prohibits retaliation against those who file in good faith.
Frequently Asked Questions About PE Discipline in Minnesota
1. What kinds of actions can lead to disciplinary measures?
Disciplinary actions are typically issued for violations such as practicing without a license, failing to complete continuing education, submitting false information on applications, and breaching ethical standards outlined by the Board.
2. What penalties can be imposed on a licensed engineer?
Penalties may include civil fines, formal reprimands, license suspension, probation, or even revocation, depending on the severity and nature of the violation.
3. Will a disciplinary action become public record?
Yes. All final disciplinary orders issued by the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID are public and published on the Board’s website for transparency and public awareness.
4. Can an engineer continue practicing during an investigation?
Generally, yes. Unless the Board issues an emergency suspension or determines the violation poses a significant risk to the public.
5. Can an engineer appeal a disciplinary action?
Yes. Engineers have the right to a contested case hearing and can appeal decisions through appropriate legal channels as outlined by Minnesota administrative law procedures.
6. How often does the Board take disciplinary action?
While most engineers comply with rules and regulations, the Board takes several disciplinary actions each year, which are publicly posted and serve as educational resources for other licensees.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your License and Reputation
Minnesota engineers can avoid disciplinary action by staying current with license renewals, accurately reporting qualifications, and following the Board’s rules. Most violations are preventable with careful attention to compliance. Protecting your license means protecting your reputation and career.