Contributor: Jordan Ellis
Professional engineers in Tennessee hold positions of significant trust. The public, employers, and regulatory bodies rely on P.E.s to act with integrity, competence, and care. To help ensure these high standards are maintained, the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners enforces rules designed to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
This article reviews real disciplinary cases issued by the Board between 2010 and 2017, highlighting the most common violations, the penalties issued, and what engineers can do to avoid these mistakes. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, understanding these cases can help you protect your license and maintain a strong professional reputation.
Related content: What are the Most Common Ethics Violations for Professional Engineers.
Real Cases: Disciplinary Actions Against Tennessee P.E.s
The Tennessee Board has issued disciplinary actions for a variety of engineering-related violations. These cases involve failures to comply with laws and rules, unlicensed practice, and violations of professional conduct standards. Below is a table summarizing actual disciplinary actions taken against engineers during the review period.
Each entry includes the license or case number, a summary of the violation, the penalty imposed, and any fines assessed.
| License/Case # | Summary of Violation | Penalty | Fine |
| 25727 | Failed to notify the Board of a felony conviction | Law and rules exam | $1,000 |
| 21639 | Failed to notify of out-of-state disciplinary action | Law and rules exam | $1,000 |
| 26638 | Used engineer seal after license expiration | Law and rules exam | $1,000 |
| 24044 | Practiced engineering on expired license | Law and rules exam | $1,000 |
| 16317 | Practiced engineering on expired license | Law and rules exam | $1,000 |
| 21216 | Practiced engineering on expired license | Law and rules exam | $500 |
| 23278 | Practiced engineering on expired license | Law and rules exam | $500 |
| 20478 | Failed to meet continuing education requirements | Law and rules exam | $500 |
| 22686 | Unlicensed practice and false use of “P.E.” title | Cease and desist; no fine | — |
| 21320 | Unlicensed activity and seal misuse | Cease and desist; law and rules exam | $2,000 |
| 17821 | Fraud related to license renewal | Revocation | — |
This table illustrates a range of professional missteps and the consistent enforcement actions taken by the Board. The most common penalty was requiring the engineer to pass the Tennessee law and rules exam. In more serious or repeated cases, license revocation or high fines were issued.
Failing to notify the Tennessee Board of discipline from another state is a serious violation, an issue that has also been the leading cause of penalties in a series of West Virginia engineering board cases.
Common Violations and How Often They Happen
A review of the disciplinary records shows a clear pattern in the types of violations that most frequently result in enforcement actions against professional engineers in Tennessee. These violations typically fall into a few key categories.
Below is a summary table showing the violation type, the number of occurrences, typical penalties, and the range of fines.
| Type of Violation | Count | Typical Penalty | Fine Range |
| Practicing on an Expired License | 4 | Law and rules exam | $500–$1,000 |
| Failure to Notify Board of Criminal/Other Action | 2 | Law and rules exam | $1,000 |
| Unlicensed Practice / Title Misuse | 2 | Cease and desist, exam | $0–$2,000 |
| Continuing Education Deficiency | 1 | Law and rules exam | $500 |
| Fraudulent Renewal | 1 | License revocation | — |
| Seal Misuse | 1 | Law and rules exam | $1,000 |
The most frequent issue is working on an expired license, often unintentionally. Other common problems include failing to report legal or disciplinary issues from other states, not meeting continuing education requirements, or using engineering credentials without proper authorization.
The most frequent violation in Tennessee is practicing on an expired license, a trend that mirrors the findings in Minnesota’s recent professional engineer disciplinary actions where it was also the primary cause for sanctions.
While Tennessee had a case involving a continuing education deficiency, a review of Nevada PE disciplinary actions shows that non-compliance with CPD requirements is by far the most frequent cause for board enforcement.
These violations may seem administrative, but they carry real consequences. Even first-time offenses typically result in a civil penalty and mandatory re-education through the Board’s law and rules exam.
What Penalties Do Engineers Face in Tennessee?
When professional engineers in Tennessee violate the rules established by the Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners, the consequences can be significant. The Board typically imposes a combination of civil penalties and corrective actions to ensure compliance and protect public safety.
Common Penalties Include:
- Civil Penalties (Fines): Most violations result in fines ranging from $500 to $2,000. The amount depends on the severity and frequency of the offense.
- Mandatory Education: Many respondents are required to take and pass the Board’s Law and Rules Exam as part of their penalty. This helps ensure they understand the ethical and legal standards expected of engineers in the state.
- License Revocation or Suspension: In rare but serious cases, the Board may revoke or suspend a license, especially when fraud or repeated misconduct is involved.
- Consent Orders: Most disciplinary actions are resolved through consent orders, which are formal agreements signed by both the licensee and the Board outlining the terms of the resolution.
These penalties serve both as a corrective measure for the individual and as a deterrent to others. Engineers are expected to maintain not only technical competence but also ethical and professional standards in line with Tennessee law.
How Engineers Can Stay Compliant in Tennessee
Maintaining a professional engineer license in Tennessee involves more than just technical expertise. It requires staying informed, following ethical practices, and adhering to the rules set forth by the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners.
Key Compliance Tips:
- Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the Board’s rules and laws. Many violations occur simply because licensees are unaware of specific requirements.
- Maintain Licensure: Ensure your license is always current. Practicing on an expired license is a common and easily avoidable violation.
- Complete Continuing Education: Keep track of your PDH (Professional Development Hours) and retain documentation in case of an audit.
- Avoid Misrepresentation: Never misrepresent your qualifications or stamp plans not prepared under your direct supervision.
- Respond to the Board: If contacted by the Board regarding a complaint or issue, respond promptly and honestly. Ignoring the Board is a violation in itself.
- Stay Ethical: Follow the NSPE Code of Ethics or similar guidance to navigate gray areas in engineering practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About P.E. Discipline in Tennessee
1. What actions can lead to disciplinary measures by the Tennessee PE Board?
Common causes include practicing without a valid license, failing to complete required continuing education, improper use of an engineering seal, or failing to take responsible charge of engineering work. Misrepresenting credentials or failing to cooperate with investigations can also trigger board action.
2. What penalties does the Tennessee Board typically issue?
Penalties vary by severity and may include civil fines (typically ranging from $500 to $2,000), written reprimands, license suspension, and mandatory completion of the Board’s law and rules exam. In some cases, the engineer may also be required to take ethics or technical courses.
3. Can an engineer continue practicing while under investigation?
It depends on the nature of the alleged violation. If the engineer’s license is still active and the investigation has not resulted in a suspension or cease-and-desist order, they may continue practicing. However, this may change depending on the findings of the board.
4. How can I check if a Tennessee P.E. has been disciplined?
The Tennessee Board publishes disciplinary actions on its website and in public reports. You can also search for individual licensees using the board’s online license lookup tool.
5. How can I avoid disciplinary action as a licensed engineer?
Maintain your license in good standing, fulfill continuing education requirements, follow responsible charge protocols, avoid stamping work not under your direct supervision, and respond promptly and professionally to any board inquiries.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your License and Reputation
As a licensed Professional Engineer in Tennessee, your license is more than just a credential. It represents your commitment to public safety, ethical practice, and professional accountability. The disciplinary actions reviewed in this article highlight how even experienced engineers can face serious consequences when they overlook regulatory obligations or ethical standards.
To protect your license and your reputation, stay informed about board requirements, complete your continuing education on time, and always ensure you’re in responsible charge of your work.