Independent judgment. Accountable work.
The law, intact.
California’s 2026 Professional Engineers Act. Official text first; this site’s explanation kept separate.
Official source · California BPELSG · Checked 10 October 2026
Professional Engineers Act
The Board’s 2026 publication covers Business and Professions Code sections 6700–6799 and amendments made in 2025, effective January 1, 2026 unless otherwise noted. The complete publication is available below, directly from the Board.
Open the complete 2026 Act (PDF) ↗
Read the full official Act on this page
The PDF may open more comfortably in its own tab on a phone. The link above remains available when the embedded reader is unsupported.
BPC §6703 / Definition
Independent control and direction.
“independent control and direction, by the use of initiative, skill, and independent judgment”
Section 6703 defines responsible charge in relation to the investigation or design of professional engineering work, or direct engineering control of such projects. It distinguishes this concept from financial liability.
Regulation / Separate source
Board Rule 404.1
The Board’s rules explain the control over engineering decisions and the professional knowledge involved. Consult the current Board source alongside the Act; statutes and regulations are not interchangeable.