A certificate of registration may not be renewed unless the firm has at least one ________ as a full time employee before the expiration of the certificate of registration to be renewed.

• A. Qualified RME
• B. Licensed RME
• C. Registered Technician
• D. Designated Supervisor

Answer: (B)

Having a licensed RME ensures there is a qualified professional who is legally authorized to assume responsibility for all professional engineering activities the firm undertakes. The renewal hinges on this because the licensed RME is the person who can supervise, review, and legally endorse the firm’s work. A licensed RME carries the required accountability and licensure to practice in the jurisdiction, which is essential for renewing the firm’s certificate of registration.

If a certified but unlicensed person were the RME, or if someone like a Registered Technician or a non-licensed supervisory role were the only designated professional, the firm wouldn’t meet regulatory requirements for renewal. A Designated Supervisor might oversee daily operations, but without the licensure, they cannot fulfill the professional responsibility duties tied to renewal.