When applied to design professionals, professional registration means licensure in the fields of engineering or architecture.

• A. Licensure in engineering or architecture
• B. Certification by a professional body
• C. Registration with a city building department
• D. No licensure required

Answer: (A)

Professional registration for design professionals means licensure in engineering or architecture. This credential is a legal authorization, typically granted by a state licensing board, that lets someone practice in these fields and seal their work. To obtain it, the professional usually completes required education, gains demonstrated experience, and passes recognized exams. Because licensure legally certifies competency and governs whether a person may practice and sign drawings, it is the appropriate interpretation of registration in these professions.

Certification by a professional body, while useful, is voluntary and does not authorize legal practice or the sealing of plans. Registration with a city building department may be required for plan reviews or permit processing, but it is not the same as licensure to practice engineering or architecture. And saying no licensure is required contradicts the established requirement in most places for engineers and architects to be licensed to practice professionally.