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A Certificate of Authorization lets organizations practice professional services like engineering, architecture, or surveying under their business name. It's basically the state's way of saying "yes, this company has qualified professionals and can legally offer these services."

Many state licensing boards require these certificates to protect public safety and ensure quality work. To get one, companies typically need to prove they have licensed professionals on staff, carry proper insurance, and meet state-specific business requirements. The certificate must be renewed regularly and displayed where clients can see it.

Your business needs a Certificate of Authorization when offering professional services like engineering, architecture, or land surveying to clients. Most states require this certificate before you can legally advertise or perform these specialized services under a company name.

Get this certificate when starting a new professional firm, expanding services into regulated fields, or opening branches in different states. It's essential for bidding on government contracts, pulling building permits, and protecting your firm from liability issues. Many clients and partners also check for this credential before signing major contracts.

• Business Entity COA: Required for corporations, LLCs, and partnerships offering licensed professional services. Confirms the company structure meets state requirements.
• Professional Practice COA: Specifically for engineering, architectural, or surveying firms. Details the licensed professionals on staff and scope of services.
• Branch Office COA: Needed when expanding professional services to new locations across state lines. Lists local qualified supervisors.
• Limited Service COA: Covers firms offering specialized subset of professional services, with specific restrictions on practice areas.
• Temporary Project COA: Short-term authorization for out-of-state firms working on specific projects within another state's jurisdiction.

• Professional Services Firms: Engineering, architectural, and surveying companies that need legal authority to practice under their business name
• State Licensing Boards: Issue and regulate Certificates of Authorization, ensuring companies meet professional standards
• Licensed Professionals: Must be listed on the certificate as qualified staff members responsible for overseeing work
• Company Officers: Sign and maintain compliance with certificate requirements, often including managing renewals
• Client Organizations: Verify certificates before contracting professional services to ensure firms are properly authorized

• Business Details: Gather your company's legal name, address, and state registration information
• Professional Roster: List all licensed professionals who will supervise services, including license numbers and specialties
• Service Scope: Define exactly which professional services your firm will offer under this authorization
• Insurance Coverage: Document professional liability insurance that meets state requirements
• State Requirements: Check your licensing board's specific application forms and fee schedule
• Quality Control: Prepare documentation of your firm's quality assurance procedures and professional standards

• Company Information: Full legal business name, physical address, and state registration details
• Professional Credentials: Names and license numbers of qualified professionals supervising services
• Scope Statement: Clear description of authorized professional services and any limitations
• Duration and Renewal: Certificate validity period and renewal requirements
• Compliance Declaration: Statement affirming adherence to state professional practice laws
• Official Signatures: Authorized company officer signatures and state board approval
• Insurance Verification: Professional liability coverage details meeting state minimums

A Certificate of Authorization differs significantly from a Certificate of Authority. While they sound similar, they serve distinct purposes in business operations.

• Purpose and Scope: A Certificate of Authorization permits professional firms to offer specific services like engineering or architecture. A Certificate of Authority allows companies to conduct general business in states outside their home jurisdiction.
• Issuing Authority: Professional licensing boards issue Certificates of Authorization, while state governments issue Certificates of Authority through their Secretary of State offices.
• Requirements: Authorization certificates need licensed professionals on staff and specific insurance coverage. Authority certificates focus on tax compliance and corporate registration requirements.
• Renewal Process: Authorization certificates typically require annual renewal with proof of continued professional oversight. Authority certificates often have simpler renewal processes focused on maintaining good standing.