1. (a) Applicants shall provide references to verify all engineering experience claimed to meet the minimum years of experience required under the Texas Engineering Practice Act, §12(a)(1) or (2), unless more experience is being verified to meet the requirements of §131.81(a)(3) of this title (relating to Experience Evaluation) or §131.101(g) of this title (relating to Engineering Examinations Required for a License To Practice as a Professional Engineer). Experience that is unsupported by references may not be considered.
2. (b) Applicants for a license shall provide at least five references to the board, unless more references are required to meet the requirements of §131.81(a)(3) of this title (relating to Experience Evaluation) or §131.101(g) of this title (relating to Engineering Examinations Required for a License To Practice as a Professional Engineer). At least three of these references shall be currently licensed professional engineers who have personal knowledge of the applicant's engineering experience. One or more of the professional engineer references shall verify all engineering claimed to meet the minimum years of experience required. References on file with the board from previous applications may be used with the approval of the executive director. Professional engineers who have not worked with an applicant may review and judge the applicant's experience and may serve as a licensed engineer reference; such review shall be noted on the reference statement. Professional engineers serving as references shall not be compensated.
3. (c) All references shall be individuals with personal knowledge of the applicant's character, reputation, and general suitability for holding a license. If possible, references should include individuals who directly supervised the applicants.
4. (d) Professional engineers who provide reference statements and who are licensed in a jurisdiction other than Texas shall include a copy of their pocket card or other verification to indicate that their license is current and valid.
5. (e) The board members and staff may, at their discretion, consider any, all or none of the responses from references.

Source Note:The provisions of this §131.71 adopted to be effective September 1, 1997, 22 TexReg 8040; amended to be effective March 18, 1998, 23 TexReg 2811; amended to be effective January 2, 2000, 24 TexReg 11756.