The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

In this course - the third in a 3-part series on Change Orders - we examine how to execute a change order. Once a change is identified and is found to really be a change, not just a clarification, then a change order will need to be processed. Before a project is initiated, the format for change orders should be defined. The engineer and architect should also identify in the contract documents the method that will be used to compensate the engineer and architect for their efforts in the change order process.

When a change is identified, a request for a change order is sent to the Owner. Once the Owner approves the effort to process the change order, it is sent to the Contractor for pricing. The Contractor's change order proposal consists of a cover letter, summary sheet, and detailed "breakdown" sheets which itemize the material and labor costs for each item associated with the change.

Although a diligent Contractor may wish to get started immediately, it is imperative that the Contractor wait for approval of the change order before commencing material orders and work associated with the change. It is the job of the engineer and the architect to evaluate change orders quickly and forward them to the Owner immediately to preclude claims of "delay" by the Contractor.

This course will show you, as the engineer or architect, how to execute change orders, from initiation until the change order is approved and work commences. You will also learn how to track change orders in a log throughout the life of the project.

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twenty-three (23) questions at the end of the course to obtain PDH credits.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.

Please Note: Continuing Education credits for this course are awarded as PDH (Professional Development Hour Credits).