Direct supervision means the actions by which a licensee maintains control over those decisions that are the basis for the findings, conclusions, analyses, rationale, details, and judgments required for the preparation of engineering or land surveying plans, specifications, plats, reports, and related activities. Direct supervision requires providing personal direction, oversight, inspection, observation and supervision of the work being certified.

These actions may include, but are not limited to: Direct face-to-face communications; written communications; U.S. mail; electronic mail; facsimiles; telecommunications, or other current technology. Contractual or employment relations must be in place between the licensee and unlicensed preparer to qualify as direct supervision. Mentoring is not direct supervision. Drawing or other document review after preparation without involvement in the design and development process as described above cannot be accepted as direct supervision.