The Texas Board of Professional Engineers shall receive, evaluate, and process all applications for a certificate of registration issued under the authority of the Texas Engineering Practice Act (Act). Applications for the certificate of registration shall be accepted from all firms offering to engage or engaging in the practice of professional engineering for the public in Texas. For the purposes of this section, the term "public" includes but is not limited to political subdivisions of the state, business entities, and individuals. The board has the authority under the Act to issue an annual certificate of registration to applicants that, subsequent to review and evaluation, are found to have met all requirements of the Act and board rules. The board has the authority under the Act to deny a certificate of registration to any applicant found not to have met all requirements of the Act and board rules.