I have had an NCEES record since 1998 and I think it a huge resource for the engineering profession. I currently hold 33 licenses (firm provides a service that requires multiple licenses), 32 by comity and one by exam. I do not know the exact number that were under the legacy NCEES system vs the new electronic system. I can say that under the old system (paper application and NCEES mailing information) it would take 2 or 3 months to get a license and at that time the applications normally had to go to the board meeting.
Since the new all electronic NCEES transmittal and most boards having on-line applications and the rule change to allow an administrative approval adopted by many of the boards, I normally receive a license within 2 weeks from the time NCEES transmits my record and I submit my application. Many time it is less than a week (the record is 20 minutes after I received the NCEES notification of transmittal). California being the HUGE exception. Even with the record it took 4 months to be "approved to test"
Many boards are requiring that you upload CEU information and Certificates to their system, or use the NCEES system. The CEU requirements for the individual boards is crazy. They all have rules that do not necessarily follow the model law (LA requires 15 CEU's per calendar year, with bi-annual renewal staggered between the spring and fall). I have started inputting my CEU onto the NCEES site and find that it is very convenient, compared to the spreadsheet that I have been maintaining.
I understand that most boards now require you to establish an NCEES record prior to testing. For current engineers that do not have a Record and you do not want additional licenses, the NCEES record most likely does not provide much of a resource. However, if you have multiple licenses, in my opinion it is invaluable.
If you are having a problem with and individual board, call them. I have found that the board staff is more than helpful and they want to help solve your problem.
Good Luck
Ed.