Published: Nov 9, 2025 | Last Verified Against State Boards: Nov 9, 2025
Professionals licensed in the State of Texas must meet continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain active status and ensure ongoing competency in their field.
At ProLicenseHub, we provide a summary of CE rules for engineers, land surveyors, architects, and other professionals regulated by Texas licensing boards.
Requirements vary by profession, and each board publishes its own CE policies, renewal deadlines, and approved course formats. Always verify your specific requirements with your Texas licensing board before completing any CE activity.
Texas Continuing Education Requirements – Professional Engineers (PEs)
Licensed Professional Engineers in Texas are regulated by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS). This agency develops continuing education requirements for all licensees in the state.
Key Requirements:
- Hours Required: 15 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) annually
- Ethics Requirement: At least 1 hour must be in ethics or professional responsibility
- Carryover: Up to 14 hours may be carried forward to the next renewal period
- Approved Formats: Online, live, and self-paced courses are accepted
- Documentation: Licensees must maintain CE records for three years in case of audit
Board Reference:
Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Website: https://pels.texas.gov
Phone: (512) 440-7723
Continuing Education Requirements for Land Surveyors
Texas Registered Professional Land Surveyors are also governed by TBPELS.
Key Requirements:
- Hours Required: 12 PDHs per year
- Ethics Requirement: Minimum of 3 hours in professional ethics or standards of conduct every renewal period
- Carryover: Up to 12 PDHs may be carried forward
- Course Topics: Ethics, standards of practice, surveying methods, and relevant Texas statutes
Board Reference:
Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Website: https://pels.texas.gov/surveyors.htm
Continuing Education for Architects
Architects are licensed by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE).
Key Requirements:
- Hours Required: 12 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) annually
- Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW): All 12 hours must address HSW topics
- Reporting: Architects renew annually and must certify CE completion at renewal
- Carryover: Not permitted
- Course Formats: Both in-person and online courses are acceptable
Board Reference:
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Website: https://www.tbae.texas.gov
Phone: (512) 305-9000
Continuing Education for Contractors
The State of Texas does not have a unified statewide contractor licensing board. CE requirements for contractors depend on local jurisdictions (cities or counties) and specific trade licenses (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC).
Examples:
- Electricians: Regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — 4 hours of annual CE required, including 1 hour on state law and rules.
- Plumbers: Regulated by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners — 6 hours of annual CE required.
- HVAC and Mechanical Contractors: Regulated by TDLR — 8 hours of annual CE required.
Board Reference:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Website: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov
Education Requirements for Geologists and Environmental Professionals
Texas does not currently require continuing education for Professional Geoscientists (PGs), but voluntary professional development is encouraged to maintain competency.
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) provides guidelines for ethical practice and recordkeeping.
Board Reference:
Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists
Website: https://tbpg.texas.gov
License Renewal Periods
| Profession | Renewal Cycle | CE Hours Required | Ethics Requirement |
| Professional Engineers | Annual | 15 PDHs | 1 hour per year |
| Land Surveyors | Annual | 12 PDHs | 3 hours per renewal |
| Architects | Annual | 12 CEHs (HSW) | Included in HSW |
| Electricians | Annual | 4 hours | 1 hour law & rules |
| Plumbers | Annual | 6 hours | Included topics |
Other professionals such as Texas insurance agents must also meet insurance continuing education requirements. Their education requirements are similar. Insurance professionals must get the necessary training courses (insurance CE) for an agent.
Acceptable Course Formats for Texas Continuing Ed
- Live webinars and classroom sessions
- Online self-paced CE or PDH courses
- State-approved provider courses
- In-house training (if pre-approved by the board)
Note: Licensees are responsible for ensuring courses meet the board’s criteria and are delivered by approved or recognized providers. Specific education requirements continuing education are listed there.
Recordkeeping and Audits
Licensees should maintain the following to ensure they meet Texas continuing competency requirements:
- Certificates of completion
- Course titles, dates, and providers
- Hours earned and topic summaries
Boards may request CE documentation during random audits or license renewal reviews. Failure to provide proof of completion can result in fines or license suspension.
Related Resources
- Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS)
- Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE)
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
- Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG)
Disclaimer
Information on this page is provided for general reference only.
Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, CE and license renewal requirements are subject to change.
Always confirm details directly with the applicable Texas licensing board before completing CE courses or renewing your license.
