Published: Oct 29, 2025 | Last Verified Against State Boards: Oct 29, 2025
Introduction
For licensed Professional Engineers (PEs), continuing education (CE) is more than a formality – it’s a professional obligation that ensures technical competence, ethical decision-making, and public safety.
But with 50 different state boards each setting their own rules, it can be confusing to keep track of renewal dates, required topics, and which courses actually count.
This guide simplifies everything. It’s your definitive, state-by-state resource for understanding Professional Engineer CE (also called PDH, or Professional Development Hours) requirements across the United States. Whether you hold one license or several, you’ll find the complete breakdown of renewal schedules, ethics mandates, and board-approved course options.
Created by engineers, for engineers, this guide provides clear, accurate, and up-to-date information to help you stay compliant, avoid costly renewal mistakes, and plan your CE efficiently.
What You’ll Learn
- CE hour requirements and renewal frequency for every U.S. state
- State-specific rules for ethics, laws, and technical subjects
- Online vs. in-person course limitations
- Which states require “timed and monitored” courses
- How to choose a board-approved CE provider
- Common FAQs about PE continuing education
Professional Engineer CE Requirements at a Glance
For licensed Professional Engineers (PEs), continuing education (CE) — often measured in Professional Development Hours (PDH) — is required to maintain licensure in nearly every state.
While the exact requirements differ, most states follow a similar structure focused on public protection, technical competence, and professional ethics.
Here’s a summary of what you can generally expect across the United States:
| Requirement Category | Typical Rule | Notes |
| Renewal Frequency | Biennial (every 2 years) | A few states renew annually; some follow license anniversary dates. |
| Total Hours Required | 15–30 PDH per renewal period | 30 PDH every 2 years is the national norm. |
| Ethics Requirement | 1–2 PDH in ethics or professional conduct | Mandatory in most states. |
| State-Specific Courses | Required in certain jurisdictions | Some states require courses in laws, board rules, or seismic design. |
| Online Course Allowance | Accepted in nearly all states | A few states require “live,” “timed,” or “monitored” courses (e.g., Ohio, New York). |
| Carryover Hours | Allowed in about half of states | Commonly limited to 15 PDH. |
| Recordkeeping Period | 4–8 years | Engineers must retain certificates for potential audit. |
Key Takeaways
- Most engineers must complete 30 PDH every two years.
- Nearly every state requires at least 1 PDH in ethics.
- Online and on-demand courses are widely accepted when offered by board-approved providers.
- Always confirm with your state engineering board — rules change frequently.
Professional Engineer CE Requirements by State (A–Z)
Each state engineering board establishes its own continuing education (CE) or professional development hour (PDH) rules.
Use the listings below to quickly locate your board’s renewal frequency, total hours, ethics mandates, and online-course limits.
Always confirm with your state board before completing courses, as requirements may change.
Alabama Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Website: https://bels.alabama.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of odd-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted from approved providers
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: CE must enhance the engineer’s professional competency and relate to engineering practice.
Alaska Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Alaska Board of Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors
Website: https://professionallicense.alaska.gov/BoardOfArchitectsEngineersLandSurveyors
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not allowed
- Notes: Licensees must maintain records for 4 years for audit.
Arizona Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Arizona State Board of Technical Registration
Website: https://btr.az.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (based on license issuance date)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not permitted
- Notes: Activities must be relevant to the practice of engineering.
Arkansas Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Arkansas Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
Website: https://pels.arkansas.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 30 PDH allowed
- Notes: Board recognizes NCEES Model Rules for qualifying activities.
California Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Website: https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov
- Total Hours: No state-mandated CE for engineers
- Renewal Period: Biennial
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: N/A
- Carryover: N/A
- Notes: CE is voluntary but encouraged for professional development.
Colorado Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional Land Surveyors
Website: https://dora.colorado.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (October 31 of odd-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not allowed
- Notes: Courses must be relevant to engineering practice and maintain public safety standards.
Connecticut Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Connecticut Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/dcp
- Total Hours: 15 PDH every year
- Renewal Period: Annual (January 31)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: None allowed
- Notes: Courses must relate to engineering practice and enhance competence.
Delaware Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Delaware Association of Professional Engineers (DAPE)
Website: https://dape.org
- Total Hours: 24 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 3 PDH in ethics, law, or professional conduct
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 12 PDH allowed
- Notes: DAPE uses a self-reporting system with random audits.
Florida Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE)
Website: https://fbpe.org
- Total Hours: 18 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (February 28 of odd-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 hour in ethics and 1 hour in Florida laws and rules
- Online Courses: Accepted from approved providers
- Carryover: Not allowed
- Notes: Courses must include Florida-specific laws and standards of practice.
Georgia Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Website: https://sos.ga.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: Courses must be directly applicable to the practice of engineering.
Hawaii Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects
Website: https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/engineer
- Total Hours: 15 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (April 30 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: None allowed
- Notes: No formal CE mandate is enforced, but licensees are expected to maintain professional competency.
Idaho Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Idaho Board of Licensure of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
Website: https://ibol.idaho.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (birth month of licensee)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: CE must maintain competency and improve technical knowledge.
Illinois Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Website: https://idfpr.illinois.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (November 30 of odd-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: None allowed
- Notes: Licensees must complete CE that directly relates to engineering practice.
Indiana Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Indiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers
Website: https://in.gov/pla/pe.htm
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (July 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: None allowed
- Notes: At least 1 PDH must cover Indiana laws and rules.
Iowa Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board
Website: https://plb.iowa.gov/board/engineer-land-surveyor
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 10 PDH allowed
- Notes: Licensees must maintain records for 4 years and may be audited at random.
Kansas Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Kansas State Board of Technical Professions
Website: https://ksbtp.ks.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (based on last name group)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not allowed
- Notes: Activities must be technical and directly relate to engineering practice.
Kentucky Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Kentucky Board of Engineers and Land Surveyors
Website: https://kyboels.ky.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: At least 1 PDH must address Kentucky laws and rules.
Louisiana Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS)
Website: https://lapels.com
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (March 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not allowed
- Notes: Courses must include 1 PDH on Louisiana laws and rules.
Maine Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Maine Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers
Website: https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/engineers
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: Teaching and publishing professional papers can qualify for PDH credit.
Maryland Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Maryland Board for Professional Engineers
Website: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/pe
- Total Hours: 16 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (based on license date)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: None allowed
- Notes: At least 1 PDH must relate to Maryland laws or rules.
Massachusetts Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Website: https://www.mass.gov/dpl
- Total Hours: 15 PDH every year (30 PDH biennially equivalent)
- Renewal Period: Annual (June 30)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not allowed
- Notes: Courses must be technical and relevant to engineering practice.
Michigan Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Michigan Board of Professional Engineers
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/boards/professional-engineers
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (October 31 of odd-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: None allowed
- Notes: Must include 1 PDH on state laws and rules.
Minnesota Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design
Website: https://mn.gov/aelslagid
- Total Hours: 24 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: None allowed
- Notes: Technical topics must support the safe practice of engineering.
Mississippi Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors
Website: https://pepls.ms.gov
- Total Hours: 15 PDH every year
- Renewal Period: Annual (December 31)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: Excess hours may be applied to the following year.
Missouri Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Landscape Architects
Website: https://pr.mo.gov/apelsla
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: None allowed
- Notes: Courses must relate directly to the practice of engineering.
Montana Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Montana Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
Website: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/engineer
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: Teaching or publishing technical papers can earn credit.
Nebraska Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects
Website: https://ea.nebraska.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 PDH required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: Must include 1 PDH in Nebraska laws and rules.
Nevada Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Website: https://nvbpels.org
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (based on license anniversary)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: None allowed
- Notes: Licensees must retain records for 3 years for audit.
New Mexico Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: New Mexico Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors
Website: https://nmbels.org
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not allowed
- Notes: Courses must relate to engineering practice and public protection.
New York Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions
Website: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/engineering
- Total Hours: 36 PDH every 3 years
- Renewal Period: Triennial (license anniversary date)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 hour in ethics required
- Online Courses: Limited — at least 18 PDH must be “live, interactive” or “timed and monitored”
- Carryover: Not permitted
- Notes: Courses must be from NYSED-approved sponsors; licensees must retain records for 6 years.
North Carolina Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCBELS)
Website: https://www.ncbels.org
- Total Hours: 15 PDH every year
- Renewal Period: Annual (December 31)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: Must include 1 PDH in professional conduct or ethics.
North Dakota Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Website: https://ndpelsboard.org
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (based on license anniversary)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: CE must contribute to professional competency.
Ohio Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors
Website: https://peps.ohio.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Only “timed and monitored” courses are accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: Licensees must use board-approved providers; Ohio enforces strict documentation and timing rules.
Oklahoma Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Oklahoma State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Website: https://www.pels.ok.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: CE must relate directly to engineering practice or management topics that improve professional competency.
Oregon Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying (OSBEELS)
Website: https://osbeels.oregon.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of odd-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: Licensees must retain records for 5 years and may be subject to random audits.
Pennsylvania Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Website: https://www.dos.pa.gov
- Total Hours: 24 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (September 30 of odd-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not allowed
- Notes: At least 1 PDH must address ethics or professional practice.
Rhode Island Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Rhode Island Board of Registration for Professional Engineers
Website: https://dbr.ri.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: CE activities must directly relate to engineering practice or public welfare.
South Carolina Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: South Carolina State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors
Website: https://llr.sc.gov/eng
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: Course content must relate directly to engineering or management topics that enhance professional competence.
South Dakota Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: South Dakota Board of Technical Professions
Website: https://dlr.sd.gov/btp
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: Licensees must retain CE records for 3 years for audit purposes.
Tennessee Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners
Website: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/ae.html
- Total Hours: 24 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (based on license issuance date)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not allowed
- Notes: 13 hours must be technical; 11 hours may include management or professional topics.
Texas Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS)
Website: https://pels.texas.gov
- Total Hours: 15 PDH every year
- Renewal Period: Annual (based on license anniversary)
- Ethics Requirement: 1 PDH in ethics required each year
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 14 PDH allowed
- Notes: Courses must be relevant to engineering practice and public safety; board audits are common.
Utah Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Website: https://dopl.utah.gov/eng
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (March 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: CE must maintain professional competency and public protection standards.
Vermont Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Vermont Board of Professional Engineering
Website: https://sos.vermont.gov/professional-engineering
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (July 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not allowed
- Notes: Courses must be relevant to the licensee’s professional practice area.
Virginia Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects
Website: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/APELSCIDLA
- Total Hours: 16 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (license anniversary date)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not allowed
- Notes: CE activities must maintain competency in the field of engineering.
Washington Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Washington Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Website: https://brpels.wa.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (license anniversary date)
- Ethics Requirement: None specified
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
- Notes: CE must enhance the licensee’s professional skills and knowledge.
West Virginia Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: West Virginia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers
Website: https://wvpebd.org
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (June 30 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
Notes: Records must be kept for 4 years for potential audit.
Wisconsin Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Website: https://dsps.wi.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (July 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Not allowed
Notes: DSPS requires licensees to attest compliance at renewal; random audits occur.
Wyoming Professional Engineer CE Requirements
State Board: Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
Website: https://engineersandsurveyors.wyo.gov
- Total Hours: 30 PDH every 2 years
- Renewal Period: Biennial (December 31 of even-numbered years)
- Ethics Requirement: 2 PDH in ethics required
- Online Courses: Accepted
- Carryover: Up to 15 PDH allowed
Notes: Licensees may be audited and must maintain CE documentation for 4 years.
Answering Your Professional Engineer CE Questions
Continuing education requirements for Professional Engineers can be surprisingly nuanced, and each state’s rules can differ dramatically. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about PDH credits, reporting, audits, and acceptable course types.
What’s the difference between a PDH, CEU, and CE hour?
These acronyms all refer to continuing education credit, but they represent slightly different systems:
- PDH (Professional Development Hour): Used by most state engineering boards. One hour of instruction = one PDH.
- CEU (Continuing Education Unit): Common in academia; one CEU equals 10 PDH.
- CE Hour: A general term that can refer to either PDH or CEU depending on the state.
For Professional Engineers, PDH is the official term used by NCEES and nearly every state licensing board.
Do all Professional Engineers have to complete ethics courses?
Almost every state requires at least 1 to 2 PDH in ethics or professional conduct. A few states – such as Florida, Texas, and Louisiana – require ethics annually or as part of state-specific laws and rules courses.
Even in states where ethics isn’t mandatory, engineers are strongly encouraged to complete ethics training to meet professional and public safety standards.
Can I take all my PDH hours online?
In most states, yes — online continuing education is fully accepted if it’s from a board-approved provider.
However, some states have restrictions:
- New York and Ohio require timed and monitored online courses or live webinars.
- New Jersey and North Carolina accept online self-paced courses if they meet NCEES CPC standards.
Always verify with your state engineering board before enrolling.
What topics count toward engineering continuing education?
Boards typically accept courses that enhance your professional competency and relate to the practice of engineering. Common subjects include:
- Technical design and analysis
- Engineering ethics and professional conduct
- Codes and standards (e.g., ASCE, NFPA, ACI)
- Safety and risk management
- Business or project management (when relevant to engineering)
Non-technical topics, such as marketing or personal finance, generally do not qualify.
How do I report my PDH credits to the state board?
Reporting methods vary:
- Self-attestation: Most states (e.g., Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin) have you confirm compliance at license renewal.
- Provider reporting: A few states (e.g., Florida, New York) require course providers to submit completion data directly.
- Audit verification: Some states randomly audit licensees after renewal, requiring documentation of completed CE hours.
In all cases, keep certificates of completion for at least 4 to 8 years in case of audit.
What happens if I’m audited?
If your license is selected for audit, you’ll need to submit:
- Certificates of completion for each course
- A summary of hours completed by topic and date
- Provider name and course description
Failing an audit can result in disciplinary action or loss of license renewal, so maintain accurate records.
What happens if I don’t complete my PDH hours in time?
Penalties vary by state. Most allow late renewal with a penalty fee or require you to make up missing hours in the next cycle.
However, repeated non-compliance or falsified records can lead to suspension or license revocation.
If you fall behind, contact your state board immediately — many will work with licensees who make a good-faith effort to comply.
How to Find the Best Professional Engineer CE Courses
Finding continuing education that meets your state’s requirements can be tricky.
Some states approve specific providers, others simply require courses that enhance your professional competency.
To help you narrow it down, we’ve reviewed the top CE providers for Professional Engineers based on quality, approval coverage, platform usability, and value.
Each of these providers offers board-accepted courses suitable for license renewal in multiple states.
If you’re managing licenses across different jurisdictions, these options will save you time and hassle.
Our #1 Pick: PDH-Pro
Best For: Professional Engineers seeking board-approved, affordable, and state-specific CE courses
Review:
PDH-Pro stands out as a leading provider of continuing education for Professional Engineers.
They specialize in board-compliant courses, live webinars, and recorded on-demand training designed to meet each state’s specific renewal requirements.
All PDH-Pro courses are developed by licensed subject-matter experts and meet the NCEES Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) standard.
They are an approved provider in key states including Florida (#0009553), New York (#274), New Jersey (#24GP00025600), and North Carolina (S-0695) – and accepted for credit by every state that recognizes NCEES standards.
PDH-Pro’s strengths include:
- Ethics and state-laws courses tailored to state boards (e.g., Texas, Florida, and New York)
- Instant digital certificates with complete tracking for audits
- Transparent pricing and multi-course value bundles
- Responsive U.S.-based customer support
If you want reliable, affordable, and fully board-compliant CE, PDH-Pro is the best choice for licensed engineers.
👉 Browse PDH-Pro Engineering Courses →
Provider #2: RedVector
Best For: Engineers seeking high-quality video courses and enterprise CE management
Review:
RedVector offers one of the most extensive libraries of professional development courses for engineers, architects, and contractors.
Their platform features on-demand HD video training and automated reporting tools ideal for larger firms managing multiple licensees.
RedVector courses cover a broad range of topics – from civil and structural design to ethics and safety management – and are accepted in all 50 states that recognize NCEES CPC standards.
They’re particularly strong for companies looking to manage compliance organization-wide, but individual engineers may find pricing higher than single-course providers like PDH-Pro.
👉 Visit RedVector CE Courses →
Provider #3: PDHOnline
Best For: Large course library and low-cost individual topics
Review:
PDHOnline provides over 1,000 self-paced courses for engineers and land surveyors, with strong coverage of civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering topics.
Their platform is simple, functional, and recognized by most state boards for PDH credit.
Courses are instantly accessible, and certificates are issued immediately upon passing a quiz.
Their pricing model is flexible — pay per course or purchase an annual unlimited package.
👉 Visit PDHOnline →
Provider #4: Engineers Academy
Best For: International engineers or multidisciplinary professionals
Review:
Engineers Academy offers CEU-based online training courses with a global focus.
While not U.S.-specific, their engineering ethics, design fundamentals, and renewable energy modules are often accepted by U.S. boards that allow self-directed learning.
Their visual course delivery and step-by-step video modules are useful for engineers who prefer structured visual instruction.
👉 Visit Engineers Academy →
Provider #5: CED Engineering
Best For: Technical depth and professional peer-reviewed content
Review:
CED Engineering provides a robust library of professional development courses authored by subject-matter experts and reviewed for technical accuracy.
Their catalog spans structural, geotechnical, environmental, and transportation disciplines, plus dedicated ethics courses.
Courses are accepted in all 50 states, and certificates include detailed information for state audit requirements.
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How We Evaluated These Providers
Our rankings are based on:
- Board Approvals: Acceptance by multiple U.S. state engineering boards
- Course Quality: Production value, clarity, and technical accuracy
- Ease of Use: Navigation, time tracking, and certificate delivery
- Value: Cost per PDH and subscription options
We continuously review and update these recommendations to ensure accuracy and relevance for 2025–2026.
Take Control of Your Professional Engineer License Renewal
Managing continuing education shouldn’t be stressful. Once you understand your state’s rules and choose a reliable CE provider, staying compliant becomes routine.
Whether you’re completing 30 PDH every two years or meeting annual ethics requirements, the key is organization:
- Keep a CE log of completed courses
- Save certificates for audits (most states require 4–8 years of recordkeeping)
- Choose state-approved, high-quality CE providers who track and document everything for you
Remember — continuing education isn’t just about compliance. It’s about staying current in a rapidly changing profession. Every PDH you earn helps strengthen your expertise, protect the public, and maintain the high standards of the engineering community.
Final Thoughts
Professional Engineers carry a unique responsibility: designing systems and infrastructure that safeguard lives and property.
Continuing education is one of the most effective ways to ensure you’re always prepared to meet that responsibility — ethically, safely, and confidently.
If you’re ready to make CE easy, efficient, and board-compliant, start with a trusted provider.
We recommend beginning with our top-ranked CE platform for engineers, reviewed in this guide.
