Requirements on Professional Engineer Continuing Education

Those who study engineering and obtain at least a Bachelor's degree in one of the engineering disciplines are eligible to apply for a Professional Engineer (PE) license.  These licenses are issued by each state under that state's requirements; however, all states require passing the PE exam in order to obtain the PE license.  Many states now require continuing education for PEs as well; each state has different requirements.

An engineer who applies to a state to become a licensed professional engineer (PE) must meet the licensing requirements of that state, including passing the PE exam.  Some states have legal reciprocity with other states so that a PE in one state can obtain a PE license in another state without having to take the PE exam again.  Many professional engineers maintain licenses in several states in order to be more marketable and have a wider client base.

Engineering professionals in many states have recently made the decision to require continuing education for PEs. Currently, 37 states have their own requirements for this continuing education. It is expected that all 50 states will eventually require continuing education; however, budgetary constraints are keeping several states from adopting any requirements.

Continuing education for professional engineers can be met by obtaining a certain number of Continuing Education Units (CEU) or Professional Development Hours (PDH) annually. Continuing Education Units generally equal 10 hours of class per one CEU.  A PDH is one hour of classroom instruction or presentation; one CEU is equivalent to 10 PDHs.  Each state determines how many CEUs or PDHs are required to maintain the PE license and which classes are approved.  Those PEs who have licenses in more than one state must be sure to meet the requirements of each state.