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Continuing Education Requirements for Structural Engineers by State

November 20, 2024 | 5 min read

Introduction

Structural engineers across the U.S. are required to maintain their professional licenses by completing continuing education courses, typically referred to as Professional Development Hours (PDH). These requirements vary from state to state, with some having stricter guidelines and specific subject mandates. This blog breaks down the continuing education requirements for structural engineers in every state, making it easy for professionals to stay compliant.

1. Alabama

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: A minimum of 1 PDH must be in ethics or laws.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH may be carried over to the next cycle.

2. Alaska

  • PDH Requirement: 24 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: At least 4 PDH must be in ethics or laws.
  • Carry-Over: No carryover allowed.

3. Arizona

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: None specified for structural engineers.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH can be carried over to the next period.

4. Arkansas

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: Engineers must complete 2 PDH in ethics or laws and rules.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH can be carried over.

5. California

  • PDH Requirement: No PDH requirements for structural engineers.
  • Specifics: While other disciplines may require PDH, California does not require continued education for structural engineers.

6. Colorado

  • PDH Requirement: None
  • Specifics: Colorado does not have a continuing education requirement for engineers.

7. Connecticut

  • PDH Requirement: None
  • Specifics: Connecticut does not currently require PDH for structural engineers.

8. Delaware

  • PDH Requirement: 24 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: At least 3 PDH must cover ethics.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 12 PDH can be carried over.

9. Florida

  • PDH Requirement: 18 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: Includes 4 PDH in ethics and Florida laws and rules.
  • Carry-Over: No carryover allowed.

10. Georgia

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: 2 PDH must cover ethics.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH may be carried over.

11. Hawaii

  • PDH Requirement: None
  • Specifics: Hawaii does not require continuing education for structural engineers.

12. Idaho

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: Ethics is encouraged but not mandated.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH can be carried over.

13. Illinois

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: 1 PDH must cover Illinois laws and professional conduct.
  • Carry-Over: No carryover allowed.

14. Indiana

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: At least 1 PDH in ethics or Indiana laws.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH can be carried over.

15. Iowa

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: Ethics training is required but can be integrated into technical courses.
  • Carry-Over: No carryover allowed.

16. Kansas

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: At least 1 PDH must be in professional ethics.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH can be carried over.

17. Kentucky

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: Ethics education is required but not specified in hours.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH may be carried over.

18. Louisiana

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: 1 PDH in ethics required.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH may be carried over.

19. Maine

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: Ethics must be included in the curriculum.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH can be carried over.

20. Maryland

  • PDH Requirement: 16 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: 1 PDH in ethics.
  • Carry-Over: No carryover allowed.

21. Massachusetts

  • PDH Requirement: None
  • Specifics: Massachusetts does not require continuing education for engineers.

22. Michigan

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: 1 PDH in ethics is required.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH can be carried over.

23. Minnesota

  • PDH Requirement: 24 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: Ethics education is encouraged but not mandated.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 12 PDH can be carried over.

24. Mississippi

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: Ethics education is required.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH can be carried over.

25. Missouri

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: 1 PDH must be in ethics.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH may be carried over.

26. Montana

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: 1 PDH in ethics required.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH may be carried over.

27. Nebraska

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: At least 2 PDH must be in ethics.
  • Carry-Over: No carryover allowed.

28. Nevada

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: Ethics is encouraged but not mandatory.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH can be carried over.

29. New Hampshire

  • PDH Requirement: 30 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: Ethics education is required.
  • Carry-Over: Up to 15 PDH may be carried over.

30. New Jersey

  • PDH Requirement: 24 PDH every two years
  • Specifics: At least 2 PDH must cover ethics.
  • Carry-Over: No carryover allowed.

31. New Mexico

  • Hours Required: 30 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: Up to 15 PDHs may carry over.

32. New York

  • Hours Required: 36 PDHs triennially.
  • Special Notes: Includes at least 1 hour of ethics.

33. North Carolina

  • Hours Required: 15 PDHs annually.
  • Special Notes: Ethics training required.

34. North Dakota

  • Hours Required: 30 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: Allows carryover of up to 15 PDHs.

35. Ohio

  • Hours Required: 30 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: Ethics training mandatory.

36. Oklahoma

  • Hours Required: 30 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: 2 hours must cover ethics or statutes.

37. Oregon

  • Hours Required: 30 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: Includes ethics and regulatory education.

38. Pennsylvania

  • Hours Required: 24 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: Ethics recommended.

39. Rhode Island

  • Hours Required: 20 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: 2 hours must cover ethics.

40. South Carolina

  • Hours Required: 30 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: Ethics training encouraged.

41. South Dakota

  • Hours Required: 30 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: Includes ethics training.

42. Tennessee

  • Hours Required: 24 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: 1 hour in ethics required.

43. Texas

  • Hours Required: 15 PDHs annually.
  • Special Notes: 1 hour must be in ethics.

44. Utah

  • Hours Required: No PDH requirements.

45. Vermont

  • Hours Required: No PDH requirements.

46. Virginia

  • Hours Required: No PDH requirements.

47. Washington

  • Hours Required: 30 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: Ethics encouraged.

48. West Virginia

  • Hours Required: 30 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: Includes ethics or law training.

49. Wisconsin

  • Hours Required: 30 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: Carryover of up to 15 PDHs allowed.

50. Wyoming

  • Hours Required: 30 PDHs biennially.
  • Special Notes: Includes ethics education.

Conclusion

By staying informed on your state’s PDH requirements, you can ensure you meet licensure requirements and maintain your professional standing. Make sure to check with your state’s board regularly for updates or changes to their continuing education rules.Looking for courses that meet your state’s requirements?
Explore our catalog of PDH courses tailored to structural engineers here.