How to Meet Continuing Education Requirements for Your PE License
Continuing education is an essential part of maintaining a professional engineer (PE) license. Keeping up with the latest advancements in the field and staying abreast of changes to industry standards and regulations are critical to the success of licensed engineers. Meeting continuing education requirements can be a challenge, but with the right resources and approach, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Continuing education requirements vary by state, but most states require licensed engineers to complete a set number of continuing education hours (generally referred to as Professional Development Hours, or PDH credits) every renewal cycle, which is typically every two years. The purpose of these requirements is to make sure that licensed engineers continue to develop their skills, stay informed of new developments, and remain knowledgeable in the latest codes and standards.
In this article, we will provide you with tips on how to meet your continuing education requirements, as well as information on the types of courses that are accepted.
1. Determine Your Continuing Education Requirements
The first step in meeting your continuing education requirements is to determine what they are. Most states require licensed engineers to complete a certain number of professional development hours (PDHs) each year. It's important to check with your state licensing board to determine the specific requirements for your state.
2. Keep Records of Your PDH Credits
Once you know your continuing education requirements, it is important to keep accurate records of your PDH credits. Most states require licensed engineers to keep records of their continuing education activities, including the course title, date of completion, and number of PDH credits earned. Keeping accurate records can help you keep track of your progress and ensure that you meet your continuing education requirements.
3. Choose the Right Courses
The next step is to choose the right courses to meet your continuing education requirements. There are many different types of continuing education options available, including online courses, workshops, conferences, and webinars. It is important to choose courses that are relevant to your field and that will help you improve your competency.
It's also important to enjoy the learning process. Seek out courses and workshops that match your interests, as these will be more engaging and help you retain the information better. We offer a set of online engineering courses that are ideal for licensed engineers looking for technically focused courses to fulfill their PDH requirements.
4. Consider Online Courses
Online courses are a convenient and flexible way to fulfill your continuing education requirements. Online courses allow you to learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home or office. There are many online continuing education courses available that are specifically designed for licensed engineers. Additionally, there are a variety of online courses available on a range of engineering topics, making it easier for engineers to find courses that fit their specific needs and interests. We offer a set of online engineering courses that cover a wide range of technical topics and are ideal for licensed engineers looking to fulfill their PDH requirements in an affordable and convenient way.
5. Attend Workshops and Conferences
Attending workshops and conferences is another great way to fulfill your continuing education requirements. These events provide opportunities for you to network with other engineers, hear about the latest advancements in your field, and earn PDH credits. Many workshops and conferences offer PDH credits for attending the event and for participating in related activities, such as attending technical sessions.
6. Participate in Webinars
Webinars are online presentations that are broadcast live over the internet. Participating in webinars is a convenient way to earn PDH credits, as they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Webinars often cover a wide range of topics and are a great way to stay current in your field.
7. Check with Your Employer
Your employer may offer continuing education courses or support for attending conferences or workshops. It is a good idea to check with your employer to see if they offer any continuing education opportunities. Taking advantage of these opportunities can help you meet your continuing education requirements and improve your skills at the same time.
8. Get Involved with Professional Organizations
Joining and participating in professional organizations is a great way to meet your continuing education requirements and stay informed of the latest advancements in your field. Professional organizations often offer continuing education courses, workshops, and conferences, and they provide opportunities to network with other engineers.
PDH Classroom offers a suite of online continuing education courses tailored to engineers. These courses can be used to fulfill PDH credit requirements for maintaining your PE license, or just as a part of staying ahead in your field.
Continuing education is a crucial part of maintaining professional competence and staying ahead of the curve as a licensed professional engineer. By taking advantage of the various options available, including in-person classes and online courses, engineers can easily meet their continuing education requirements and remain at the forefront of their profession. By carefully choosing high-quality courses, keeping accurate records of continuing education credits, and staying informed of the requirements set by licensing boards, engineers can ensure that they are well-prepared to meet the demands of their profession for years to come.