District of Columbia PDH requirements
Last checked against board materials . Sources: DLCP Board of Professional Engineers, 17 DCMR Chapter 15, 17 DCMR 1526 continuing education requirements (Word document).
- 20 PDH
- per 2 years
- Biennial
- August 31, even years
- 1 PDH
- of the total
How many PDH does a District of Columbia PE need?
Professional Engineers in the District of Columbia are required to complete 20 PDHs biennially. Effective from the renewal date of August 31, 2020, certain topics are not accepted, and one hour must pertain to engineering ethics.
An applicant for renewal of a license to practice as a professional engineer shall attest to having completed no less than twenty (20) hours of acceptable continuing professional education, to include at least one (1) hour on the subject of professional ethics, during the term of the license. 17 DCMR 1526.3
When does a District of Columbia PE license renew?
License renewal occurs on August 31 in even-numbered years.
Can District of Columbia PEs carry over PDH?
The board has not issued guidelines regarding the carryover of excess PDHs into subsequent renewal periods.
Does the District of Columbia board pre-approve courses?
The board does not approve individual courses but mandates that PDH activities contribute to the professional competence growth in land surveying and engineering.
A continuing education credit shall be valid only if it is part of a program approved by the Board in accordance with § 1527 of this chapter. 17 DCMR 1526.7
What content counts toward District of Columbia PDH?
Professional development content should avoid personal development, firm management, and general business skills. A focus on professional competence in engineering practice is required, with mandatory coursework in engineering ethics.
Which activities count in District of Columbia?
Online courses are acceptable, with a requirement to retain completion certificates and course outlines for 4 years, in case of audit.
Other District of Columbia rules to know
PDH records must be retained for 4 years. Special reinstatement rules apply to those with expired or inactive licenses, necessitating up to 40 hours of education, including an ethics component, depending on the inactive period.
An applicant for the renewal of a license who fails to complete the continuing education requirements by or before the expiration date may renew the license within sixty (60) days after expiration by completing the outstanding hours and by paying the required late fee. 17 DCMR 1526.8
Rule changes in District of Columbia
| Effective | What changed |
|---|---|
| The District adopted mandatory continuing education for professional engineers: 20 hours per two-year license term including at least 1 hour of professional ethics, from Board-approved programs. It first applied to the August 31, 2020 renewal. Board notice. |
District of Columbia PE continuing education FAQ
Am I exempt for my first renewal?
Yes, if the license was granted by examination. 17 DCMR 1526.1
What if I miss the August 31 deadline?
You may renew within 60 days by completing the outstanding hours and paying the late fee; hours earned after expiration do not count toward the next period. 17 DCMR 1526.8
How do I reinstate an expired or inactive license?
Ten hours of approved CE for each year expired or inactive, up to 40, including at least one ethics hour, completed within the two years before applying. 17 DCMR 1526.5