Illinois PDH requirements
Last checked against board materials . Sources: IDFPR PE renewal PDH requirements (PDF).
- 30 PDH
- per 2 years
- Biennial
- November 30 — PE odd years; SE even years
- 15 PDH
- into next period
- 1 PDH
- of the total
How many PDH does an Illinois PE need?
Professional Engineers in Illinois must complete 30 PDHs each biennial renewal. Three of those hours are core: 1 PDH of sexual harassment prevention training, 1 PDH on the Illinois statutes and rules that regulate professional engineers, and 1 PDH of professional conduct and/or ethics. The remaining 27 hours are elective.
For each renewal cycle, a licensee must obtain 30 hours of professional development that meets the requirements listed in Section 1380.325 (a) and (c) of the rules for the administration of the professional engineering practice act. IDFPR PE renewal PDH requirements
When does an Illinois PE license renew?
Renewal is due by November 30 of odd-numbered years for Professional Engineers, and November 30 of even-numbered years for Structural Engineers.
Can Illinois PEs carry over PDH?
Up to 15 PDHs earned within six months of the current renewal deadline and not used can be carried forward, except for State Statute and Rules; professional conduct/ethics; and sexual harassment prevention courses, which must be satisfied each renewal period.
There is now an option to carryover up to 15 hours to the next renewal cycle, provided the hours are gained between June 1st through November 30th of the renewal year. IDFPR PE renewal PDH requirements
Does the Illinois board pre-approve courses?
The Board does not pre-approve providers or specific courses, leaving it to the engineer to determine if an activity aligns with the Board's requirements.
What content counts toward Illinois PDH?
Courses should be technical or professional in nature, excluding topics like business skills, firm management, personal development, and structural (for PE). Structural courses are acceptable if the licensee can validate how the course augments their professional engineer license. Structural Engineers have their own core hours: a minimum of 1 PDH on the Illinois statutes and rules for structural engineering and 1 PDH of professional conduct and/or ethics.
A minimum of one hour of programs, courses, or activities in the area of professional conduct and/or ethics. IDFPR PE renewal PDH requirements, core hours
Which activities count in Illinois?
Distance learning is approved with no limit on PDHs for Professional Engineers, while Structural Engineers have a cap of 10 CE credit hours per renewal period for self-administered courses. Live, interactive webinars are accepted for both without limit. A maximum of 12 PDHs can be earned in a 24-hour period.
Other Illinois rules to know
Self-study courses are credited only upon completion of an examination graded by the sponsor. The Board disallows equipment demonstrations for PDH credit. PDH records must be kept for 6 years by Professional Engineers and 4 years by Structural Engineers. We facilitate this by providing instant access to, and printing of, certificates upon successful course completion, alongside secure ten-year online storage for your certificates of completion.
Rule changes in Illinois
| Effective | What changed |
|---|---|
| Beginning with the November 30, 2024 renewal, Structural Engineers must include 1 PDH on the Illinois statutes and rules for structural engineering and 1 PDH on professional conduct or ethics in their 30 hours. Board notice. | |
| Beginning with the November 30, 2023 renewal, the 30 PDH must include 1 PDH on Illinois statutes and rules for professional engineering and 1 PDH on professional conduct or ethics, alongside the existing sexual harassment prevention hour. Board notice. | |
| Beginning with the November 30, 2021 renewal, the 30 PDH must include 1 PDH of sexual harassment prevention training, following the statute that imposed the hour on all IDFPR licensees with a CE requirement. Board notice. |
Illinois PE continuing education FAQ
Which hours can I carry over?
Only hours earned between June 1 and November 30 of the renewal year, up to 15, using the PDH Carryover Form. IDFPR PE renewal PDH requirements
What are the three core hours?
One hour of sexual harassment prevention training, one hour on Illinois statutes and rules for professional engineering, and one hour of professional conduct or ethics; the other 27 are your choice. IDFPR PE renewal PDH requirements