Louisiana PDH requirements
Last checked against board materials . Sources: LAPELS CPD information, Board rules chapter 31 (PDF).
- 30 PDH
- per 2 years
- Biennial
- March 31 or September 30, by initial licensure
- 7 PDH
- into next period
- 1 PDH
- of the total
How many PDH does a Louisiana PE need?
30 PDHs are required biennially, with a mandate starting from January 1, 2017, that 15 PDHs be earned per calendar year. Of the 15 PDHs, at least 1 must cover engineering ethics, and engineers engaged in building and/or building systems design need to earn 4 PDHs in Life Safety Code, building codes, and/or Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. Additionally, a maximum of 8 PDHs can be earned in a single calendar day.
Every professional engineer, including those listed in two or more disciplines, is required to earn 15 PDHs per calendar year in engineering-related acceptable activities. LAC 46:LXI §3105.A
When does a Louisiana PE license renew?
Licenses renew biennially on March 31 or September 30 depending on when you were first licensed, but the CPD requirement is measured per calendar year: 15 PDH each January through December, including the ethics hour. The board audits up to 30 percent of renewing licensees twice a year.
Can Louisiana PEs carry over PDH?
Up to 7 PDH earned beyond a calendar year's requirement may be carried into the next calendar year.
If a licensee exceeds his/her annual requirement of PDHs, up to a maximum of 7 PDHs may be carried forward into the subsequent calendar year. LAC 46:LXI, Chapter 31
Does the Louisiana board pre-approve courses?
The Board does not pre-approve courses or providers. It's the registrant's responsibility to ensure courses meet the Board's criteria.
Selection of activities is the responsibility of the licensee. LAC 46:LXI, Chapter 31
What content counts toward Louisiana PDH?
Courses should be technical in nature or cover business management practices, professional ethics, quality assurance, codes, or other topics facilitating professional development and/or serving to safeguard life, health, property, and promote public welfare. For renewal cycles beginning on or after January 1, 2017: 15 PDH each calendar year, 1 PDH on engineering ethics, and 4 PDH on specified codes and guidelines for certain engineers are required.
At least one of the PDHs per calendar year shall be earned in professional ethics. LAC 46:LXI §3105.A.1
Which activities count in Louisiana?
Online, correspondence, and recorded courses count with no cap on hours, as do seminars, college courses, and teaching. No more than 8 PDH may be earned in a single calendar day, and teaching or presenting is capped at 15 PDH per year.
Professional engineers may not earn more than 8 PDHs within a single calendar day. LAC 46:LXI, Chapter 31
Other Louisiana rules to know
From January 1, 2017, dual licensees need to earn 30 PDHs biennially at a rate of 15 PDH per year, with at least one-third earned separately for each profession. Each year, 1 PDH must cover ethics; one must cover standards of practice for boundary surveys; and 4 PDH covering specified codes and guidelines for engineers who design buildings and/or building systems. PDH records should be kept for a minimum of 6 years.
Additionally, the board will conduct random audits twice per year in connection with impending biennial licensure renewals of up to 30 percent of all board licensees renewing in that calendar year. LAC 46:LXI, Chapter 31
Rule changes in Louisiana
| Effective | What changed |
|---|---|
| For renewal cycles beginning on or after January 1, 2017, the 30 PDH per biennium must be earned as 15 PDH in each calendar year, with at least 1 PDH in professional ethics per year, 4 PDH per year in life safety and building codes for engineers who design buildings, and carryover limited to 7 PDH (LR 42:1104, July 2016). Board notice. |
Louisiana PE continuing education FAQ
Am I exempt in the year I am first licensed?
Yes. New licensees are exempt from CPD during the calendar year in which they are licensed. LAC 46:LXI §3109
I design buildings. Is there an extra requirement?
At least 4 PDH per calendar year in Life Safety Code, building codes, or ADA Accessibility Guidelines. LAC 46:LXI §3105.A.2
Does military service exempt me?
Active duty exceeding 180 consecutive days in a calendar year exempts you for that year. LAC 46:LXI §3109
Are inactive licensees exempt?
Yes, until the next licensure renewal, if you certify inactive status on the renewal form. LAC 46:LXI §3109