North Carolina PDH requirements
Last checked against board materials . Sources: NCBELS continuing education for individuals, Revised CPC rules 2023 (PDF).
- 15 PDH
- per year
- Annual
- December 31
- 15 PDH
- into next period
- 1 PDH
- of the total
How many PDH does a North Carolina PE need?
North Carolina PEs obtain 15 PDH in each annual renewal period, including at least 1 PDH in ethics or the Rules of Professional Conduct. Dual licensees need at least one-third of the total in each profession.
Every licensee shall obtain 15 PDH units during the renewal period. NCBELS continuing education for individuals
When does a North Carolina PE license renew?
All North Carolina PE licenses renew by December 31 each year, and the 15 PDH are reported on the renewal form for the year just ending.
Can North Carolina PEs carry over PDH?
Up to 15 PDH earned beyond the annual requirement may be carried into the next year, including an extra ethics hour if you earned two.
If a licensee exceeds the annual requirement in any renewal period, a maximum of 15 PDH units may be carried forward into the subsequent renewal period. NCBELS continuing education for individuals
Does the North Carolina board pre-approve courses?
As of January 1, 2025, the Board no longer pre-approves course sponsors. Engineers have the flexibility to choose their continuing education activities. However, it's the responsibility of each engineer to ascertain that these activities meet the Board's standards. We encourage engineers to verify the relevance and applicability of our courses in accordance with the Board's criteria.
Does the Board pre-approve courses? No, the Board does not pre-approve courses. NCBELS continuing education for individuals
What content counts toward North Carolina PDH?
Engineers should not earn credits in business skills, personal development, and firm management. From 2024 onward, it is mandatory to undertake 1 PDH in ethics or rules of professional conduct, emphasizing ethical concerns, professional integrity, and standards of practice. The courses should aim to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the engineer's professional practice, prioritizing public welfare, safety, and health. Advanced computer courses with specific applications in engineering practices are accepted, but not courses teaching basic computer skills.
Effective as of the 2024 license renewal (license renewals opened on December 1, 2023), licensees will need at least 1 Professional Development Hour (PDH) in Ethics or Rules of Professional Conduct NCBELS, 2023 CPC rule changes
Which activities count in North Carolina?
Online courses are valid for meeting continuing professional competency (CPC) requirements, as explicitly stated by the Board.
Completion of correspondence, televised, videotaped, audiotaped, and other short courses/tutorials. NCBELS continuing education for individuals
Other North Carolina rules to know
Courses on basic computer skills not directly applicable to engineering practice are not considered valid. For individuals holding dual licenses, they must complete 30 PDH biennially, with at least a third pertaining to each profession. It's essential to keep PDH completion records for a minimum of 3 years. Our platform facilitates this by providing instant certificate access and ensuring secure, long-term storage of completion records.
CPC records are to be maintained for three years. NCBELS continuing education for individuals
Rule changes in North Carolina
| Effective | What changed |
|---|---|
| The Board no longer pre-approves continuing education sponsors or courses. Each engineer determines whether an activity meets the CPC rules. Board notice. | |
| Beginning with the 2024 renewal, at least 1 of the 15 annual PDH must cover ethics or the Rules of Professional Conduct. Board notice. |
North Carolina PE continuing education FAQ
I renewed as Inactive. How do I return to practice?
Earn the PDH for each inactive year, up to the two-year requirement of 30 PDH, and document them to the Board. NCBELS continuing education for individuals
Does self-study count?
No. Evidence of self-study submitted for claimed PDH is denied. NCBELS continuing education for individuals
Can I audit a college course for credit?
Yes, up to 30 PDH per course, with documentation from the college and evidence of the coursework. NCBELS continuing education for individuals
I live in a state with no CPC requirement. Whose rules apply?
North Carolina's. NCBELS continuing education for individuals
Are retired licensees exempt?
Yes, Retired status is exempt from CPC and renewal. NCBELS continuing education for individuals