South Carolina PDH requirements
Last checked against board materials . Sources: SC LLR continuing education, CPC requirements (PDF).
- 30 PDH
- per 2 years
- Biennial
- June 30, even years
- 15 PDH
- into next period
- Not required
- no subject mandate
How many PDH does a South Carolina PE need?
South Carolina PEs obtain 30 PDH each biennial renewal period. There is no mandatory ethics hour, but since July 1, 2022 no more than half the hours claimed may be business or non-technical.
Each licensee is required to obtain 30 PDH units each biennial renewal period. SC Regulation 49-602
When does a South Carolina PE license renew?
The universal deadline for license renewal is June 30 in even-numbered years for all practicing engineers.
Can South Carolina PEs carry over PDH?
Up to 15 PDH earned beyond the requirement may be carried into the next period. Claiming the full 15 opens the previous period to audit, so keep that documentation.
If a licensee exceeds the requirements in any renewal period, a maximum of 15 PDH units may be carried forward into the subsequent renewal period. SC Regulation 49-602
Does the South Carolina board pre-approve courses?
The South Carolina Board does not engage in the pre-approval of courses or providers. Engineers must exercise their professional judgment to ensure that chosen activities adhere to the Board's standards.
The Board has final authority with respect to approval of courses, credit, PDH value for courses and other methods of earning credit. SC Regulation 49-604
What content counts toward South Carolina PDH?
The course content should aim to "enhance and improve professional skills." There is no restrictive guideline provided, granting professionals the freedom to select courses that directly contribute to their skill enhancement.
Effective July 1, 2022, no more than fifty percent of PDHs claimed during a renewal cycle may be earned in a business or non-technical subject matter. SC Regulation 49-602(D)
Which activities count in South Carolina?
Licensees are given the autonomy to select activities that contribute significantly to their professional development. The Board recognizes online courses as acceptable and will consider all relevant continuing education during audits, provided it enhances the licensee's professional attributes and practice area.
Successful completion of short courses, tutorials, webinars, and distance-education courses offered for documented individual or group study. SC Regulation 49-603
Other South Carolina rules to know
Engineers holding dual licenses are required to complete the standard 30 PDHs. Nonetheless, they must allocate at least one-third of these credits to activities relevant to each professional domain. It is compulsory to retain PDH completion documents for a period of no less than 5 years. Our platform facilitates this by offering immediate certificate generation and a secure digital repository, accessible for a minimum of ten years through your personal account.
If the licensee claims 15 PDH carry over units, the previous renewal period will be subject to audit. SC Regulation 49-602
Rule changes in South Carolina
| Effective | What changed |
|---|---|
| No more than half of the PDH claimed in a renewal cycle may be earned in business or non-technical subject matter. Board notice. |
South Carolina PE continuing education FAQ
Am I exempt for my first renewal?
Yes. New licensees by examination or comity are exempt for their first renewal period. SC Regulation 49-606
Are retired engineers exempt?
Yes, if they certify on the Board form that they receive no remuneration for engineering services; returning to practice requires hours for each exempt year up to 30. SC Regulation 49-606
What if the Board denies some of my credit?
You get a ninety-day period to make up deficiencies. SC LLR continuing education