Wisconsin PDH requirements
Last checked against board materials . Sources: DSPS professional engineer continuing education, Wis. Admin. Code ch. A-E 13.
- 30 PDH
- per 2 years
- Biennial
- July 31, even years
- 15 PDH
- into next period
- 2 PDH
- of the total
How many PDH does a Wisconsin PE need?
Professional Engineers in Wisconsin are required to accumulate 30 PDHs every two years. These continuing education efforts ensure engineers remain informed about industry innovations and uphold high professional standards.
30 hours of approved Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or equivalent continuing education units, pertinent to the practice of professional engineering. DSPS professional engineer continuing education
When does a Wisconsin PE license renew?
The deadline for license renewal is July 31st of even-numbered years, keeping all engineers on the same consistent schedule.
"Biennium" means a 2-year period beginning August 1 of each even-numbered year. Wis. Admin. Code A-E 13.02(1)
Can Wisconsin PEs carry over PDH?
Engineers can transfer a maximum of 15 PDHs into the subsequent renewal period, making it more flexible for professionals to manage their learning hours.
If a registrant obtains more than 30 PDHs in a biennium, a maximum of 15 of the excess PDHs may be used toward the continuing education requirement in the next biennium. Wis. Admin. Code A-E 13.03(1)(d)
Does the Wisconsin board pre-approve courses?
The Board entrusts engineers with the responsibility of selecting suitable courses, as it does not pre-approve providers or specific courses. Engineers need to ensure their activities adhere to the Board's standards.
Courses, providers, and activities do not need to be pre-approved to meet the continuing education requirements. DSPS professional engineer continuing education
What content counts toward Wisconsin PDH?
Accepted courses should offer systematic, purposeful learning, directly applicable to the engineering field. Instructors must be qualified experts in their subject area. Courses must have clear learning objectives and offer proof of attendance. Each professional must earn at least 2 PDHs in ethics and 13 PDHs in interactive environments, such as live webinars, to encourage real-time engagement and discussion.
The required 30 PDHs must include a minimum of two (2) PDHs in the area of professional conduct and ethics. DSPS professional engineer continuing education
Which activities count in Wisconsin?
The Board recognizes online courses and webinars as valid learning activities. Our webinars meet the requirements for "live" course participation, ensuring engineers can conveniently fulfill this aspect of their learning online.
Completing short courses or tutorials and distance education courses offered through correspondence, DVDs, or the internet. Wis. Admin. Code A-E 13.03(2)(b)
Other Wisconsin rules to know
Engineers must keep their PDH documentation for at least 6 years. We support this by enabling immediate certificate access and printing after course or webinar completion. We also securely store your completion certificates for at least ten years, making them available anytime online through your personal account.
Wisconsin PE continuing education FAQ
How many hours must be live or interactive?
At least 13 PDH per biennium through real-time interaction: a classroom, computer conferencing, or interactive video. DSPS professional engineer continuing education
Can I be excused if I retire?
Yes, by letter to the Engineer Section stating you have retired and receive no remuneration for engineering services. DSPS professional engineer continuing education and A-E 13.035
Does CE apply in the biennium my license is issued?
No. Requirements do not apply to the biennium in which a license is first issued. DSPS professional engineer continuing education