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What’s the Difference Between CEUs and PDHs for Professional Engineers?

Navigating continuing education requirements for professional engineers can be tricky. Engineering is the only profession that requires professional development hours (PDHs), while continuing education is required in multiple industries. Additionally, not all professional development hours count toward continuing ed.

Continuing education units (CEUs) and PDHs enhance the work you do as a professional engineer (PE), but they are quite different. Both are required depending on where you work or what professional associations you belong to; however, not all PDHs qualify as CEUs.

In most instances, CEUs are required to obtain or maintain your PE license. In this article, we’ll explain the difference and provide resources to help you mind your CEUs and PDHs.

What is a CEU (Continuing Education Unit)?

CEUs meet specific standards of the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). The IACET accreditation process ensures that CEUs meet specific standards for instructional design and delivery including:

  • Needs analysis
  • Learning outcomes
  • Content and instruction
  • Outcomes assessment
  • Evaluation

The learning outcomes are met using quizzes, written assessment, and discussion.

A continuing education unit is a nationally recognized quantity of time spent in the classroom.

Ten hours of instruction equals 1.0 CEU. CEUs measure participation in accredited education programs designed to meet licensing requirements and renewal standards by enhancing professional knowledge.

What is a PDH (Professional Development Hour)?

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) requires professional engineers to take the equivalent of 15 hours of PDHs each year to meet continuing professional competency standards. One hour of instruction is equivalent to 1 PDH or 0.1 CEUs equals 1 PDH. Engineers can meet this requirement by taking a 1.5-unit CEU course or other professional development training.

Professional development training builds on the professional skills and knowledge of the engineer and can include a range of activities, including:

  • Taking courses
  • Attending seminars or symposiums
  • Training programs
  • Teaching or presenting a topic
  • Publishing an original article
  • Writing a book
  • Patenting and idea or product

Key Differences Between CEUs and PDHs

The primary difference between PDHs and CEUs is the intended audience. CEUs are offered in almost every industry, whereas PDHs are specific to engineers. CEUs are often needed to obtain or renew industry licenses. CEUs can be industry-specific or cover topics in soft skills like management or communication that apply to a broad range of industries. The CEU requirement for engineers can be found by visiting the state board’s website where you’re licensed.

CEUs meet standards recognized by each state. A certificate of completion is issued at the end of the course to verify the objectives for CEUs are met. Most states require documentation of completion of a certain number of CEUs.

The NCEES requires 15 PDHs during each calendar year as the minimum continuing professional competency (CTC) standard. NCEES requires that at least 1 PDH is earned in engineering or surveying ethics. PDHs must improve the licensee’s methods of business practice of operations.

Why Engineers Need to Know the Difference

PDHs can fulfill continuing education requirements for licensure or renewal, but not all PDHs will count toward CEUs. To offer CEUs, the provider must be approved by the IACET. CEUs are designed to give you new credentials—they improve your resume. PDHs improve job performance without requiring provider accreditation—PDHs focus on becoming better at your job.

To avoid confusion, it’s important to know the difference and select the right educational opportunities that meet your professional and licensing goals.

How CEU and PDH Requirements Vary by State for Engineers

Not all states require CEUs or PDHs. Currently, only 42 states and Washington, DC, require continuing education, and only six states require pre-approved continuing ed providers, including Florida, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina. Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin limit the number of online or distance learning PDHs they will accept.

Not all states require 15 PDHs per year or 30 per biennial renewal cycle. Some states like Maryland and Virginia only require 8 PDHs per year and 16 per biennial renewal cycle. This is why if you are licensed in multiple states, you must know the state requirements in which you perform professional engineering certification.

Ultimately, you are responsible for maintaining records accounting for PDHs and CEUs. McKissock’s new student dashboard lets you plan and track your continuing education hours. The dashboard organizes classes and recommendations based state requirements and electives. It also tracks your progress and alerts you to upcoming deadlines.

Engineers can also track and report their CPC hours using their “MyNCEES” account through the NCEES website.

Tips for Selecting Courses to Fulfill CEUs and PDHs

Here are a few tips to select the right courses to fulfill your CEU and PDH requirements:

  • Check with your state board to learn about the CEU and PDH requirements and find approved providers. Courses should be accredited by NCEES, IACET or state engineering boards.
  • Match courses with your professional interests and licensure requirements. In most cases, you will be required to take a few courses on specific topics, for example an ethics course. But the remaining courses should align with your career goals and include any certifications to boost your marketability as a PE or enhance your ability to do your job.
  • Verify whether the course provides CEUs, PDHs, or both. In most cases, CEUs will count toward PDHs, but that’s not always the case for PDHs—some PDHs do not count toward CEUs.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences and state requirements for CEUs and PDHs are essential for mapping out your professional development. In addition to checking with your state board, you can find approved PDHs listed on the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) website or local or national engineering associations.

We’re here to help you navigate your career options and stay current with engineering trends. If you’re looking for Professional Engineering continuing education courses, McKissock has you covered.