Illinois Land Surveyor CE (PDH) Requirements (2026): 20 Hours Every 2 Years
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Requirements Overview
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires every professional land surveyor to complete continuing professional development to renew a license, under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1270.65. The requirement is 20 professional development hours (PDH) per two-year renewal cycle, earned during the 24 months preceding November of each even-numbered year (renewal is due November 30 of even years).
Of the 20 hours, 7 are core and must fall in fixed subject areas: 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training, 4 hours on Illinois statutes and rules that regulate land surveyors and surveys, and 2 hours of professional conduct. The remaining 13 hours are electives relevant to surveying practice. All 20 PDH may be completed online, and one PDH equals 50 minutes of instruction.
Keep documentation of every course for 6 years in case of audit. The rule has no carry-forward provision, so hours earned beyond 20 do not roll into the next cycle. Verify current details with IDFPR before you renew.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual harassment prevention training | 1 | Every renewal | At least 1 of the 20 PDH must be sexual harassment prevention training meeting the requirements of Section 1130.400 of the Civil Administrative Code. |
| Illinois statutes and rules regulating professional land surveyors and surveys | 4 | Every renewal | A minimum of 4 of the 20 PDH must be in programs, courses or activities on the State of Illinois statutes and rules that regulate professional land surveyors and surveys. |
| Professional conduct | 2 | Every renewal | A minimum of 2 of the 20 PDH must be in programs, courses or activities in the area of professional conduct. |
Exemptions
- New Licensees (First Renewal) — A new licensee is not required to report continuing education (professional development) hours during the first biennial renewal period following initial licensure.
- Active Military Duty — Licensees on full-time active duty in the armed forces, or called into temporary military duty exceeding 120 consecutive days, are not required to comply with the professional development requirement during that period.
- Undue Hardship (Disability Or Illness) — A licensee who demonstrates undue hardship by reason of disability, illness, or other clearly mitigating circumstances may be granted a waiver or extension of the professional development requirement.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Illinois CE Rules & Limits
Details specific to Illinois that generic CE guides tend to miss:
- The 20 PDH are due per biennial renewal cycle; the pre-renewal period is the 24 months preceding November of each even-numbered year, with renewal on November 30 of even-numbered years (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1270.65).
- The 20 hours break down as 7 core hours (1 hour sexual harassment prevention training, 4 hours Illinois statutes and rules regulating land surveyors, 2 hours professional conduct) plus 13 elective hours.
- All 20 PDH may be earned online. One professional development hour equals 50 minutes of instruction or participation, and one continuing education unit (CEU) equals 10 PDH.
- Licensees must keep records of PDH for 6 years, including sponsor/provider name and address, subject matter, program schedules, and proof of participation, in case of audit.
- The rule contains no carry-forward provision, so excess PDH earned in one biennium do not roll into the next cycle.
Tips for Illinois PLSs
- Lock in the 7 core hours first: 1 hour sexual harassment prevention training, 4 hours Illinois statutes and rules for land surveyors, and 2 hours professional conduct. The remaining 13 hours are electives.
- Time your courses to the 24-month pre-renewal window preceding November of an even-numbered year — renewal is due November 30 of even years, and there is no carry-forward of excess hours into the next cycle.
- All 20 PDH can be earned online, so remote courses count in full. Confirm any provider is acceptable (e.g., IPLSA, NCEES, or NSPS) before you register.
- Remember one PDH equals 50 minutes of instruction, and one CEU equals 10 PDH — check how a provider reports credit so your totals add up.
- Keep records of each course for 6 years (sponsor name and address, subject matter, schedule, and proof of participation) in case IDFPR audits your renewal. New licensees are exempt during their first biennial renewal period — verify your first compliance cycle with the board.
Sources
- Cross-checked against the official published rules of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
- Each stated figure recorded with its exact source excerpt
- 1 source cited — 1 primary (official board)
PLS Requirements in Nearby States
Other Professions in Illinois
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