Wisconsin PE CE (PDH) Requirements (2026): 30 Hours Every 2 Years

Requirements Overview

The Wisconsin DSPS Professional Engineer Section requires 30 PDH each biennial renewal period, governed by Wis. Admin. Code ch. A-E 13. The 30 PDH must include a minimum of 2 PDH in professional conduct and ethics, and at least 13 PDH must be earned through real-time interactive instruction such as a traditional classroom, computer conferencing, or interactive video where participants can ask the instructor questions directly.

The cycle runs from August 1 of an even year to July 31 of the next even year, and CE does not apply to the biennium in which a license is first issued. The Section pre-approves no courses, providers, or activities, so each licensee determines whether an activity qualifies. Registrants must keep records for the three most recent biennia and submit them only if specifically requested.

Mandatory Topics

Exemptions

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  Initial/First Biennium — Continuing education requirements do not apply to the biennium in which a license is first issued.
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  Extreme Hardship Waiver — Licensee may request a hardship waiver by completing renewal and submitting a letter to the Engineer Section with supporting documentation (e.g., statement from a licensed physician). Section may grant full/partial waiver, extension, or deny.
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  Retirement (Non-Practice) Waiver — Licensee who has retired and no longer receives remuneration may request a waiver via letter plus a signed, notarized Affidavit of Non-Practice. Must have received license prior to August 1, 1988 and maintained an active Wisconsin license for a minimum of 30 consecutive years (per A-E 13.08).

How You Can Complete Your CE

Wisconsin CE Rules & Limits

Details specific to Wisconsin that generic CE guides tend to miss:

• Carry-over — Carry-over of excess PDHs is not addressed on the official DSPS PE CE page; the page defers to Wis. Admin. Code ch. A-E 13 for further detail.
• A minimum of 13 of the 30 PDHs per biennium must be earned through real-time interactive instruction (traditional classroom, computer conferencing, or interactive video conference where participants can communicate directly and ask the instructor questions).
• Registrants must maintain records of CEUs/PDHs earned for the 3 most recent biennia on a form approved by the Professional Engineer Section (A-E 13.07(1)).
• CE tracking forms and completion certificates are NOT submitted at renewal; they must be submitted only if specifically requested by the Department or Engineer Section.
• The renewal cycle is biennial, running from 8/1 of an even year to 7/31 of the next even year (every engineering license renews by July 31 of even years).
• Governing rule: Wisconsin Administrative Code ch. A-E 13 (Continuing Education for Professional Engineers).

Provider Requirements

No pre-approval system. Courses, providers, and activities do not need to be pre-approved; the Professional Engineer Section does not pre-approve any courses, activities, or providers. Each licensee must determine whether a course meets the rules and statutory requirements; the Section has final discretion.

Tips for Wisconsin PEs

• At least 2 of your 30 PDH must be in professional conduct and ethics every biennium.
• A minimum of 13 PDH must be real-time interactive instruction; self-paced online courses can cover at most the remaining 17 PDH.
• The biennium ends July 31 of even-numbered years, so track your window from August 1 of the prior even year.
• The Section pre-approves no courses or providers; you must confirm each activity meets ch. A-E 13 yourself.
• Keep PDH records for the 3 most recent biennia and submit them only if the Department or Section requests them; the first biennium after licensure is exempt.

Sources

PE Requirements in Nearby States

Other Professions in Wisconsin

All Professional Engineer CE Requirements by State

Open any other state's PE CE (PDH) requirements, or see the full Professional Engineer CE hub to compare every state in one table.