Skip to main content

Illinois · Engineers · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Illinois Engineer License

Illinois engineers must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Professional Engineering.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Professional Engineering rule on September 10, 2026.

CE hours
30 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
November 30, 2027
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Illinois engineers holding a Professional Engineer (PE) — Standard Biennial PDH license. Requirements are set by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Professional Engineering.

When to renew

Illinois engineers licenses renew every 2 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is November 30, 2027. Continuing education may be completed at any time during the renewal cycle, as long as it is finished before the deadline. (68 Ill. Admin. Code § 1380.325(a)(4) ('A prerenewal period is the 24 months preceding November 30 of each odd-numbered year'))

The continuing education Illinois requires

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Professional Engineering requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Sexual harassment prevention training — at least 1 hour
  • Illinois statutes and rules for structural engineering — at least 1 hour
  • Professional conduct and/or ethics — at least 1 hour
  • Elective PDH relevant to engineering practice — at least 27 hours
  • Elective Professional Development (Engineering-Relevant) — at least 27 hours

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Illinois sets engineers requirements by license class (Professional Engineer (PE) — Standard Biennial PDH). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is November 30, 2027.

  2. 2

    Complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Professional Engineering requires 30 hours every 2 years, including Sexual harassment prevention training, Illinois statutes and rules for structural engineering, Professional conduct and/or ethics, Elective PDH relevant to engineering practice and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Illinois engineers course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Illinois, you keep your certificate and attest to completion when you renew; the board may audit.

  5. 5

    Renew with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Professional Engineering

    Submit your renewal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

Illinois engineer renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Illinois engineers need?
Illinois engineers must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Professional Engineering.
Which license classes does the Illinois engineers CE requirement apply to?
The 30 hours requirement applies to: Professional Engineer (PE) — Standard Biennial PDH.
What topics are required for Illinois engineers continuing education?
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Professional Engineering requires coverage of: Sexual harassment prevention training (1 hour); Illinois statutes and rules for structural engineering (1 hour); Professional conduct and/or ethics (1 hour); Elective PDH relevant to engineering practice (27 hours); Elective Professional Development (Engineering-Relevant) (27 hours).
Can Illinois engineers complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Illinois requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources