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Louisiana · Engineers · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Louisiana Engineer License

Louisiana engineers must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS) rule on September 10, 2026.

CE hours
30 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
September 30, 2026
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Louisiana engineers holding a license in one of these classes: PE biennial CPD (standard, non-building designers), PE biennial CPD (engineers who design buildings/building systems), PE Standard Biennial CPD — 15 PDH per calendar year (30 PDH per biennium), Professional Engineer. Requirements are set by Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS). Hours differ by class — 30 hours for PE biennial CPD (standard, non-building designers), PE biennial CPD (engineers who design buildings/building systems), PE Standard Biennial CPD — 15 PDH per calendar year (30 PDH per biennium); 15 hours for Professional Engineer; 4 hours for Professional Engineer.

When to renew

Louisiana engineers licenses renew every 2 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is September 30, 2026. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (LAC 46:LXI §3105; LAPELS renewals page (lapels.com/renewals.html) — renewal dates are March 31 or September 30 based on year of initial licensure)

The continuing education Louisiana requires

Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS) requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Professional ethics — at least 2 hours
  • Engineering-related acceptable activities (elective) — at least 28 hours
  • Life Safety Code, building codes and/or ADA Accessibility Guidelines — at least 8 hours

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Louisiana sets engineers requirements by license class (PE biennial CPD (standard, non-building designers), PE biennial CPD (engineers who design buildings/building systems), PE Standard Biennial CPD — 15 PDH per calendar year (30 PDH per biennium), Professional Engineer). 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 September 30, 2026.

  2. 2

    Complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS) requires 30 hours every 2 years, including Professional ethics, Engineering-related acceptable activities (elective), Life Safety Code, building codes and/or ADA Accessibility Guidelines. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS)

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal 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.

    Go to Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS)

Louisiana engineer renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Louisiana engineers need?
Louisiana engineers must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS).
Which license types have different CE requirements in Louisiana?
Requirements differ by license class in Louisiana: 30 hours for PE biennial CPD (standard, non-building designers), PE biennial CPD (engineers who design buildings/building systems), PE Standard Biennial CPD — 15 PDH per calendar year (30 PDH per biennium); 15 hours for Professional Engineer; 4 hours for Professional Engineer.
What topics are required for Louisiana engineers continuing education?
Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS) requires coverage of: Professional ethics (2 hours); Engineering-related acceptable activities (elective) (28 hours); Life Safety Code, building codes and/or ADA Accessibility Guidelines (8 hours).
Can Louisiana engineers complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Louisiana requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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