Skip to main content

North Dakota · Engineers · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your North Dakota Engineer License

North Dakota engineers must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (NDPELS).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team.

CE hours
30 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
December 31, 2026
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers North Dakota engineers holding a license in one of these classes: Standard biennial PDH (Professional Engineer), General CE requirement: 30 PDH every 2 years, including at least 20 technical PDH and 1 ethics PDH, Dual registrant CE requirement: 30 PDH every 2 years, with at least 10 PDH in each profession, Professional Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor (dual registrant), Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor (Dual). Requirements are set by North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (NDPELS).

When to renew

North Dakota engineers licenses renew every 2 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is December 31, 2026. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (NDAC Title 28 (NDPELS); board FAQ: all personal licenses expire December 31 of even-numbered years, two-year cycle)

The continuing education North Dakota requires

North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (NDPELS) requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Technical subjects — at least 20 hours
  • Ethics — at least 1 hour
  • Non-technical / elective PDH — at least 9 hours
  • Professional engineering — at least 10 hours
  • Professional surveying professional development hours — at least 500 minutes
  • Land surveying — at least 10 hours

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    North Dakota sets engineers requirements by license class (Standard biennial PDH (Professional Engineer), General CE requirement: 30 PDH every 2 years, including at least 20 technical PDH and 1 ethics PDH, Dual registrant CE requirement: 30 PDH every 2 years, with at least 10 PDH in each profession, Professional Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor (dual registrant), Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor (Dual)). 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 December 31, 2026.

  2. 2

    Complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education

    North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (NDPELS) requires 30 hours every 2 years, including Technical subjects, Ethics, Non-technical / elective PDH, Professional engineering and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (NDPELS)

    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.

    Go to North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (NDPELS)

North Dakota engineer renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do North Dakota engineers need?
North Dakota engineers must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (NDPELS).
Which license classes does the North Dakota engineers CE requirement apply to?
The 30 hours requirement applies to: Standard biennial PDH (Professional Engineer), General CE requirement: 30 PDH every 2 years, including at least 20 technical PDH and 1 ethics PDH, Dual registrant CE requirement: 30 PDH every 2 years, with at least 10 PDH in each profession, Professional Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor (dual registrant), Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor (Dual).
What topics are required for North Dakota engineers continuing education?
North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (NDPELS) requires coverage of: Technical subjects (20 hours); Ethics (1 hour); Non-technical / elective PDH (9 hours); Professional engineering (10 hours); Professional surveying professional development hours (8.33 hours); Land surveying (10 hours).
Can North Dakota engineers complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the North Dakota requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources