How to Renew Your Virginia Engineer License

Who has to renew

This guide covers Virginia engineers holding a license in one of these classes: PE biennial CE (16 PDH / 2 yrs), Professional Engineer. Requirements are set by Virginia DPOR — Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA).

When to renew

Virginia engineers licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education may be completed at any time during the renewal cycle, as long as it is finished before the deadline. (18VAC10-20-683 (CE must be completed during the two-year license period immediately prior to expiration); § 54.1-404.2 of the Code of Virginia)

The continuing education Virginia requires

Virginia DPOR — Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA) requires 16 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

• Engineering practice / professional development — at least 16 hours

How to renew, step by step

1. 1

   Confirm your license class and renewal date

   Virginia sets engineers requirements by license class (PE biennial CE (16 PDH / 2 yrs), Professional Engineer). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

2. 2

   Complete 16 hours of board-approved continuing education

   Virginia DPOR — Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA) requires 16 hours every 2 years, including Engineering practice / professional development. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

5. 5

   Renew with Virginia DPOR — Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA)

   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 Virginia DPOR — Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA)

Virginia engineer renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Virginia engineers need?

Virginia engineers must complete 16 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Virginia DPOR — Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA).

Which license classes does the Virginia engineers CE requirement apply to?

The 16 hours requirement applies to: PE biennial CE (16 PDH / 2 yrs), Professional Engineer.

What topics are required for Virginia engineers continuing education?

Virginia DPOR — Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA) requires coverage of: Engineering practice / professional development (16 hours).

Can Virginia engineers complete continuing education online?

Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Virginia requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources

• Virginia DPOR — Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA) — official board site
• Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 3, 2026
• Virginia Engineers continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class