Staying current in the dynamic field of structural engineering is often a requirement for maintaining your professional license. For licensed Professional Engineers (PEs) in the United States, understanding and fulfilling Professional Development Hours (PDH) requirements is crucial. 

This article explores the importance of Structural Engineering PDH, how requirements vary, and outlines how you can effectively earn the necessary credits to enhance your expertise and ensure compliance.

Why is PDH Crucial for Structural Engineers?

Continuing education, typically measured in PDH units, serves several vital functions for structural engineers:

1. Maintaining Technical Competence: The field is constantly evolving with new materials, design methodologies (like performance-based design), updated building codes (such as ASCE/SEI 7), and advanced analytical software. PDH ensures engineers stay up-to-date with these changes.

2. Protecting Public Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW): This is the basis of engineering licensure. Continuing education reinforces knowledge of codes, standards, and best practices essential for designing safe and resilient structures. Many state boards require a significant portion, if not all, PDH to be HSW-related.

3. Fulfilling Licensing Requirements: Most U.S. state engineering boards mandate a specific number of PDH credits during each renewal cycle to maintain an active PE license. Failure to comply can result in non-renewal or disciplinary action.

4. Enhancing Career Advancement: Engaging in continuing education demonstrates a commitment to professional growth. It can improve skills, increase knowledge in specialized areas (e.g., seismic retrofitting, advanced steel design, forensic engineering), and potentially lead to greater responsibilities and career opportunities.

5. Meeting Ethical Obligations: Many states require engineers to complete ethics-focused PDH courses, reinforcing the principles outlined in professional codes of conduct.

Navigating PDH Requirements: A State-by-State Approach

A critical point to understand is that PDH for Engineers in the US is regulated at the state level. There is no single national standard, although the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) provides Model Rules that many states use as a guideline. 

The definitive source for PDH requirements is always your state licensing board's official website. NCEES maintains a directory with links to all state boards for easy accessibility.

To take a closer look at PDH Requirements for professional engineers in the U.S., check the PE Courses’ article ‘How to Fulfill your PDH Requirements: A State-by-State Guide for Engineers’.

How to Earn Structural Engineering PDH Credits

Licensed engineers have numerous avenues for earning Structural Engineering PDH:

• Online Courses: Platforms like PE Courses and others offer vast libraries covering structural analysis, specific material design (concrete, steel, timber, masonry), code updates, seismic and wind design, foundation engineering, ethics, and more.

• Live Seminars & Workshops: In-person events allow direct interaction.

• Conferences: Attending technical sessions at conferences hosted by organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers and its Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) is a common way to earn PDH.

• University Courses: Taking relevant graduate-level courses often qualifies.

• Teaching & Presenting: Instructing a course or presenting on a technical topic.

When selecting activities, ensure they have clear learning objectives, qualified instructors, and are directly related to structural engineering practice, contributing to public HSW.

Featured Structural Engineering PDH Courses

Finding the right courses is key. Many providers offer individual courses or bundled packages tailored to structural engineers. Here are several highly recommended options available through PE Courses:

• Innovative Indicators in Pavement Structural Evaluation
  Learn how to apply novel diagnostic tools and evaluation techniques in pavement design, with a focus on structural performance indicators relevant to roadway engineering and infrastructure durability.

• High Early Strength Concrete: Curing Techniques and Strength
  This course explores advanced curing methods for high early strength concrete and their impact on structural reliability, enabling faster construction timelines without compromising safety or performance.

• 24-Hour Package: Steel Bridge Design and Construction
  Perfect for engineers focusing on transportation infrastructure, this comprehensive bundle delivers a deep dive into steel bridge design principles, techniques, construction challenges, and code compliance, fulfilling a full 24 PDH requirement.

• Custom PDH Package: Tailor your own package to suit your licensing renewal needs and areas of interest. Select from a wide range of structural engineering and ethics courses to build a personalized bundle that meets your state’s PDH requirements and your professional goals.

Emerging Trends Impacting Structural Engineering Practice

To stay competitive and forward-thinking, structural engineers must stay informed about rapidly evolving trends that are reshaping the industry. Incorporating these trends into your continuing education can not only help you meet PDH requirements but also future-proof your skills and expand your impact.

Resilience-Based Design

More jurisdictions across the U.S. are emphasizing not just code compliance, but also resilience. Engineers are expected to account for how structures perform during and after extreme events—earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, or floods. 

Integration of Sustainability and Carbon Accounting

As the built environment contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, structural engineers are increasingly tasked with selecting low-impact materials, conducting life-cycle assessments, and integrating sustainability goals into their designs.

Performance-Based Wind and Seismic Design

As performance-based design (PBD) expands beyond seismic to include wind and fire considerations, engineers must develop nuanced modeling skills and learn to apply nonlinear time-history analyses, probabilistic risk assessments, and other advanced tools to meet these performance criteria.

Digital Transformation and Automation in Design

Building Information Modeling (BIM), parametric design tools, and integrated structural analysis software (e.g., ETABS, SAP2000, Tekla) are dramatically changing how designs are developed, analyzed, and communicated. PDH courses that focus on digital workflows and automation can offer engineers a competitive advantage in project delivery and team collaboration.

Conclusion

Continuing professional development is indispensable for licensed structural engineers. Earning Structural Engineering PDH is fundamental to maintaining competence, upholding ethical standards, protecting the public, and advancing your career. 

Remember that PDH for Engineers in the US is governed by individual state boards. Always verify your specific state's requirements and proactively engage in quality learning opportunities relevant to your practice.

Explore expertly curated courses and packages designed to meet your licensure needs and boost your expertise with PE Courses today