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State Cert Guide

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How many continuing education hours does a PE need in Maryland?

If you hold a Maryland PE license, you report 16 hours of professional development for each two-year term when you renew, but not for your first renewal. Part of the hours must cover ethics, the code of conduct, standards of practice or care, or Maryland engineering law.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
16 hours of professional developmentThe Board calls these professional development hours, or PDHs.
Verified. labor.maryland.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Valid for
The two years before your biennial renewal dateCount back from your renewal date to find the window.
Same source and date as above
Online accepted
Programs may be live, online or in other formats the Board approvesThe Board’s FAQ lists several delivery formats.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check what applies to you. Before each biennial renewal, you complete 16 hours of acceptable professional development hours. You cannot report hours for your first renewal.

  2. Step 2. Pick programs that count. Topics range from technical, research and design work to engineering laws, software, standards of practice, ethics and project management. Programs can be live, online or in other formats the Board approves.

  3. Step 3. Take the hours. At least one PDH in each term must come from programs on ethical concerns, the code of conduct, standards of practice or care, or Maryland engineering law.

  4. Step 4. Certify and keep records. At renewal you certify that you completed the 16 PDHs, and you keep your records for four years after completing the course or presentation.

Before you pay

We haven’t confirmed a course price. Before you pay, check that the topic fits one of the Board’s listed subjects, and ask the provider for a certificate you can keep for your records.

Questions

Can extra hours carry forward?

Yes, some. A maximum of 8 PDH earned over the 16 required for a term can carry forward as credit toward the next licensing term.

Does the Board have to approve my course or provider?

Courses do not need Board approval. Providers do, but some are pre-approved, among them ABET or regionally accredited schools, engineering societies, ACEC and NCEES. A presentation from another group, such as a manufacturer or your employer, can also count if it builds your engineering skills and knowledge.

Will I be audited?

You can be. Licensees are subject to a random audit, and if you are audited you must submit proof of the hours you claimed.

Is there a free ethics option?

Yes. The Board offers a free one-hour training with an exam on Maryland law and ethics, designed to meet Maryland’s required ethics training.

What to do next

Start with the Maryland Board for Professional Engineers page on continuing education. Check your own renewal date there before you pay for a course.

labor.maryland.gov

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