New 2024 Continuing Education Rules for Georgia Professional Engineers
Discover the new annual PDH requirements for Georgia Professional Engineers (PEs), including how to complete 15 PDH each year, and carryover rules. Learn how the shift from biennial to annual license renewal impacts Georgia PEs and dual license holders. Stay compliant with the latest continuing education guidelines in Georgia.
Introduction
On May 5, 2022, Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 476, establishing the Georgia Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Board as a new state agency.
A key provision in this bill changed the license renewal period for Professional Engineers (PEs), Structural Engineers, and Land Surveyors from a biennial to an annual cycle. All current license holders will receive a December 31, 2023, expiration date, aligning with this transition.
In this article, we’ll explore the new continuing education requirements for Georgia PEs and the implications of this change.
Overview of the New Continuing Education Rules for Georgia PEs
With the new engineering licensing rules, Georgia’s continuing education requirements for PEs have shifted to an annual renewal cycle. PEs must now complete 15 Professional Development Hours (PDH) each year. Additionally, up to 7.5 PDH can be carried over to the following year.
The topics of these PDH credits must remain relevant to the practice of engineering, ensuring PEs stay informed of industry advancements. These changes are designed to simplify compliance and ensure that Georgia engineers continually enhance their skills and knowledge throughout their careers.
Annual PDH Requirements for Georgia Professional Engineers
Under the new Georgia rules, licensed Professional Engineers must complete 15 Professional Development Hours each year as part of their continuing education (CE) requirements. This annual requirement ensures that PEs maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge relevant to their engineering practice.
Additionally, engineers are allowed to carry over a maximum of 7.5 PDH into the next renewal cycle, offering some flexibility for those who exceed the 15 PDH in a given year.
Georgia PE’s must:
- Complete 15 PDH every year.
- Up to 7.5 PDH can be carried over.
- Acceptable activities include seminars, workshops, courses, and self-study (with limitations).
- Maintain documentation of PDH activities for at least 4 years.
- Exemptions are available for inactive licensees or those on active military duty.
Qualifying Continuing Education Activities
Georgia PEs can earn their 15 PDH annually through a variety of continuing education activities. Acceptable activities include:
- Attending courses, seminars, or workshops related to engineering.
- Participating in webinars or conferences that enhance technical knowledge.
- Teaching relevant engineering courses or seminars (limited to the first time taught).
- Completing self-study activities, such as reading journals or technical papers, with a cap on how many hours can come from self-study.
These activities must directly relate to the practice of engineering, ensuring that PEs stay informed and competent.
Recordkeeping and Reporting PDH
Georgia Professional Engineers are responsible for maintaining records of their PDH activities for a minimum of four years. These records must include documentation such as completion certificates, transcripts, or other verifiable proof of participation. PEs are not required to submit this documentation unless audited by the Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
When renewing their license, PEs must attest to having met the continuing education requirements. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, including license suspension.
Exemptions and Special Provisions
Georgia’s continuing education rules provide specific exemptions and special provisions for certain license holders. Engineers with inactive status are exempt from PDH requirements as long as they do not engage in engineering practice. Additionally, PEs serving on active military duty may be exempt from annual PDH requirements, depending on the length and nature of their service.
It’s important for engineers seeking exemption to notify the Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors and provide any necessary documentation to support their claim.
Continuing Education Requirements for Dual License Holders
For professionals holding both Professional Engineer (PE) and Land Surveyor licenses in Georgia, the continuing education requirements are a blend of both disciplines. Dual license holders must complete 15 PDH annually, with at least 7.5 PDH in each profession. Additionally, land surveyors are required to complete 3 PDH on Minimum Technical Standards every two years. The same rules for carrying over PDH apply, allowing up to 7.5 excess PDH to be carried over into the next renewal period.
Comparison of New and Old Continuing Education Requirements
Under the old rules, Georgia Professional Engineers (PEs) were required to complete 30 PDH over a two-year period, with biennial license renewal. The transition to an annual renewal cycle through HB 476 has reduced this requirement to 15 PDH per year, creating a more manageable workload by spreading continuing education across smaller, annual increments.
Additionally, while the previous rule allowed for carryover, the new rule still permits up to 7.5 PDH to carry over to the next year, maintaining flexibility for PEs.
Old versus new Continuing Education requirements
| Aspect | Old Rule | New Rule |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial (every 2 years) | Annual |
| PDH Requirement | 30 PDH every 2 years | 15 PDH annually |
| Carryover Allowed | Yes, up to 15 PDH | Yes, up to 7.5 PDH |
| Ethics Requirement | No specific ethics requirement | No specific ethics requirement |
| Dual License Requirements | 30 PDH with no specific split | 15 PDH annually, at least 7.5 PDH in each profession |
Conclusion
Georgia’s shift from a biennial to an annual license renewal cycle for Professional Engineers introduces a more streamlined and manageable approach to continuing education. By requiring 15 PDH annually, with flexibility for carrying over credits and a new focus on ethics, the new rules encourage ongoing professional development without overwhelming engineers.
Dual license holders, as well, now have clear guidelines on how to balance their continuing education requirements across both professions. These updates ensure that Georgia PEs remain well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges of the engineering field while maintaining their licenses efficiently.