Ethics in engineering isn’t just a set of guidelines tucked away in a handbook; it’s the foundation upon which we build trust with the public and our peers. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and ensuring that our projects stand the test of time—not just structurally, but morally as well.
In this article, I identify those states that require ethics-focused Professional Development Hours (PDH) for license renewal. Understanding these requirements is essential—not just for compliance, but for reaffirming the ethical principles that are the backbone of our profession. Let’s explore these mandates and see how they contribute to our growth as responsible engineers.
The Importance of Ethics in Engineering
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Ethical considerations guide us when regulations fall short or when we face unforeseen challenges. They help us make the right choices, even when those choices are difficult or unpopular. In an industry where the margin for error is slim, adhering to a strong ethical code ensures that we’re not just compliant with laws and standards, but also committed to the greater good.
Moreover, maintaining high ethical standards fosters public trust. When people cross a bridge, enter a building, or use public utilities, they seldom think about the engineers behind them—and that’s a good thing. It means we’ve done our job well. But when something goes wrong due to unethical practices, the consequences can be disastrous, eroding trust in our profession as a whole.
At the end of the day, our technical skills are only part of the equation. It’s our ethical judgment that ultimately defines the integrity and value of our work. Embracing this truth isn’t just good practice—it’s the cornerstone of what it means to be a professional engineer.
States Requiring Ethics Courses for Professional Engineers
Navigating the patchwork of continuing education requirements across different states can be challenging, especially when it comes to ethics training. Over the years, I’ve seen how easy it is for busy professionals to overlook specific mandates, potentially jeopardizing their licensure. To help fellow engineers stay on top of these obligations, I’ve compiled a table that highlights the states requiring mandatory ethics courses for license renewal. This resource is designed to provide a clear overview so you can quickly identify your state’s requirements and ensure you’re meeting them.
States Requiring Ethics PDH Hours for Professional Engineers
| State | Ethics PDHs Required | Special Notes |
| Delaware | 2 PDH in professional ethics | Total of 24 PDH required every two years. No more than 6 PDH can be related to professional ethics. No more than 9 PDH in business/project management. |
| Florida | 1 PDH in professional ethics | Total of 18 PDH required every two years. Also requires 1 PDH in laws and rules, 4 PDH in area of practice, and 12 PDH in relevant topics. |
| Indiana | 1 PDH in ethics | Total of 30 PDH required every two years. Also requires 1 PDH in Indiana statutes and laws. |
| Iowa | At least 2 PDH in ethics | Total of 30 PDH required every two years. Up to 15 PDH may be carried forward to the next renewal period. |
| Louisiana | At least 1 PDH in ethics | Total of 15 PDH required annually (30 PDH per biennial renewal). Up to 7 PDH may be carried over annually. |
| Maryland | 1 PDH in engineering ethics | Total of 16 PDH required every two years. Up to 8 PDH may be carried forward to the next licensing term. |
| Minnesota | 2 PDH in engineering ethics | Total of 24 PDH required every two years. Ethics PDH must be on the topic of engineering ethics. |
| Mississippi | 1 PDH in ethics every 2 years | Total of 15 PDH required annually. Ethics PDH must be completed every two years. |
| New Jersey | 2 PDH in professional ethics | Total of 24 PDH required every two years. Ethics PDH must focus on professional ethics. |
| New Mexico | At least 2 PDH in ethics/business | Total of 30 PDH required every two years. Up to 15 PDH may be carried forward. |
| New York | 1 PDH in engineering ethics | Total of 36 PDH required every three years. At least 18 PDH must provide direct interaction with an instructor. |
| Texas | 1 PDH in ethics | Total of 15 PDH required annually. Up to 14 PDH may be carried forward to the next renewal period. |
| Wisconsin | 2 PDH in ethics | Total of 30 PDH required every two years. At least 13 PDH must be from interactive sessions (classroom or webinars). Up to 15 PDH may be carried over. |
Disclaimer
This table is intended for general informational purposes and may not capture all nuances of state requirements. Regulations are subject to change, and interpretations can vary. Always consult the official state engineering board or a legal professional for definitive guidance.
Summary of Each State’s Ethics Requirements
Below is a summary of the states that mandate ethics courses for professional engineers, along with key details to help you stay compliant.
Texas ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: 1 hour annually
- Total PDH Required: 15 hours annually
- Special Notes: Texas allows you to carry over up to 14 PDH to the next renewal period. The ethics course must be relevant to professional practice and can be completed online or in person.
In my experience, Texas keeps it straightforward. I make it a habit to complete my ethics hour early in the year to set the tone for my continuing education.
Florida ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: 1 hour every two years
- Total PDH Required: 18 hours every two years
- Special Notes: Florida also requires 1 hour in laws and rules, 4 hours in your area of practice, and 12 hours in any topic pertinent to engineering. PDH-Pro is a Florida approved course provider.
Florida’s requirements encourage a well-rounded approach. When I renewed there, I appreciated how the ethics and legal components complemented the technical training.
New York ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: 1 hour every three years
- Total PDH Required: 36 hours every three years
- Special Notes: Courses must be from approved providers. PDH-Pro is a New York Board approved course provider.
New York emphasizes interaction, which I find enriches the learning experience. Scheduling these live courses can require some planning, so it’s wise to look into options well ahead of your renewal date.
Louisiana ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: At least 1 hour annually
- Total PDH Required: 15 hours annually (30 hours per biennial renewal)
- Special Notes: You can carry over up to 7 PDH each year. The ethics course should focus on professional conduct and responsibilities.
Louisiana’s annual requirement keeps ethics top of mind. I often integrate lessons from these courses into my daily practice, reinforcing their value beyond mere compliance.
Maryland ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: 1 hour every two years
- Total PDH Required: 16 hours every two years
- Special Notes: Courses must be from approved providers. PDH-Pro is a Maryland approved course provider.
With Maryland’s concise requirement, it’s easy to fit the ethics hour into your schedule. I usually align it with other professional development activities to maximize efficiency.
Indiana ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: 1 hour every two years
- Total PDH Required: 30 hours every two years
- Special Notes: Additionally requires 1 hour in Indiana statutes and rules. Courses must be from approved providers. PDH-Pro is an Indiana approved course provider.
Indiana ensures that we’re not only acting ethically but also staying current with state-specific laws. I find this dual focus helps me better understand the regulatory environment I operate in.
Mississippi ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: 1 hour every two years
- Total PDH Required: 15 hours annually
- Special Notes: Ethics PDH must be completed every two years. While excess PDH can be carried over, the ethics hour cannot.
In Mississippi, it’s important to keep track of the biennial ethics requirement amidst the annual PDH renewals. I set reminders to ensure I don’t overlook it.
Minnesota ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: 2 hours every two years
- Total PDH Required: 24 hours every two years
- Special Notes: Ethics courses should focus on professional ethics relevant to engineering practice.
Minnesota places a significant emphasis on ethics with a 2-hour requirement. This allows for a deeper dive into ethical challenges we may face in our work.
New Jersey ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: 2 hours every two years
- Total PDH Required: 24 hours every two years
- Special Notes: Up to 12 PDH may be carried over, but ethics hours cannot. Courses must be from approved providers. PDH-Pro is a New Jersey approved course provider.
New Jersey‘s carryover policy is helpful, but remember that ethics hours need to be completed within each renewal cycle. I prioritize these to avoid any lapses.
Wisconsin ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: 2 hours every two years
- Total PDH Required: 30 hours every two years
- Special Notes: At least 13 PDH must be from interactive sessions (classroom or live webinars). Up to 15 PDH may be carried over.
Wisconsin encourages interactive learning, which can make the ethics courses more engaging. I often seek out seminars that offer lively discussions on ethical dilemmas.
Iowa ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: At least 2 hours every two years
- Total PDH Required: 30 hours every two years
- Special Notes: Up to 15 PDH may be carried over. Ethics courses should enhance understanding of professional ethics and standards.
Iowa’s requirement ensures we dedicate substantial time to ethics. I find that these courses often provide valuable insights that influence my daily decisions.
New Mexico ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: At least 2 hours every two years (can be in ethics or business practices)
- Total PDH Required: 30 hours every two years
- Special Notes: Up to 15 PDH may be carried over. The flexibility allows you to tailor the ethics requirement to your professional interests.
In New Mexico, the option to include business practices offers a broader perspective. I often choose courses that combine ethical considerations with business decision-making.
Delaware ethics requirements
- Ethics PDH Required: 2 hours every two years
- Total PDH Required: 24 hours every two years
- Special Notes: No more than 6 PDH can be related to professional ethics, and no more than 9 PDH in business or project management. Excess PDH cannot be carried over.
Delaware’s specific limits require careful planning. I make sure to select ethics courses that are impactful since there’s a cap on how many ethics hours can count toward the total PDH.
How to Fulfill Ethics PDH Requirements
- Choose Recognized Providers: Select courses offered by providers approved or recognized by your state’s engineering board.
- Verify Course Content: Ensure the course covers topics relevant to professional ethics in engineering.
- Consider Course Format: Check if your state requires live interaction or accepts online, self-paced courses.
- Track Your Progress: Use a spreadsheet or professional development log to record completed PDH activities.
Important Reminders
- Verification is Essential: State regulations can change. Always verify the current ethics PDH requirements by visiting the official website of the state’s engineering board or contacting them directly.
- Course Content Relevance: Ensure that the ethics courses you take are relevant to professional engineering ethics and meet the content criteria set by the state.
- Provider Approval: Some states require that courses be provided by approved or accredited providers. Verify that your course provider meets these standards. PDH-Pro is approved in every state.
- Documentation: Maintain detailed records of your completed PDHs, including certificates of completion, course descriptions, and provider information.
Final Thoughts
Staying abreast of each state’s ethics requirements can be a bit of a juggling act, but it’s an essential part of our professional responsibility. Over the years, I’ve found that proactively scheduling these courses and integrating them into my professional development plan not only ensures compliance but also enriches my practice.
Remember, these ethics hours aren’t just about meeting a requirement—they’re about reaffirming our commitment to integrity, excellence, and the communities we serve.