In today’s rapidly evolving engineering landscape, staying licensed isn’t just about compliance—it’s about staying relevant. Whether you’re a civil engineer in Minneapolis or a mechanical engineer in Milwaukee, meeting your state’s continuing education requirements ensures you remain at the top of your game. This guide explores everything you need to know about Minnesota engineers continuing education and Wisconsin engineers continuing education, helping you meet requirements while advancing your professional growth.
Why Continuing Education is Essential for Engineers
Continuing education for engineers is more than just a regulatory box to check. It empowers professionals to:
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Stay updated with the latest codes, standards, and technologies
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Deepen domain expertise
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Improve project quality and safety
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Satisfy state licensing board requirements
Each state has its own unique set of PDH (Professional Development Hours) requirements. Understanding what’s expected in Minnesota and Wisconsin can help you plan strategically, save time, and avoid penalties.
Minnesota Engineers Continuing Education Requirements
In Minnesota, licensed Professional Engineers (PEs) must complete 24 PDH every two years to maintain their license.
Key Guidelines:
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A minimum of 2 PDH must focus on professional ethics.
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All PDH must be “relevant to the practice of engineering” and enhance the professional competency of the licensee.
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Excess hours (up to 12 PDH) can be carried over to the next renewal cycle.
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Courses can be completed online, on-demand, or via live webinars.
Suggested Course Topics for Minnesota Engineers:
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Structural Design and Code Compliance
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Environmental Risk and Mitigation
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Sustainable Construction and Green Building
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Professional Ethics for Midwestern Engineers
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Cold Climate Infrastructure Engineering
Pro Tip:
Choose providers that offer downloadable certificates instantly and allow unlimited quiz retakes. This not only reduces stress but also ensures that you can meet deadlines efficiently.
Wisconsin Engineers Continuing Education Requirements
Wisconsin PEs are required to earn 30 PDH every two years, with at least 13 of those hours related to technical subjects directly associated with engineering. The remaining can be in ethics, business, or project management.
Wisconsin Rules Overview:
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Ethics and laws related to engineering practice are strongly recommended.
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Self-directed study and online learning are accepted, provided the course meets the state’s educational guidelines.
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PDH records must be maintained for at least four years in case of audit.
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Wisconsin does not currently require specific PDH in ethics, but such training is still valuable.
Suggested Course Topics for Wisconsin Engineers:
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Risk Assessment and Safety Engineering
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Bridge Design and Maintenance
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Renewable Energy Systems in the Upper Midwest
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Engineering Ethics and Legal Liability
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Engineering Project Management for Public Sector Projects
Pro Tip:
Make sure your continuing education provider clearly states that their courses are accepted by the Wisconsin Board of Engineers. Choosing a provider with a trusted reputation and transparent compliance can save you time and effort.
Online Learning: The Most Convenient PDH Option
Modern engineers are busier than ever. Between project deadlines, site visits, and client meetings, flexibility is key. That’s why online PDH courses and webinars are now the preferred method for many professionals in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Benefits of Online PDH Engineering Courses:
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Learn at your own pace
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No travel required
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Affordable pricing options
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Instant certification after passing
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24/7 access to course materials
Many platforms also offer:
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Free quiz attempts until you pass
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Bundled course packages for your state
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Automatic course tracking and certificate storage
Trending Engineering CE Topics in 2025
If you want to go beyond minimum requirements and truly stand out, consider courses in these fast-growing areas:
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AI and Automation in Engineering Design
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Sustainable Infrastructure and Smart Cities
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Cybersecurity in Industrial Systems
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Green Energy Integration in Public Works
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Climate-Resilient Construction Techniques
These topics are not only in demand—they’re shaping the future of the industry. Engineers who master them will lead the way in building resilient, sustainable communities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond.
Planning Your PDH for Maximum Impact
Here’s how to make your continuing education work for you:
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Review your state’s requirements early in the renewal cycle.
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Choose a reputable PDH course provider that offers board-approved, state-compliant content.
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Track your hours and keep backup documentation.
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Mix general and specialty topics to broaden your expertise.
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Complete ethics and legal courses, even if not mandatory, to strengthen your professional integrity.
✅ Final Thoughts
Meeting your continuing education requirements in Minnesota or Wisconsin isn’t just about maintaining your PE license—it’s about ensuring you’re equipped to deliver safe, innovative, and efficient engineering solutions. With flexible online options, broad course catalogs, and instant certification, there’s no excuse to fall behind.