New Jersey PE license renewal and CE requirements
Quick answer
- Next deadline: April 30, 2028.
- Cycle: PE licenses renew every 2 years, with the period ending April 30 of even years (not yet confirmed); firm COAs renew every 2 years on a separate cycle (last seen ending August 31).
- CE: 24 PDH every two years, including at least 2 hours in ethics. Not yet confirmed
- Firm: Firms need a firm registration (COA).
- Renew with: New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Fees: see the board’s renewal page.
Renewal cycle and late renewal
PE licenses renew every 2 years, with the period ending April 30 of even years (not yet confirmed); firm COAs renew every 2 years on a separate cycle (last seen ending August 31). Not yet confirmed
Look up each engineer’s current expiration date on the board’s license lookup rather than trusting an old spreadsheet. Our tables don’t record New Jersey’s late-renewal or reinstatement rules, so check them with the board before a date passes.
Continuing education (PDH)
- Hours: 24 PDH every two years. Fixed biennial period for all licensees, May 1 of an even year through April 30 of the next even year. This is inferred from N.J.A.C. 13:40-13.1(b) ('renewal period beginning May 1, 2012'); confirm the current renewal date with the board. Not yet confirmed
- Ethics: Professional practice ethics: at least 2, no more than 8 of the 24 (13:40-13.1(a)). Not yet confirmed
- Limits on some activities: papers and publications (at most 6), presenting (at most 6) and teaching (at most 6) hours.
- Carryover: A maximum of 12 CPC credits may be carried over into the next biennial period (13:40-13.3(a)). Not yet confirmed
- New licensees: No CPC credits required during the biennial period in which the licensee was first licensed (13:40-13.8(c)). A new licensee by comity owes 1 CPC credit per full calendar month since the NJ license was issued, at the first renewal (13:40-13.8(d)). Not yet confirmed
- Reporting: Licensee certifies at renewal and is subject to audit. Credits must come from Board-approved providers (13:40-13.4, 13.5). Not yet confirmed
- Records: 5 years after completion of the course or program (13:40-13.6(b)), per the board's posted rule copy (last revision 11/16/2015). Confirm with the board. Not yet confirmed
Firm rule
A firm offering engineering in New Jersey needs its own credential from the board: Certificate of Authorization (COA). General business corporations and LLCs need a Certificate of Authorization before offering engineering; professional service corporations under N.J.S.A. 14A:17 are exempt (N.J.A.C. 13:40-10.1(a)). Partnerships and sole proprietors are not named in the rule (not confirmed against the statute).
See the New Jersey guide’s firm section for qualifier and A/E rules, and what to do when your qualifying engineer gives notice.
What changed recently
Nothing recorded in our tables as of September 29, 2026. Boards change rules, so check the board’s news page before each renewal.
New Jersey PE renewal questions
When do New Jersey PE licenses renew?
PE licenses renew every 2 years, with the period ending April 30 of even years (not yet confirmed); firm COAs renew every 2 years on a separate cycle (last seen ending August 31). The next statewide deadline in our tables is April 30, 2028. Check each engineer’s own date on the board’s license lookup.
How many PDH does a New Jersey PE need?
24 PDH every two years, including at least 2 hours in ethics.
Can extra PDH carry over in New Jersey?
A maximum of 12 CPC credits may be carried over into the next biennial period (13:40-13.3(a)).
Does an engineering firm need a COA in New Jersey?
Yes. A firm offering engineering in New Jersey needs its own credential from the board: Certificate of Authorization (COA). General business corporations and LLCs need a Certificate of Authorization before offering engineering; professional service corporations under N.J.S.A. 14A:17 are exempt (N.J.A.C. 13:40-10.1(a)). Partnerships and sole proprietors are not named in the rule (not confirmed against the statute).
Does SealBench renew licenses or report PDH to the New Jersey board?
No. SealBench tracks each engineer’s dates and PDH against this state’s rule and shows what’s due next. The engineer renews and certifies CE with the board.
Track New Jersey PE renewals and CE for your whole team in SealBench
Every engineer’s New Jersey license and PDH, counted against this rule, next to every other state they hold and your firm’s COAs. One license is free; firms pay $12 a month for each licensed person. Start with a free Set Check on your next permit set.
Request a free Set CheckSources
- Board COA application and instructions (N.J.S.A. 45:8-56; PC exemption; N.J.A.C. 13:40-10.3 contract rule; 30-day changes)
- Board fee schedule (COA for general business corporations and LLCs, biennial)
- Board COA biennial renewal letter (period September 1 to August 31)
- Board Comity Review for PE License (N.J.S.A. 45:8-35(1)(e); no NCEES Record requirement listed)
- N.J. Register rule adoption, 44 N.J.R. (July 2, 2012)
- NJ Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification
- N.J.A.C. 13:40-10.1 (COA for corporations and LLCs; PSC exemption; 30-day change notice) - Cornell LII
- N.J.A.C. 13:40-10.3 (written contract with an NJ PE) - Cornell LII
- NJ PELS, N.J.A.C. 13:40 Subchapter 13 (scanned board copy, last revision 11/16/2015)
SealBench suggests who may seal each sheet and shows why. The licensed professional takes responsible charge and applies the seal. SealBench is not a law firm, does not give legal advice, and does not file anything with any board. Questions or corrections: support@sealbench.com.