Structural engineer licensing

California structural engineer (SE) license: requirements and renewal.

California issues a separate SE title authority (tied to your Civil/PE license); it is required to stamp schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities. Earn it via the NCEES 16-hour SE exam plus a CA Civil PE. Renews with your PE. It renews on the same terms as the California PE: every two years (biennial) with no state PDH requirement. PE License Pro applies the California PE rule to your SE and reminds you before it lapses.

Free for your first license. We'll remind you at 90, 60, and 30 days before every renewal, for California and every other state you hold.

SE licensure
Separate license
Renewal cycle
every two years (biennial)
PDH (PE rule)
None
Approximate fee
$180

How structural engineering licensure works in California

California issues a separate Structural Engineer license. Because the SE renews on the same terms as the California PE, you track one set of continuing education.

Californiadoes not require continuing education for PE (and therefore SE) renewal. If you hold licenses in other states, you'll still need to track their CE.

An SE is earned via the NCEES 16-hour Structural Engineering exam, taken after you hold a PE. PE License Pro tracks your SE and PE side by side and applies the California renewal rule to both.

California structural engineer FAQ

Does California have a separate Structural Engineer (SE) license?+

California issues a separate SE title authority (tied to your Civil/PE license); it is required to stamp schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities. Earn it via the NCEES 16-hour SE exam plus a CA Civil PE. Renews with your PE.

How does a structural engineer renew in California?+

Your SE renews on the same terms as the California PE: every two years (biennial) with no state PDH requirement. PE License Pro applies that rule to your SE automatically and exports an audit-ready CE record.

How do I earn an SE license?+

Pass the NCEES 16-hour Structural Engineering (SE) exam after you hold a PE. In California (a title-act state), the SE designation lets you use the title and stamp the structures the state reserves for SEs.

Can my firm track everyone's SE and PE licenses and our CoAs?+

Yes. The firm plan gives one admin dashboard for every engineer's SE and PE licenses and CE, plus your firm's Certificates of Authorization across every state.

Stop tracking California renewals in your head.

Get email reminders before your California license expires, and any other state you hold. Free for your first license.