Structural engineer licensing

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

Iowa does not issue a separate Structural Engineer license. Structural engineering is practiced under the Professional Engineer (PE) license, which renews every two years (biennial), 30 PDH per cycle (including 2 ethics). PE License Pro tracks your PE here 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 Iowa and every other state you hold.

SE licensure
Under the PE
Renewal cycle
every two years (biennial)
PDH (PE rule)
30 / cycle
Approximate fee
$100

How structural engineering licensure works in Iowa

Iowa does not issue a separate Structural Engineer license. Structural engineers practice under the Professional Engineer (PE) license and renew it like any other PE.

Iowa requires 30 PDH per 2-year cycle, including 2 ethics hours. Up to 15 excess hours can carry over to the next cycle.

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 Iowa renewal rule to both.

Iowa structural engineer FAQ

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

No. Iowa does not issue a separate SE license; structural engineering is practiced under the Professional Engineer (PE) license.

How does a structural engineer renew in Iowa?+

You renew your PE license, which renews every two years (biennial), 30 PDH per cycle (including 2 ethics). PE License Pro tracks the renewal date and your PDH against the Iowa rule.

How do I earn an SE license?+

Pass the NCEES 16-hour Structural Engineering (SE) exam after you hold a PE.

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 Iowa renewals in your head.

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