Structural engineer licensing

North Carolina structural engineer (SE) license: requirements and renewal.

North Carolina does not issue a separate Structural Engineer license. Structural engineering is practiced under the Professional Engineer (PE) license, which renews annually, 15 PDH per cycle (including 1 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 North Carolina and every other state you hold.

SE licensure
Under the PE
Renewal cycle
annually
PDH (PE rule)
15 / cycle
Approximate fee
$75

How structural engineering licensure works in North Carolina

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

North Carolina requires 15 PDH per year, including 1 ethics hour. 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 North Carolina renewal rule to both.

North Carolina structural engineer FAQ

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

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

How does a structural engineer renew in North Carolina?+

You renew your PE license, which renews annually, 15 PDH per cycle (including 1 ethics). PE License Pro tracks the renewal date and your PDH against the North Carolina 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 North Carolina renewals in your head.

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