Continuing Education Explained
Continuing Education Explained
Continuing education is essential for professionals, especially engineers, to stay current with evolving technologies, industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices. It ensures lifelong learning and helps maintain competence throughout a career.
Two common measurements of continuing education are Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Professional Development Hours (PDHs).
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- Definition: One CEU typically equals 10 contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.
- Usage: CEUs are often used in academic or structured training settings and may be required for maintaining certain certifications.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs)
- Definition: One PDH equals one hour of instruction or presentation related to professional practice.
- Usage: State licensing boards commonly require PDHs for engineers and other licensed professionals to renew their licenses.
- Conversion: 1 CEU = 10 PDHs
Why It Matters
- Regulatory Compliance: Many states and professional boards mandate a specific number of CEUs or PDHs per renewal cycle.
- Career Advancement: Staying up-to-date enhances skills and employability.
- Ethical Obligation: Professionals have a responsibility to stay informed and competent in their field.
Earn CEUs & PDHs Through the IEEE PES Resource Center
IEEE PES offers on-demand CEUs and PDHs through the on-demand tutorials and webinars in the IEEE PES Resource Center, the largest digital library dedicated to the power and energy industry. All IEEE PES Resource Center products are free for active IEEE PES members, discounted for IEEE members, and available for purchase by non-members.To Purchase CEUs or PDHs
- Select a product that offers educational credits, noted as CEUs/PDHs Available.
- Add the item to your cart.
- Click Yes in this prompt to purchase the CEUs/PDHs credits associated with that product
- View the purchased content and access it for up to a year from the purchase date.
- Complete a required verification quiz, available on the course page. You have 3 attempts to pass.
- On passing, receive an educational certificate via email or accessible under your Purchases section.