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Executive Summary

Professional engineers (PEs) must demonstrate ongoing competency through continuing education, typically measured in Professional Development Hours (PDHs). At the same time, many high-quality training providers—including ASNT—offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through accreditation by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

This paper clarifies a critical point of confusion:
IACET-accredited CEUs are not only compatible with PDH requirements—they are directly convertible and often represent a higher standard of educational quality.

Understanding this relationship enables ASNT members to:

• Confidently apply CEU-based training toward PE license renewal

• Maximize the value of ASNT’s accredited education portfolio

• Ensure compliance with state licensure requirements aligned with National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Model Rules

The Role of Continuing Education in Engineering Licensure

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying establishes model guidelines for engineering licensure across U.S. jurisdictions. These guidelines empower state boards to require Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) as a condition of license renewal. (NCEES)

Most states follow NCEES-aligned frameworks, typically requiring:

• 15–30 PDHs per renewal cycle

• At least some hours in ethics or professional responsibility (McKissock Learning)

PDHs serve as the standard unit for tracking continuing education for engineers.

CEUs vs. PDHs: Understanding the Difference

The key takeaway:

1 CEU = 10 PDHs (FluentCommunity)

This equivalency is widely recognized across licensing boards and professional organizations.

Why IACET Accreditation Matters

ASNT’s IACET accreditation signals adherence to the ANSI/IACET Standard, which requires:

• Defined learning outcomes tied to industry needs

• Qualified instructors and subject matter experts

• Formal instructional design processes

• Transparent recordkeeping and completion documentation

• Continuous evaluation and improvement (IACET)

This structure ensures that CEU-bearing courses meet a rigorous, auditable standard of quality—often exceeding the minimum requirements for PDH-eligible activities.

Converting ASNT CEUs to PDHs

For ASNT engineer members, the conversion is straightforward:

PDHs = CEUs × 10

Examples:

• 0.5 CEUs = 5 PDHs

• 1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs

• 2.0 CEUs = 20 PDHs

Because PDHs are fundamentally based on contact hours, CEU-based courses align seamlessly with PDH reporting expectations. (Yaskawa)

Acceptance by State Licensing Boards

Most U.S. state engineering boards—guided by NCEES Model Rules—accept CEU-based learning provided it meets key criteria:

• Relevant to the engineer’s area of practice

• Properly documented (course description, duration, provider, outcomes)

• Completed through a reputable provider

IACET accreditation strengthens acceptance because it:

• Provides standardized documentation

• Demonstrates quality assurance processes

• Aligns with continuing competency expectations

Importantly, NCEES emphasizes quality and relevance of learning, not the label of the unit (CEU vs. PDH). (PDH-Pro)

Advantages of CEU-Based Learning for Engineers

Higher Quality Assurance

IACET-accredited programs follow a consistent instructional design framework, ensuring meaningful learning (not just “seat time").

Broader Skill Development

CEUs support both:

• Technical training (e.g., UT, RT, advanced NDT methods)

• Cross-functional skills (leadership, safety, ethics)

Portability and Recognition

CEUs are:

• Recognized across industries and globally

• Useful beyond licensure (career advancement, certifications)

Audit-Ready Documentation

CEU certificates provide:

• Verified instructional hours

• Learning objectives

• Instructor credentials

This aligns directly with audit requirements for PDH reporting.

Practical Guidance for Engineers

To ensure CEUs count toward your PDH requirements:

1. Verify State Requirements: Check your state engineering board for specific rules.

2. Confirm Course Relevance: Ensure the topic applies to your engineering discipline.

3. Maintain Documentation: Keep CEU certificates and course details for audits.

4. Convert Accurately: Multiply CEUs by 10 when reporting PDHs.

5. Track Continuously: Maintain a running log of completed education.

Conclusion

The distinction between CEUs and PDHs is often misunderstood, but for ASNT engineer members, the reality is clear:

IACET-accredited CEUs are fully compatible with PDH requirements and often represent a higher standard of professional education.

By leveraging ASNT’s accredited learning portfolio, engineers can:

• Meet licensure requirements with confidence

• Gain high-quality, relevant training

• Advance their careers within a globally recognized framework

About ASNT Education

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) provides industry-leading education aligned with workforce needs, certification pathways, and emerging technologies. Through IACET accreditation, ASNT ensures that its courses meet the highest standards of instructional quality and professional relevance.