Professional Land Surveyor Renewal Guide
Illinois Surveyor PDH Requirements
A source-based summary of professional development requirements for Illinois-licensed professional land surveyors.
Illinois Renewal Requirements
The following items are expressly stated in Illinois statutes, Board rules, or current Department guidance unless marked as an interpretation.
Renewal cycle and total hours
- Renewal cycle Biennial. Professional land surveyor licenses renew November 30 of even-numbered years, with the pre-renewal period being the preceding 24 months.
- Required hours 20 professional development hours (PDH) relevant to the practice of land surveying per renewal.
- No carryover Hours must be earned within the renewal period; there are no carry-forward hours from one period to the next.
- One PDH equals 50 minutes of instruction or participation, and one CEU equals 10 PDH.
Mandatory subject breakdown
- Illinois statutes and rules At least 4 hours in Illinois statutes and rules that regulate professional land surveyors and surveys.
- Professional conduct At least 2 hours in professional conduct (ethics).
- Land surveying sciences At least 14 hours in land surveying or related sciences.
- Sexual harassment prevention 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training, counted within the 20-hour total, required since the November 30, 2020 renewal.
Online Study and Approval Rules
Online and distance education
Verified status. Under the current rule, all 20 PDHs may be earned through online programs or courses. This reflects a change from earlier versions of the rule that capped online hours, so licensees relying on older summaries should confirm against the current Section 1270.65.
Practical interpretation. An Illinois surveyor can satisfy the full requirement, including the Illinois statutes-and-rules and professional-conduct components, through qualifying online coursework, provided the courses come from an acceptable provider and are properly documented.
Self-study courses earn credit only if an examination is completed by the licensee and graded by the sponsor.
Provider and course approval
Verified requirement. The Division does not pre-approve individual courses or programs, but activities must be delivered by an acceptable provider. Named acceptable providers include the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association, NCEES, the National Society of Professional Surveyors, ASCE, accredited educational institutions, and technical or professional surveying organizations.
Programs must advance the licensee’s professional skills and knowledge in land surveying, be developed and presented by qualified persons, and specify course objectives and content.
Comity. Professional development used to satisfy another jurisdiction’s requirements may be applied toward Illinois if substantially equivalent. Illinois licensees residing and practicing in other states must still meet the Illinois requirement.
Records, Reporting, and Audit
Record retention
A licensee must maintain records of PDH for six years, including the sponsor’s name and address, a description of the subject matter with proof of participation, a certificate of attendance, the number of PDHs, and the date and place of each program. A log of activities by itself is not sufficient.
Each renewal applicant certifies full compliance on the renewal application. Documentation is retained by the licensee and produced only if the Division requests it during a random audit.
Audit and enforcement
The Division conducts random audits to verify compliance. Where compliance appears lacking, the applicant is notified in writing and may request an interview with the Board, which may recommend formal disciplinary proceedings.
Failure to comply with the professional development requirements may result in non-renewal of the license or other disciplinary action, or both.
Waivers and Status Options
First renewal. A licensee is not required to report professional development hours during the first biennial renewal period following initial Illinois licensure, but is subject to the requirements for all subsequent periods.
Military service. A licensee on full-time active duty, or called to temporary active duty exceeding 120 consecutive days during the renewal period where the service restricts participation in continuing education, may qualify for a waiver.
Hardship. A licensee may seek a waiver for undue hardship by reason of disability, illness, or other clearly mitigating circumstances, supported by a sworn statement, physician’s statement, or medical record. Consecutive hardship waivers may be treated as evidence bearing on the licensee’s ability to practice.
Waiver timing. Waiver requests must be made before the end of the renewal period; requests submitted afterward will not be considered. A timely waiver request keeps the applicant in good standing pending the Division’s decision.
Inactive and retired status. A licensee may place a license on inactive status or, if qualified, use the “Professional Land Surveyor, Retired” title. An inactive or retired license does not authorize practice in Illinois.
Primary Illinois Sources
Board rules control if a summary conflicts with an official requirement. Licensees should verify their own renewal date and current instructions through IDFPR.
68 Ill. Admin. Code Section 1270.65
The Board’s professional development rule, covering the 20-PDH requirement, subject breakdown, sexual harassment training, acceptable providers, records, and waivers.
IDFPR Land Surveyor Renewal Requirements
The Department’s official summary of the 20-hour professional development requirement for land surveyor renewal.
IDFPR Professional Land Surveyor
The Department’s official land surveyor page, including licensure and renewal through the CORE online system.
IDFPR Online Renewal
The Department’s online renewal portal, where Illinois land surveyors renew and certify compliance.
SurveyorCE offers a growing library of surveyor-focused PDH courses through a simple one-time $135 membership. Visit the homepage to see how the program works and decide whether it fits your renewal needs.
Important Notice
This page is an educational summary, not legal advice or a determination that any particular course will be accepted. Requirements, Board interpretations, and renewal procedures can change. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Land Surveyors Licensing Board are the controlling authorities.