Introducing the Engineering Society of Illinois—here are the answers to commonly asked questions about the transition.
What does ESI stand for?
Engineering Society of Illinois
Why did ISPE change its name to ESI?
ISPE has transitioned to the Engineering Society of Illinois (ESI) following a decision to separate from the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), effective July 1. As NSPE holds the copyright to the name Illinois Society of Professional Engineers (ISPE), our organization will now operate fully under the new name.
Why is ESI operating independently from NSPE?
After careful review, our board and chapter members agreed that this change gives us greater flexibility to focus on the unique needs of Illinois engineers. It allows us to invest more directly in the program members have told us matter most, such as state advocacy, scholarships, MATHCOUNTS, our First Friday webinars, and local networking opportunities. We're excited about the opportunities this opens up to strengthen and grow those efforts.
Will ESI continue to protect PEs?
Yes! This remains a top priority. As it has done for more than 140 years, ESI will continue leading the effort to protect professional engineering licensure in Illinois. We will represent the profession before Illinois legislative and regulatory bodies. We will continue our vigilant advocacy to ensure that the highest standards of engineering practice are upheld and that the public's safety and welfare remain paramount. Our commitment includes:
Monitoring legislative developments that may impact the profession
Engaging with policymakers to communicate the value of professional licensure
Collaborating with allied organizations to present a unified voice for engineers
Providing timely updates and resources to our members on regulatory changes
Through these efforts, ESI reaffirms its dedication to supporting professional engineers and safeguarding the integrity of the engineering profession in Illinois.
Why do I have outstanding dues on my ESI membership? I already paid my dues to NSPE, but I still want to be a member of ESI, do I have to pay twice?
ESI and NSPE are now separate organizations. If you are currently an NSPE member, your membership will remain in force until the next renewal date, at which point you will have the option to renew NSPE dues directly with NSPE.
ESI dues are now due every July 1. The annual dues rate is $225 ($110 for retired members). However, for the July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 fiscal year, ESI has provided prorated credit for dues previously paid for the current fiscal year. For example, if you paid your $299 dues to NSPE in December of 2024 your July 1 ESI dues will be $112.50 ($225-$112.50 for the 6 months remaining on your previously paid NSPE membership). This would extend your ESI membership to June 30, 2026. ESI is providing this one-time credit to members who have paid dues to NSPE and to members who already pay directly to ESI. This allows us to transition from an anniversary-based dues system to an annual July 1 dues schedule, and to make sure that our members are not double paying.
Simply log into your ESI account to pay your personalized ESI dues. Your ESI login credentials will remain the same as the ISPE login credentials you received when joining.
Will ESI continue to hold the same events as ISPE?
Yes! All events that were previously held by ISPE will be held by ESI in the same way. Local chapter activities, First Fridays, newsletters, annual meetings, webinars, Boot Camp and many other events will continue as usual. Additionally, we intend to expand some of our activities in the coming year. Stay-tuned for updates!
Will this impact MATHCOUNTS?
No, we will continue to run MATHCOUNTS as we have in year’s past under the Illinois Engineering Initiative (IEI)
Will this affect any Professional Development Hours I have received from ISPE this year?
No, any PDH credits that have been credited will still be viable.
