Interior Design and Architecture Continuing Education Requirements

AIA Continuing Education Requirements

Written by Micène Fontaine | Aug 16, 2019 2:00:00 PM

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) requires members to complete
18 Learning Units (LUs) of continuing education every year to retain their membership.
  • CE Requirement:  18 hours of Continuing education total, of which 12 must be on the topics of Health, Safety & Welfare (HSW). One hour of continuing education equals 1 LU.
  • Renewal Date:  December 31 every year.
  • Reporting Cycle:  Annual - Licensees are required to complete the continuing education within the calendar year preceding the renewal date. (i.e. LUs obtained between January 1 to December 31, 2021 count towards 2022 license renewal).
  • Reporting of Credits:  AIA CES Registered Providers must report credits to the AIA for inclusion on a member's transcript. Self-reporting by members is only allowed for non-HSW credits earned via courses offered by providers outside of the AIA CES Provider network.
  • Acceptable Credits:  HSW LUs may only be earned by completing courses offered by an AIA CES Registered Provider, who is responsible for reporting earned credits directly to the AIA. 
  • Tracking of Credits:  Credits earned by AIA members are recorded on members' transcripts. 
  • Audit:  Non-compliant members of AIA are subject to audit and upon written request will need to provide documentation to support the credits claimed at renewal.
  • Carry-over Credits: The AIA allows members to rollover up to 18 LUs, including up to 12 HSW LUs. Hours may not be carried over past the one year limit.
  • What state are you an licensed as an architect in? Check out the Architecture Continuing Education Requirements
  • Maintaining another professional membership? Check out the continuing education requirements for ASID and IIDA.
  • Have any questions? Post comments or questions on this blog or contact Design Arts Seminars, Inc.

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