What are the AIA continuing education requirements?
AIA continuing education requirements for Architect and International Associate members are 18 Learning Units (LUs) per year, with at least 12 of those LUs focusing on Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) topics. Architect Emeritus members are required to complete 1 LU annually, while Associate and Allied members do not have a specific continuing education requirement.
Detailed Breakdown:
- AIA Architect and International Associate Members: These members must complete 18 LUs per year.
- HSW Requirement: Of the 18 LUs, 12 must be HSW topics.
- General LUs: The remaining 6 LUs can be on various topics related to architecture, construction, and engineering.
- Architect Emeritus Members: These members are required to complete 1 LU each year.
- Associate and Allied Members: These members do not have a specific continuing education requirement, but they are encouraged to participate in continuing education.
- New Members: New members are not required to complete the 18 LU requirement until their first full year of membership.
- Reporting: Continuing education credits are typically reported to AIA through AIA-approved providers.
State Requirements:
- Most states also have their own continuing education requirements for licensed architects, which may overlap or be in addition to AIA requirements.
- Many states accept AIA continuing education credits to fulfill state licensing requirements.
- For example, California requires 5 hours on disability access requirements, while New York requires 24 HSW hours every three years.
CE credit from our podcast-based courses is exclusive to members of Gābl Media — it’s one of the perks of doing things differently. To get access to accredited CE content you can listen to on the go, explore Gābl Media’s membership options for continuing education.
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Related Topics, Questions and Answers:
Need CE credits or guidance on LU|HSW tracking? Get the answers to the most searched continuing education questions for architects and design professionals — and learn how to earn CE credits fast, on the go, and with zero paperwork.
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- Explore what AIA continuing education is.
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- Learn what an AIA Learning Unit (LU) is.
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- Learn the standards for AIA-approved CE providers.
- Understand the standards of AIA-approved CE programs.
- See how to get AIA course credits.
- Discover where to earn AIA credits.
- Review the AIA continuing education requirements.
Additional Resources:
- GreenCE’s Spec Shaman blog outlines how to create an AIA-approved continuing education course, including learning objectives, neutral content guidelines, and CES submission steps.
- AIA Miami explains the continuing education requirements for AIA membership, covering LU expectations, HSW standards, and compliance tips for maintaining good standing.
- AIA’s national directory provides state-by-state continuing education requirements for licensed architects, helping professionals ensure they meet LU|HSW mandates in their jurisdiction.