What are the types of AIA continuing education credits?
AIA Continuing Education (CE) credits, measured in Learning Units (LUs), are earned through various AIA-approved programs and courses, including lectures, tours, and seminars. These credits help architects maintain and enhance their professional competence. The AIA requires members to complete 18 LUs per year, with at least 12 hours focusing on Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) topics.
Types of AIA Continuing Education Credits:
- Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW): At least 12 of the 18 required LUs must be in HSW topics. HSW credits focus on the well-being of building occupants, including physical health, safety, and equitable access.
- Elective (LU): These are the remaining 6 LUs that can be earned in any topic of interest, as long as they relate to professional development.
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs): While AIA uses LUs, CEUs are another common term for documenting successful completion of non-credit programs.
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): Some courses and programs may also be specifically designed to address ADA requirements, providing credits towards meeting these specific needs.
- GBCI (Green Business Certification Institute): Courses and programs that align with GBCI standards may also be offered for credit towards maintaining relevant certifications.
Where to Earn AIA Credits:
- Gābl Media: Earn AIA CE credits online—fast, on the go, and without the paperwork. Discover how architects and design professionals use Gābl Media to simplify LU|HSW tracking and continuing education.
- AIAU (AIA’s online learning platform): AIAU offers a wide range of courses.
- AIA-approved CE Providers: Numerous organizations are recognized by AIA as Continuing Education Providers, including firms, manufacturers, and associations.
- Local AIA Chapters: Local chapters often host events and workshops that provide LUs.
- AIA Conference on Architecture & Design: Attending this conference offers opportunities to earn LUs.
- NCARB: NCARB offers courses for architects to earn LUs, including HSW credits.
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.
Most platforms make you jump through hoops to report your continuing education — but we’ve eliminated all that. With Gābl Media, your AIA credits are automatically tracked and submitted for you, so you can focus on learning, not paperwork. No extra forms, no manual uploads, and no guessing whether your credits went through. Learn exactly how Gābl Media’s AIA credit system simplifies the entire CEU process from start to finish — and why architects across the country are making the switch.
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Additional Resources:
- AIA New York provides local professionals with access to continuing education courses, events, and LU|HSW credit opportunities that fulfill both AIA and state requirements.
- For architects navigating licensure renewal, the AIA offers a state-by-state breakdown of continuing education requirements including LU and HSW obligations.
- The official AIA Continuing Education Standards PDF outlines program structure, content criteria, and credit eligibility for CES-approved providers.
- AIA’s CES Provider Manual details how to create, submit, and manage AIA-approved continuing education courses.
- Peerless Products explains what continuing education credits are and how they apply to architecture and LEED projects through their educational blog.
- AIA’s provider portal offers instructions on how to become an AIA CES-approved provider, including standards for learning objectives, neutrality, and course reporting.
- The University of North Carolina at Charlotte breaks down what CEUs mean in professional development and adult learning, including their value in licensure contexts.
- Tarrant County College explains the difference between credit vs. non-credit courses for professionals pursuing continuing education or skill development.
- AIA’s official hub for architects outlines continuing education options, credit tracking, and LU|HSW compliance tools available to members.
- Peerless also discusses what continuing education credits are and how they’re earned across different professional fields, including in construction and design.
- Construction Risk provides legal insight on contracts for design professionals, architects, and CEU compliance risks in construction law contexts.
- AIAU offers on-demand, AIA-approved continuing education courses for architects needing LU or HSW credit for license renewal.
- Cove Tool shares tips on earning free AIA continuing education credits through performance-based learning, especially in sustainable design.
- NCARB outlines the full process for meeting continuing education requirements through the NCARB Certificate, including how LUs are tracked and verified.