Learn about architecture continuing education requirements for AIA membership & state licensure renewal. Architect CE requirements vary by location.
Licensed architects must earn continuing education credits each year to fulfill AIA membership requirements. You may also need to complete continuing education requirements to renew your state license(s). If you’re working on getting licensed, some AIA-approved courses count toward the experience requirement for licensure.
AIA offers a variety of ways to earn continuing education credits that make meeting your goals and licensing requirements interesting and convenient. Our transcript service makes it easy to track your progress.
AIA measures continuing education in Learning Units (LUs). One hour of continuing education earns one LU. AIA Architect and International Associate members are required to complete 18 LUs from registered AIA/CES providers each year. Of the 18 LUs, 12 must be in the topic areas of health, safety, and welfare (HSW).
Architect Emeritus members are required to complete 1 LU annually. Associate members are not required to meet a minimum number of hours but are encouraged to take continuing education courses to advance in their careers and the profession.
Look for AIA-approved providers to earn LUs that apply to your AIA requirements. When you take a course, provide your AIA member number and we’ll automatically update your AIA member transcript.
Most state licensing boards accept the AIA transcript as verification that you have completed continuing education courses. Check with your state licensing board for any specific requirements for license renewal.
Total Hours: 12 Hours
Detail: 12 HSW (CE calculated for current calendar year, Jan.–Dec.)
Renewal Cycle: Annual
Renewal Deadline: December 31
Total Hours: 24 Hours
Detail: 24 LU (Total CE for current & previous calendar year, Jan.–Dec. Max. 12 LU carryover to next renewal period).
Renewal Cycle: Biennial
Renewal Deadline: December 31, odd years
American SamoaNo continuing education requirement