Continuing Education

What are continuing education requirements for architects?

Continuing education (CE) is required to:

• Maintain your AIA membership
• Renew your architecture license in Colorado
• Stay current with changes in the profession

AIA Colorado provides courses, resources, and tracking tools to help you meet these requirements.

How can you earn continuing education credits?

AIA Colorado offers a wide range of learning formats to fit your schedule and interests:

• Conferences and large events
• Lectures and workshops
• Seminars and in-person courses
• Online learning and on-demand courses
• Self-study opportunities

You can:

• Browse upcoming opportunities on the AIA Colorado event calendar
• Take online courses through American Institute of Architects’s AIAU platform (150+ courses across specialties)

How do you track your continuing education credits?

AIA members can track progress through their official transcript.

To view your transcript:

• Log in to your account at American Institute of Architects
• Access your continuing education transcript
• Review completed and reported Learning Units (LUs)

AIA measures continuing education in Learning Units (LUs).

Annual Requirements:

• 18 total Learning Units (LUs) per year
• 12 must be Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW)

Carryover Policy:

• Up to 18 LUs (including 12 HSW) can carry over to the next year
• Carryover applies to AIA requirements only

The State of Colorado requires continuing education for license renewal. Requirements are established by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

Annual Requirement:

• 12 Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW) hours per year defined in the Board Rules document

Renewal Cycle:

• 24 HSW hours total over a 2-year period
• License renewal deadline: October 31 of odd-numbered years

Important Rules:

• No carryover between calendar years
• You must complete required hours within each calendar year

AIA vs. Colorado Requirements (Quick Comparison)

Do you need to keep records of your CE hours?

Yes. The State of Colorado requires you to:

• Maintain records of completed courses
• Retain proof of participation and material comprehension

If audited, you must provide:

• Course documentation
• Proof of completion (exam, quiz, or report form)

What happens if you are audited?

If you are audited by the State, you must provide proof that you have complied with the continuing education requirements outlined in the AES Bylaws and Rules and you will be required to submit completed documentation for each course showing that you retained the material presented. Proof of retention has been defined by the Board as proof of exam, quiz or test scores or the Board’s Continuing Education Structured Report Form. See Board Rule 4.9.3.1.2.9.

AIA Member Tip:
You can use your AIA transcript and course descriptions to help complete required audit forms.

Can you get continuing education through AIA Colorado partners?

Yes. AIA Colorado works with Allied Members who are also AIA CES registered providers.

You can:

• Request custom presentations for your firm
• Access specialized learning opportunities

(If you landed on this page and want to know how your firm can become an AIA CES registered provider, go here.)

How do I check my continuing education progress?

Log in to your AIA account to view your transcript and completed credits.

I completed a course but don’t see it on my transcript. What should I do?

• Wait up to 10 business days
• Contact the course provider if it does not appear
• If it was an AIA Colorado event, contact AIA Colorado directly

Do new AIA members need to complete CE requirements immediately?

No. First-year members are not required to complete CE requirements until the following calendar year.

Can I self-report continuing education credits?

Yes, but with limitations:

• You may self-report non-HSW Learning Units (LUs)
• HSW credits must be reported by an approved provider

Do continuing education hours carry over?

• AIA: Yes, limited carryover allowed
• Colorado: No carryover allowed

What are the State Continuing Education Requirements for Retired Architects?

As long as you hold an active license, the State of Colorado requires you to meet state continuing education requirements. All change of status licensure questions including options to become a “Retired Architect” in Colorado, should be directed to the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Related Resources

• AIA CES Member FAQ
• Colorado licensing rules and Board regulations
• CO Architect License Requirements: Refer to Board rule 4.9.3.1.2 and the AIA and State Requirements. Most questions can be answered by reading these resources.

Contact

AIA: AIA Colorado | 303.446.2266

Colorado: Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors. Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, dora_aesboard@state.co.us | 303-894-7800