Way for an Architect to Get Their C… AI recommendations | Parse
What is the best way for an Architect to get their continuing education units?
Data as of Sep 26, 2026 · Based on 346 AI responses from ChatGPT Search and Google AI Mode · See how Parse measures this
Architects can fulfill their continuing education requirements through various channels. AIAU and NCARB are the primary recommendations, offering accredited, flexible online learning and quizzes often free to members or certificate holders. Other professional platforms like Architectural Record and AEC-focused sites provide additional options for on-demand coursework, while AIA conferences offer opportunities for high-volume, in-person credit accumulation.
Ideal for architects needing a wide range of live and on-demand courses. It provides a subscription model for unlimited access as well as automatic credit reporting, making it a convenient choice for busy professionals.
Continuing Education for Architects | NCARB - National Council of Architectural Registration Boardshttps://www.ncarb.org/ncarb-certificate/continuing-education
6%
AIA & state CE requirementshttps://www.aia.org/career-growth/aia-state-requirements
4%
Best place to get online CE credits to maintain licensure?https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/19c2onq/best_place_to_get_online_ce_credits_to_maintain/
3%
Architect Courses | State Accepted | PDH Academyhttps://pdhacademy.com/architect-continuing-education/
3%
Continuing Education for Architects: Stay Competent and Current.https://www.amberbook.com/blog/the-architects-ultimate-guide-to-continuing-education-why-its-essential-and-how-to-excel/
3%
AIA Continuing Education Credits Explained: Rules, Requirements, and CEU Tracking Made Simple – The Architect’s Guide to LU|HSW Rules and Reporting – Gābl Media | Building Connections that Shape the Future of Architecture and Designhttps://gablmedia.com/aia-ce-continuing-education-credit-information-page-faqs-questions-answers/
2%
Meet Your Annual CE Requirement With NCARB’s Free HSW Courseshttps://www.ncarb.org/blog/meet-your-annual-ce-requirement-ncarb-s-free-hsw-courses
2%
20 Most Searched Questions About AIA CE Credits and Continuing ...https://gablmedia.com/aia-ce-credits-faqs-continuing-education-architects-design-professionals-questions-answers/
The best way for an architect to get their Continuing Education Units (CEUs)—measured as Learning Units (LUs) by the AIA & State Requirements —depends on balancing your schedule, budget, and specific Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) requirements.
The most efficient and practical approaches are outlined below:
On-Demand E-Learning Platforms (Best for Flexibility)
AIAU: The official education platform of the AIA, featuring extensive online courses tailored directly to practice, technology, and design.
NCARB: Offers structured continuing education specifically beneficial for maintaining your record and certificate (often free for certificate holders).
Specialized Providers: Platforms like PDH Academy, , and offer bulk packages or free HSW-focused courses that make ticking off state and AIA requirements straightforward.
For a licensed architect, the easiest approach is usually to build a simple annual CE routine around AIA-approved courses, especially HSW (Health, Safety & Welfare) courses. The exact requirement depends on the state where you’re licensed.
The simplest strategy
Question: What is the best way for an Architect to get their continuing education units?
If you mean a licensed architect in the U.S., the easiest approach is usually to use and choose courses that are . That lets you satisfy AIA requirements while, in many states, also satisfying the state licensing requirement.
Question: What is the best way for an Architect to get their continuing education units?
If you mean a licensed architect in the U.S., the easiest and most efficient approach is usually to use , especially courses. AIA’s system is widely accepted, and many providers automatically report your credits.
Question: What is the best way for an Architect to get their continuing education units?
Manufacturer-Led Lunch-and-Learns (Best for Convenience & Networking)
Many building product manufacturers are registered AIA Continuing Education System (CES) Providers . Inviting reps to your office or attending local architectural product presentations often provides free HSW or standard LUs alongside lunch.
Live Webinars and Virtual Symposia (Best for Interactive Learning)
Real-time online seminars let you ask questions of subject matter experts (engineers, code officials, or sustainability consultants) while fulfilling live-credit requirements that some strict state boards mandate.
In-Person Conferences (Best for Deep Dives and Inspiration)
Attending national events like the AIA Conference on Architecture or regional/state design expositions allows you to knock out a massive chunk—or even all—of your annual 18 LU requirement (12 of which must be HSW) in just a few days while earning valuable peer connections.
Pro-Tip for Tracking: Always ensure your provider is a registered AIA/CES provider so your credits auto-populate smoothly into your transcript, and check your specific state licensing board mandates, as state rules can slightly differ from national AIA guidelines.
If you'd like, let me know:
Are you looking for free options or paid subscription packages?
Do you specifically need HSW-designated credits right now?
I can recommend a targeted platform that fits your timeline.
Use AIA-approved CE providers. AIA has thousands of approved courses, including online, on-demand, webinars, and in-person options.
Prioritize HSW credits. HSW covers subjects such as codes, accessibility, building systems, materials, project documentation, construction, safety, and similar topics.
Do it online throughout the year.aiau.aia.org has 250+ on-demand courses and automatically tracks completed credits on your AIA transcript.
Keep your own records anyway. Even though AIA tracks its courses, some licensing jurisdictions have requirements that aren't completely captured by the AIA transcript.
Don't wait until renewal time. A good practical schedule is roughly 1–2 hours per month, with extra credits from conferences, lunch-and-learns, or manufacturer presentations.
If you're in Illinois
Illinois currently requires 24 hours of CE for architects, including 16 HSW hours. The Illinois requirement also includes a 1-hour sexual-harassment-prevention course, and the HSW requirement includes at least 1 hour of design practice focused on high wind or natural disasters.
So, if you're an Illinois architect, I'd structure the year roughly like this:
CE activity
Approx. hours
HSW courses
16
Other qualifying CE
7
Sexual harassment prevention
1
Total
24
One important point: AIA membership requirements and your state license-renewal requirements aren't necessarily the same thing. For example, AIA members have an 18-LU annual requirement, with 12 LU required as HSW, while state requirements can be different.
If you tell me what state you're licensed in (and whether you're an AIA member), I can lay out the easiest/cheapest way to get all your required hours, including free CE sources and online courses.
easiest approach is to use AIA-approved online courses and deliberately target HSW credits
A simple CE strategy
Start with your state licensing requirement. Requirements vary considerably by state. For example, Maryland requires 24 HSW learning units over the two-year renewal period, with at least 12 HSW each year.
Use AIA-approved providers. AIA courses are automatically recorded to your AIA transcript when you provide your member number, which makes recordkeeping much easier.
Prioritize HSW. HSW covers subjects such as building safety, accessibility, codes, materials, construction, project planning, and other topics affecting occupants' health, safety, and welfare.
Take courses in small chunks. Instead of trying to knock everything out at the end of the renewal period, doing 1–2 hours a month is usually painless.
Use lunch-and-learns strategically. Manufacturers, architecture firms, AIA chapters, and other registered providers offer live and online programs. AIA also accepts live online, on-demand, and in-person formats.
Keep your own records anyway. Even though AIA maintains a transcript, licensing jurisdictions can have their own documentation requirements.
If you want the least-effort option
aia.org is particularly convenient because it offers hundreds of on-demand courses that you can take whenever you have time. The current 2026 subscription is $149 for AIA members or $199 for non-members, with unlimited access through December 31, 2026.
My practical recommendation: At the beginning of each year, figure out your state's requirements, then put 12–18 HSW hours on your calendar and knock them out through a mix of AIAU, AIA chapter programs, and firm/manufacturer lunch-and-learns. That way you're earning useful education rather than simply accumulating hours.
If you're licensed in Maryland, I can also give you a specific list of the easiest/free/low-cost ways to get all 24 Maryland HSW hours, including online options.
For most architects, the "best" way to get continuing education units (CEUs) depends on a mix of convenience, cost, and specific credit requirements (like Health, Safety, and Welfare [HSW] or state-specific mandates). Because requirements usually demand 18 learning units per year—with a heavy emphasis on HSW hours—efficiency is key.
A blended approach using top-tier platforms and local resources works best:
Official On-Demand Platforms (Best for Flexibility and Quality)
AIAU : The American Institute of Architects' official online learning portal. It offers 250+ premium, on-demand courses tailored explicitly to design excellence, codes, zero-energy building, and practice management. Credits automatically report to your AIA transcript.
Architectural Record Continuing Education: A staple for architects. They offer free, article-and-quiz-based CEUs accessible right from their digital magazine, many of which carry HSW credits.
Manufacturer-Sponsored & Technical Sites (Best for Free/Low-Cost HSW Credits)
Ron Blank & Associates : Widely considered one of the largest and most reliable clearinghouses for building product, material, and code-compliance courses. Excellent for knocking out bulk HSW hours efficiently via online text or webinars.
GreenCE : The premier platform if you need sustainable design, LEED-specific hours, or material transparency credits.
In-Person and Local Chapter Events (Best for Networking)
Local AIA Chapter Meetings & Tours: Attending local chapter lunch-and-learns, annual design conferences, or hard-hat job site tours provides interactive learning while helping you network with local structural engineers, contractors, and vendors.
AIA Conference on Architecture: If your firm budget allows, attending the national AIA conference lets you bank a massive percentage of your yearly requirement in just a few days through intensive workshops and seminars.
Lunch-and-Learns at the Office (Best for Time Management)
Hosting registered AIA/CES product manufacturers or consultants directly at your firm during lunch allows the entire design team to earn credits together while reviewing actual product applications relevant to active projects.
If you let me know:
Your state or local jurisdiction (to check specific state-board mandates)
Whether you are looking for free options or have a firm budget
If you need specific credits like HSW or zero-energy/code compliance
I can recommend the exact courses or platforms that match your goals.
Start with your state’s requirements. CE rules vary by jurisdiction. For example, Georgia requires 24 hours over a two-year renewal period, including 16 HSW hours.
Favor HSW courses. They're the most broadly useful because many licensing boards specifically require HSW credit. AIA defines HSW around topics such as building safety, accessibility, project management, building systems, materials, codes, and construction.
Take online courses when convenient. AIA's CE catalog has approved courses from registered providers, and completed courses are generally reported automatically to AIA.
Use NCARB's free CE when appropriate. NCARB offers continuing-education courses; they're free for active NCARB Certificate holders and licensure candidates, while non-certificate holders can take courses for a fee.
Keep everything in one transcript/record. AIA's transcript can make documentation easier, and many state boards accept it as verification.
Don't wait until renewal time. Spreading the hours throughout the year avoids scrambling for courses that meet your state's particular HSW requirements.
If you're in Georgia
Since Georgia's requirement is 24 hours per biennial renewal period, with 16 HSW, I'd structure it roughly as:
8 HSW hours + 4 other hours → first year8 HSW hours + 4 other hours → second year
That gives you the required 24 while leaving some flexibility.
One particularly useful option is NCARB's CE library, because its courses are specifically relevant to architecture and many qualify as HSW. NCARB also now allows qualifying HSW continuing education to count toward certain AXP experience opportunities for people still working toward licensure.
If you tell me what state(s) you're licensed in, whether you're an AIA member, and whether you're looking for free/cheap CE, I can give you a specific list of the easiest courses and providers to knock out your hours.
If you mean a licensed architect in the U.S., the easiest approach is to make AIA-approved, HSW-focused courses your default. The exact requirement depends on the state where the architect is licensed.
Best overall strategy
Start with your state licensing requirement.
Requirements vary considerably. For example, South Carolina currently requires 24 HSW hours over the two-year renewal period, with no CE due at the first renewal.
Use AIA/CES courses whenever possible.
AIA offers online, on-demand, virtual, and in-person courses, and its transcript makes tracking credits much easier. AIA-approved providers generally report completed courses automatically.
Prioritize HSW credits.
HSW means Health, Safety, and Welfare and covers subjects such as building codes, accessibility, building systems, materials, project planning, construction, and related professional practice. A course generally needs at least 75% HSW content to receive the HSW designation.
Use NCARB's courses as a free/low-cost supplement.
NCARB offers a substantial library of continuing-education courses. Many are free for NCARB Certificate holders and licensure candidates with an active NCARB Record; non-certified architects can take courses for a fee.
Don't wait until renewal time.
I'd recommend doing a small amount every month—for example, 1–2 hours per month—rather than trying to cram 20+ hours into the final few weeks.
What I'd do personally
For the least hassle, I'd use this mix:
60–80%: AIA/CES on-demand HSW courses
10–30%: AIA chapter, manufacturer, or professional events that offer HSW credit
Fill-ins: NCARB's CE courses
Keep the AIA/NCARB transcript and certificates as your record rather than relying on memory.
One important distinction: AIA membership requirements and state licensing requirements aren't necessarily the same thing. For example, AIA Architect members need 18 LUs annually, including 12 HSW, while your state may have a different requirement.
If you tell me what state you're licensed in (and whether you're an AIA member), I can give you the cheapest/easiest way to get all of your required hours, including specific online courses and how many hours you need.
The best and most efficient way for an architect to earn continuing education units (CEUs) is through on-demand online learning platforms that offer AIA-approved Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) courses.
Using online platforms allows architects to fulfill state licensing and American Institute of Architects (AIA) requirements—typically 18 learning units annually, with 12 in HSW—at their own pace and schedule.
Top Ways to Earn Architect CEUs
AIAU (American Institute of Architects): Access 24/7 virtual learning via AIA Continuing Education featuring over 250 curated online courses, certificate programs, and HSW-approved credits.
NCARB Continuing Education: Complete self-study courses and quizzes through the NCARB Continuing Education Program , which offers free HSW learning units for NCARB Certificate holders.
Dedicated Online Providers: Use comprehensive subscription platforms like Vector Solutions / RedVector Architecture Training , which houses hundreds of up-to-date, multi-discipline HSW and sustainability courses with license tracking tools.
In-Person Conferences and Local Chapters: Attend major national events like the annual AIA Conference on Architecture & Design or localized chapter meetings for immersive learning, peer networking, and architect-led tours.
Manufacturer-Led Lunch-and-Learns: Participate in AIA-registered educational sessions hosted by building product manufacturers, which often provide HSW credits alongside product knowledge.
If you let me know which state or jurisdiction you are licensed in or whether you need specific HSW or zero-net-carbon credits , I can provide more targeted course recommendations.
For most architects, the "best" way to get continuing education units (CEUs/Learning Units) is a hybrid approach that maximizes flexibility, targets mandatory Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) requirements, and leverages platforms seamlessly reporting to the AIA Continuing Education Services (AIA CES) transcript system.
The top methods and platforms used by architects to efficiently fulfill state licensing and AIA membership requirements include:
AIAU : The American Institute of Architects' official online learning hub. It offers 24/7 access to hundreds of curated, premium on-demand courses focusing on design trends, technical codes, and project management. Credits automatically sync to your transcript. Explore the offerings via AIA Continuing Education.
Ron Blank & Associates : One of the most popular and extensive third-party platforms for building product manufacturers, codes, and technical specification courses. It features a massive library heavily weighted in HSW and sustainable design credits, available via Ron Blank & Associates.
GreenCE : The leading platform if your focus is on sustainable design, green building materials, and LEED-specific or GBCI continuing education hours. You can check their courses out at GreenCE.
Manufacturer Lunch-and-Learns (In-Person or Virtual) : Hosting or attending manufacturer-led presentations at your office is a fast, practical way to earn HSW credits while learning about new assemblies, structural components, or waterproofing systems directly from product reps.
AIA National and Local Chapter Events : Attending annual conferences (like the AIA Conference on Architecture ) or local chapter seminars provides robust networking alongside intensive workshop-based learning units.
If you'd like, let me know:
How many HSW or general learning units you need to finish your current cycle
Your state licensing requirements or if you need specific topics (like ADA or zero-net carbon)
I can recommend the most cost-effective or fastest platforms to get them done.
AIA/CES courses — best overall. You can take courses online, in person, or through your local AIA chapter. AIA offers hundreds of on-demand courses, and registered providers report completed credits to AIA.
NCARB Continuum Education — best low-cost option. NCARB has 100+ online CE courses. Many are free for NCARB Certificate holders; others are available for a fee.
Manufacturer/vendor presentations — best for convenience. Many building-product manufacturers offer architect-focused courses that can qualify for AIA LUs/HSW. These can be particularly convenient because they're often short webinars.
AIA conferences and local chapter events — best for networking. You can earn CE while meeting other architects, consultants, and vendors.
Lunch-and-learns — best if you work at a firm. Firms frequently host AIA/CES presentations during lunch, allowing you to earn credits without taking much time away from work.
If you're in New Jersey
New Jersey currently requires 24 CE hours during the two-year licensing period, including 16 HSW hours. The state allows up to 6 CEUs in a calendar day, and certain credits can carry over under specific conditions.
So, if you're a New Jersey architect, I'd recommend a simple strategy:
Take 16–18 hours of AIA-approved HSW courses + 6–8 additional appropriate CE hours, preferably through online/on-demand courses so you can complete them when convenient.
One important point: don't just collect random "CEUs." The licensing board determines what counts, and requirements vary by state. AIA specifically recommends checking your state board's requirements before relying on a course.
If you tell me what state you're licensed in (or states, if multiple) and whether you're an AIA member, I can give you the cheapest/easiest way to get all of your required hours, including specific free courses available right now.
The "best" way for an architect to earn continuing education units (CEUs)—measured as Learning Units (LUs) by the American Institute of Architects (AIA)—depends on your schedule, budget, and learning style. However, the most efficient, flexible, and cost-effective approach for most working professionals is a blended digital strategy utilizing AIA-registered providers.
Top Channels for Earning LUs and HSW Credits
On-Demand Online Platforms (Best for Flexibility):
Self-paced, 24/7 digital courses let you knock out credits on your own schedule. Many reputable platforms specialize in Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) and sustainable design courses. Check out specialized providers like Ron Blank & Associates or GreenCE for extensive catalogs of self-paced courses, webinars, and automated transcript reporting.
Manufacturer-Sponsored "Lunch & Learns" (Best for Free/In-Person Credits):
Hosting or attending manufacturer presentations at your office provides both face-to-face interaction and valuable product/material knowledge (frequently qualifying for HSW credits), often accompanied by lunch.
Live Webinars and Podcasts (Best for Multitasking/Commuting):
Interactive live webinars or approved AIA podcasts allow you to absorb industry updates and code changes on the go or during routine tasks.
AIA National Convention & Local Chapter Events (Best for Networking):
Attending annual conferences or local chapter meetings fulfills large chunks of your requirements quickly while offering high-level peer networking and specialized seminars.
Best Practices to Stay Organized
Prioritize HSW Hours Early:
AIA membership requires 18 LUs annually, with at least 12 LUs dedicated to Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) topics.
Double-Check State Requirements:
AIA requirements are separate from your state architectural licensing board requirements. Most states require 12 to 24 hours biennially or annually, and many accept your AIA Transcript as direct proof of completion.
Verify Provider Registration:
Always ensure the course provider is officially registered with the AIA Continuing Education System (AIA/CES) so your credits automatically sync to your transcript within 7 to 10 business days.
If you'd like, let me know:
Are you trying to fulfill AIA membership requirements or specific state licensing rules?
Do you prefer free online options or in-person/conference learning?
I can tailor specific provider recommendations or credit tracking tips for you.
NCARB: Offers structured continuing education specifically beneficial for maintaining your record and certificate (often free for certificate holders).
PDH Academy,
, and offer bulk packages or free HSW-focused courses that make ticking off state and AIA requirements straightforward.
