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Learning Units (CES)

Last Updated: Nov 23, 2009

Continuing Education System (CES)

The CES was developed by the AIA to promote ongoing professional learning and is mandatory for Architect Members to remain in good-standing with the organization. The CES requirement encourages the architect to stay current with their particular field of practice, master new knowledge and skills, plan for the future, and responsibly serve the public that seeks their professional services. The continuing education facet of membership also promotes the high ethical standards expected of AIA architects.

Each hour of an activity counts as one learning unit (LU). Members can earn units by attending programs offered by AIA/CES Registered Providers or by reporting individual activities using a Self Report Form. All active AIA members must complete 18 Learning Unit Hours each year, 8 of which must be learning activities specifically designated as Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) units and 4 of which must be Sustainable Design (SD) units. (Please note that HSW & SD units may only be earned at registered CES-designated events and are not eligible for self-reporting.) Members' Transcripts can be reviewed online via this link and accessed by entering in their personal AIA Membership Number. To self-report non-HSW Learning Units, Members may do so online by clicking here www.aia.org/education, entering in their personal AIA Membership Number and proceeding to the online Self Report Form. Please keep a copy for your records of all self-reported LUs.

For the most up-to-date Continuing Education information or opportunities, ideas for activities that will fulfill Learning Unit requirements, or to periodically check the status of your CEU transcripts, please regularly visit the Continuing Education section of the AIA/Los Angeles website as well as the National AIA Continuing Education website.

If you have any questions, please contact Steve Tanner or Matt Krinsky at the AIA/Los Angeles chapter at 213-639-0777, or via e-mail at .

You may also call the National AIA Continuing Education Dept. in Washington DC at 202-626-7436, or e-mail them at .

Members at Risk Due to CES Audit

National AIA sent over the list of Architect Members who may be in jeopardy of not satisfying their 2004 AIA Continuing Education Requirements. The list includes a number of AIA Los Angeles Members.

All architects who have been members for more than one year must have 18 LUs (with 8 in HSW. Check your transcript to verify if you met this requirement in 2004. If you do not have the proper amount, update your records immediately in order to remain a member-in-good-standing. Please know that we in the AIA/LA Office are available to help you identify activities you can report for CE credit. In addition to structured CES seminars offered by the Chapter, some examples of activities eligible to be self-reported for CE credit may include the following (as long as you can specify the new knowledge acquired and how it relates to your particular practice of architecture):

• Time spent in research for teaching or lecturing
• Architectural tours, field trips or other relevant activities
• Attending a Committee Program (Interiors, Health Care, Environment)
• Attending an AIA Professional Development Seminar
• Completing the Q+A articles in Architectural Record magazine
• Distance learning or online courses

If you need further assistance, or wish to register for an upcoming course, please don't hesitate to contact us here at the Chapter Office, 213-639-0777 or email .

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