AIA members must still complete 18.0 learning units per calendar year, but beginning January 1, 2012, 12.0 of the total 18.0 LU’s must be earned by attending Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) seminars. This is an increase from the previous requirement of 8.0 HSW LU’s.
Additionally, the AIA requires all members to complete four hours of continuing education in Sustainable Design per calendar year. These four hours are not in addition to the current requirement of 18.0 learning units; they are included within this amount. Here’s the breakdown: AIA members must earn 18.0 learning units per year. Of these 18.0, eight must contain Health, Safety or Welfare material—these are “HSW” learning units. Of these twelve HSW learning units, four must now fall within the Sustainable Design, or "SD," category.
AIA Members have until September 30th, 2012 to earn and report learning units for 2011. Unsure of the exact number of LU’s, HSW’s or SD's you’ve earned so far? Click here, then follow the log-in instructions. Notice that you no longer use your AIA Member # to access your transcript. Having trouble with your password? Click here.
Licensed architects in the District of Columbia must accumulate Learning Units (professional development units) in order to remain licensed in DC. A total of 24.0 Learning Units must have been acquired since that last renewal period (April 2010). All 24.0 Learning Units must contain HSW (Health, Safety & Welfare) content. Of this 24.0, eight (8.0) can be earned by participation in unstructured learning activities (i.e. online articles, self-reported activities); the remaining 16.0 must be earned in structured lectures, seminars or other educational events. PLEASE NOTE that DCRA will accept AIA- and NCARB-approved online learning activities as structured learning activities. All non-AIA and non-NCARB online learning activities will be considered unstructured learning activities. For more information about DC licensure with the District of Columbia Board of Architecture and Interior Design, click here.