What is the best way for an Architect to get their continuing education units?

If you mean as a licensed architect in the U.S., the easiest approach is usually to use AIA-approved continuing education, especially courses that qualify as Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW). Your exact requirement depends on the state where you’re licensed.

The simplest strategy

• Use AIA/CES courses. AIA has a large catalog of online and live courses, and most state boards accept the AIA transcript as documentation.
• Prioritize HSW credits. HSW covers topics directly related to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants—codes, accessibility, building envelope, fire/life safety, structural issues, materials, etc.
• Do them online throughout the year. This is generally the most convenient option. AIA-approved providers report completed courses to AIA, typically within 10 business days.
• Keep your transcript/documentation. Don't rely solely on the provider; retain certificates and your AIA/CE transcript in case your state board audits you.
• Check your specific state requirement first. Requirements vary considerably, including the number of hours, HSW percentage, ethics requirements, and whether certain subjects are mandatory.

One particularly good option: NCARB

If you have an NCARB Certificate or are a licensure candidate with an NCARB Record, NCARB offers 100+ online CE courses, including HSW courses. Many are free for Certificate holders and active licensure candidates.

If you're an AIA member, AIA requires 18 LUs annually, with at least 12 HSW, so knocking those out through AIA-approved courses can satisfy your AIA obligation while potentially satisfying your state licensing requirement as well.

If you're licensed in Nevada, I can give you the exact current CE requirements and then recommend the fastest/cheapest way to get all of your required hours online.

For architects, the "best" way to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)—measured by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) as Learning Units (LUs), with a heavy focus on Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW)—depends on balancing convenience, cost, and specific state or AIA requirements.

An efficient, multi-pronged approach helps architects clear their 18 annual AIA LUs (12 of which must be HSW) or fulfill state license renewal mandates:

1. On-Demand Online Platforms (Best for Flexibility)

• AIAU: The official online education portal from the AIA. It offers hundreds of 24/7 on-demand courses, multi-course certificate programs, and deep dives into HSW, ADA compliance, and zero-carbon design. Credits are reported automatically to your AIA transcript.
• RedVector / CEUfast / HalfMoon Education: Popular third-party platforms that feature massive catalogs targeted directly at state architectural license renewals and AIA CES provider credits. Excellent for knocking out state-specific ethics or building code requirements.

2. Manufacturer Lunch-and-Learns & Webinars (Best for Free/Low-Cost Credits)

• Product Manufacturers: Many building product manufacturers (e.g., Marvin, USG, Kolbe, Sherwin-Williams) offer registered AIA/CES programs. They will often bring lunch to your office or host short virtual webinars.
• Pro: They are usually free and frequently qualify for HSW credits depending on the technical/material safety content.

3. Annual Conferences & Local Chapters (Best for Networking + Bulk Credits)

• AIA Conference on Architecture: Attending the national flagship conference lets you rack up a massive portion (or all) of your yearly requirements in just a few days through intensive seminars and tours.
• Local AIA Chapters: Your city or state AIA chapter regularly hosts local luncheons, building tours, and evening seminars. These are fantastic for earning general LUs or HSW while connecting with local peers and consultants.

4. Self-Directed Study & Reading (Best for Niche Interests)

• Architectural Magazines & Journals: Publications like Architectural Record feature continuous CE articles at the end of each issue or online. You read the technical article and pass a short online quiz for 1.0 HSW LU.
• AIA Transcript Management: Use the official AIA Continuing Education Dashboard to track, manage, and self-report eligible independent learning activities if allowed by your jurisdiction.

Would you like recommendations tailored to:

• Meeting state-specific licensing rules versus national AIA requirements?
• Finding specific free online HSW courses?
• Fulfilling a specialized credential like LEED AP or WELL AP?

If you mean the best way for a practicing architect to efficiently earn continuing-education (CE) hours, I’d recommend making AIA/CES your primary system and choosing courses that satisfy your state’s requirements.

If you’re in New York, there’s a particularly straightforward strategy:

• Requirement: 36 CE hours every 3-year registration period.
• HSW requirement: At least 24 of the 36 hours must be Health, Safety & Welfare (HSW).
• The remaining 12 hours can be other qualifying professional-practice topics.
• New York recognizes sponsors approved through AIA/CES, IACET, and certain other organizations.
• You can take the hours at any point during the three-year period; you don't have to earn a specific number each year.

The easiest approach

I'd use a combination of:

1. AIA/CES online courses — probably the easiest option because your credits are tracked in your AIA account.
2. Manufacturer/product presentations — many building-product manufacturers offer AIA-accredited HSW courses, often at no cost.
3. AIA chapter events and seminars — good for getting several hours at once and networking.
4. Architecture conferences/webinars — especially useful if you're already attending for professional development.
5. NCARB's CE courses — NCARB offers 100+ courses, including courses that can be taken online.

My recommendation

If your goal is "get the required hours with the least hassle," I'd aim for roughly:

8–10 HSW hours per year + a few additional professional-practice hours.

That keeps you comfortably ahead rather than discovering at renewal time that you're short on HSW credits.

One important point: don't assume that every course labeled "AIA CE" automatically satisfies New York's requirements. NYSED says the sponsor and subject matter must qualify, and it specifically excludes some topics.

AIA New York also recommends retaining your CE documentation for at least three years, since you may need certificates or your AIA/CES transcript in an audit.

If you tell me what state you're licensed in (or all the states if you're multi-licensed), I can give you the cheapest/easiest CE strategy and specific free online courses that will satisfy your requirements.

The "best" way to get continuing education units (LUs) as an architect depends on whether you prioritize flexibility, cost-efficiency, or deep technical knowledge , but a blended approach using top-tier online platforms is universally considered the most efficient.

To maintain AIA membership and state licensure, you typically need 18 LUs per year (with a heavy focus on Health, Safety, and Welfare—HSW credits). Top pathways and platforms to secure these efficiently include:

• Official AIA Platforms: Using the official AIA Continuing Education portal gives you access to AIAU , which provides 24/7 virtual access to premium, on-demand courses, certificate programs, and automatic transcript reporting.
• Dedicated Online Providers: For massive course catalogs specializing in technical building science, codes, and sustainability, architects frequently turn to industry-trusted platforms like Ron Blank & Associates or GreenCE . They streamline HSW and LEED-specific continuing education.
• Manufacturer-Led Lunch & Learns: Hosting or attending registered AIA/CES presentations sponsored by building product manufacturers is a classic, cost-effective way to knock out HSW credits while eating lunch at the office and seeing real-world product applications.
• Local AIA Chapter Events: Participating in local or national AIA conventions, local chapter breakfast lectures, and design tours offers fantastic networking alongside face-to-face learning units.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Are you looking for free options or do you have a company budget?
• Do you specifically need HSW-designated credits right now?
• Do you prefer self-paced online video or live webinars?

I can recommend specific courses or platforms tailored to your needs.

For a licensed architect in the U.S., the easiest and safest approach is usually to use AIA-approved continuing education, especially courses designated HSW (Health, Safety & Welfare). AIA’s CE system is recognized by licensing jurisdictions across the country, and providers can report completed courses directly to your AIA transcript.

The best options

• AIA Continuing Education — Probably the best all-around option. You can take courses online, live, or through local AIA chapters. AIA offers hundreds of courses and tracks your LUs.
• AIAU — Excellent if you want to knock out credits on your own schedule. There are on-demand courses covering HSW and other subjects.
• NCARB Continuing Education — Particularly good if you have an NCARB Certificate; certificate holders get access to free online CE courses. Non-certified architects can also take NCARB courses for a fee.
• Manufacturer/product presentations — Many building-product manufacturers offer AIA-approved lunch-and-learns. These can be convenient because they can often be done at your office while learning about products you actually specify. AIA notes that product manufacturers are a major source of architect CE.
• Conferences and AIA chapter events — Good if you want CE and networking.

The important part: don't just chase "CEUs"

Architectural licensing requirements vary by state, and some states require specific subjects in addition to HSW.

For example, California currently requires 10 hours per renewal cycle: 5 hours on disability access requirements and 5 hours on Zero Net Carbon Design (ZNCD). AIA California recommends keeping backup certificates because those particular courses may be audited by the California Architects Board.

If you're an AIA Architect member, there's also a separate AIA membership requirement of 18 LUs per year, with at least 12 HSW. That's different from your state's licensing requirement.

My recommendation

If you want the least amount of administrative hassle, I'd do this:

1. Check your state's specific requirements.
2. Take AIA-approved HSW courses whenever possible.
3. Use a combination of on-demand AIA courses + occasional manufacturer lunch-and-learns.
4. Let the provider report the credits to AIA when available.
5. Keep your certificates of completion in a folder anyway, in case your licensing board audits you.

If you tell me what state you're licensed in (e.g., California) and whether you're an AIA member, I can tell you exactly how many hours you need, which subjects are required, and the easiest/free places to get them.

My recommendation

If you want the least amount of administrative hassle, I'd do this:

The most efficient and practical way for an architect to get continuing education units (Learning Units/AIA CEUs or state-mandated HSW hours) is through free, self-paced, online coursework and live webinars provided by AIA-registered CES providers.

Because AIA members need 18 Learning Units (LUs) per year—with at least 12 dedicated to Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW)—leveraging high-quality online libraries saves time, eliminates travel costs, and automates reporting.

Best Platforms & Sources for Architects

• Ron Blank & Associates: Widely regarded as a premier choice for technical building systems, code education, and extensive HSW course libraries. They offer many courses and live webinars entirely free because they are sponsored by building product manufacturers.
• GreenCE: The top recommendation for sustainable design, green building practices, and LEED maintenance credentials (GBCI) alongside robust HSW and ADA barrier-free courses.
• AIAU: The official online learning platform from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education portal, featuring curated, premium on-demand courses and certificate programs.
• Gābl Media: Known for innovative, digestible formats including accredited podcast courses that let you earn credits on the go.
• ARCHITECT U: (Formerly Hanley Wood University) offers a solid catalog of free, multi-accredited online courses.

A Smart Strategy for Getting Units Done Efficiently

1. Prioritize HSW first: Knock out your 12 mandatory Health, Safety, and Welfare credits early in the year by filtering course searches specifically by "LU|HSW".
2. Use auto-reporting platforms: Choose registered providers that automatically sync and report your completed units directly to your AIA transcript (usually processed within 7 to 10 business days).
3. Mix up your formats: If reading modules feels tedious, break up the requirement by listening to AIA-approved podcast courses or attending a lunch-and-learn hosted by your firm or a manufacturer rep.
4. Spread it out: Avoid the December scramble. Doing just 1 to 2 hours a month keeps your license and membership current without overwhelming your project deadlines.

Would you like help finding free HSW-approved courses tailored to a specific topic like accessibility (ADA), sustainable design , or building codes?

If you mean a licensed architect in the U.S., the best approach is usually to make your CE do double duty: choose AIA-approved courses that are HSW (Health, Safety, and Welfare) and track everything in one transcript.

The simplest strategy

1. Start with your state licensing board's requirements.
   Requirements vary significantly by state, and some states have specific subject requirements in addition to HSW hours. AIA maintains a state-by-state overview, but recommends verifying the details with your licensing board.

2. Use AIA/CES courses whenever possible.
   AIA's continuing education resources offer thousands of courses through registered providers. AIA courses are particularly convenient because providers generally report completed courses to AIA automatically.

3. Prioritize HSW credits.
   HSW generally covers subjects that protect building occupants' health, safety, and welfare. For an AIA Architect member, the requirement is 18 LUs per year, including at least 12 HSW.

   Good HSW topics include:

   • Building codes and life safety
   • Accessibility
   • Building enclosure
   • Structural and seismic design
   • Fire protection
   • Energy efficiency/sustainability
   • Materials and indoor environmental quality
   • Construction safety and risk management

4. Take advantage of online/on-demand courses.
   This is probably the most efficient option for most architects. AIAU has hundreds of courses that can be taken on your own schedule, and on-demand courses can qualify for credit after completing the required quiz.

5. Keep one CE transcript and your certificates.
   Don't rely entirely on the provider to maintain your records. AIA and state boards can have different documentation requirements, and some states conduct audits.

If you're a California architect

California is a little different. The California Architects Board currently requires 10 hours during each renewal cycle: 5 hours on disability access requirements and 5 hours on zero net carbon design (ZNCD). These must be completed before renewal, and records should be retained for at least two years after renewal.

So, for California, I would not simply take generic AIA CE and assume you're covered. Make sure your courses specifically satisfy those two California subjects.

My recommendation

For most architects, I'd use this system:

AIA/CES → mostly HSW → online/on-demand → let AIA track the credits → check your state-specific requirements once per renewal cycle.

If you're an architect in California, I'd build the plan around the required 5 hours accessibility + 5 hours ZNCD, then use additional AIA/HSW education for professional development.

If you tell me what state you're licensed in and whether you're an AIA member, I can give you the most efficient way to get all your required CE—including specific free/low-cost courses.

The best way for an architect to get continuing education units (CEUs) or learning units (LUs) is through flexible, on-demand online platforms that offer accredited Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) courses , allowing professionals to balance busy project schedules while meeting strict state licensing and AIA Membership Requirements . Most jurisdictions and the American Institute of Architects require 12 to 18 units annually, heavily weighting HSW topics.

Top Online and Self-Study Platforms

• NCARB Continuing Education Program : Offers robust self-study courses and quizzes. It is free for NCARB Certificate holders and low-cost for others, making it ideal for HSW credits.
• AIAU : The American Institute of Architects' official on-demand portal featuring over 250 virtual courses, certificates, and specialized training.
• Architectural Record Continuing Education : Provides a popular, reading-based format where architects read monthly journal articles and pass quizzes to earn units.
• CE Center by BNP Media : A massive library providing a wide array of free AIA-approved and HSW-compliant courses, webinars, and podcasts.
• Vector Solutions : Excellent for individual tracking or firm-wide Learning Management Systems (LMS) that automate state license compliance.
• CEU Events : A handy aggregator and tracking tool that lets users filter courses by state requirements, topic, and professional designation.

Alternative Methods

• Live Webinars and Manufacturer Seminars: Interactive sessions hosted by industry product manufacturers or regional AIA chapters offer engagement and real-time credit reporting.
• Conferences and Expos: Attending national or regional events—like the annual AIA Conference on Architecture & Design —lets you rack up dozens of units quickly through concentrated workshops and tours.

If you share your licensing state or membership affiliations , I can tell you the exact breakdown of HSW versus general hours you need to renew.

If you mean the easiest and most efficient way for a licensed architect to earn continuing-education credits, I’d recommend using a mix of AIA-approved online courses, NCARB courses, and firm “lunch-and-learns.”

My recommended approach

1. Start with AIA/CES AIA Continuing Education is probably the simplest overall system. AIA offers hundreds of online, on-demand and live courses, and credits are generally reported automatically if you're an AIA member. One hour generally equals one Learning Unit (LU).

2. Prioritize HSW credits HSW = Health, Safety & Welfare. These are the credits most likely to satisfy mandatory licensing requirements. AIA specifically distinguishes LU-HSW from general/elective LUs.

3. Use NCARB as a second source NCARB Continuing Education has CE opportunities, and NCARB recognizes transcripts from organizations such as AIA.

4. Take advantage of manufacturer lunch-and-learns These can be one of the best options if you work at an architecture firm. Product manufacturers frequently provide AIA-approved HSW presentations—often at no cost to the architect, sometimes with lunch. They're particularly useful because you can get 1–2+ credits without having to spend your evening doing coursework. Anecdotally, architects report using lunch-and-learns for a large portion of their CE.

5. Do online courses when you have gaps For example, if you're short 6–10 hours near renewal, online self-paced courses are much easier than trying to attend live events. AIA has a large on-demand catalog.

If you're in New York

This is particularly important: New York requires licensed architects to complete 36 contact hours during each three-year registration period. Current NY rules also require at least 24 hours in Health, Safety & Welfare, and up to six hours can carry over to the next period.

So if you're a New York architect, I'd structure it roughly like:

You don't necessarily need to pay for CE. There are substantial free options, particularly through AIA providers, NCARB, and manufacturer-sponsored programs.

One important distinction: AIA's own membership requirement is different from your state licensing requirement. AIA Architect members currently need 18 LUs per year, including 12 HSW, while the state board determines what is required to maintain your license.

If you tell me what state you're licensed in (e.g., New York) and whether you're an AIA member, I can give you the best free CEU sources and an efficient strategy for getting all your required hours.

The best way for an architect to get continuing education units (CEUs / Learning Units) depends on schedule and budget, but the most efficient, cost-effective method is online, self-paced learning combined with free manufacturer-sponsored technical courses.

Because nearly all state licensing boards and the AIA accept AIA Continuing Education System (CES) registered courses, leveraging accredited digital platforms ensures seamless credit reporting.

Top Ways to Earn Architect CEUs

1. On-Demand Online Platforms (Best for Flexibility)
   • Ron Blank & Associates : Widely considered one of the best for technical building product education, offering a massive library of self-paced online courses, webinars, and even AIA-approved podcasts. Many of their courses are free.
   • GreenCE : The go-to resource for sustainability, green building, energy codes, and LEED-specific maintenance hours. They partner with the USGBC and offer both free and paid options.
   • NCARB Continuing Education Program : Free for NCARB Certificate holders (and a small fee for non-holders), offering high-quality modules focused on building performance, sustainable design, and professional conduct.
   • AIAU : The official online learning platform from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) featuring premium, on-demand courses, certificate programs, and verified HSW credits.
2. Manufacturer Lunch-and-Learns & Webinars (Best for Free HSW Credits)
   • Many building product manufacturers offer free live or virtual presentations (often organized by CSI division) that cover building envelopes, waterproofing, structural innovations, and code compliance.
   • Providers like The Continuing Architect or corporate partners like Tremco CPG and National Gypsum provide free AIA-approved Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) credits.
3. In-Person Industry Conferences (Best for Networking & Intensive Credits)
   • Attending major events like the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design allows you to knock out a large portion—or even all—of your annual requirements in a few days while seeing new materials firsthand.

Core Tips to Keep in Mind

• Prioritize HSW Credits : Ensure your choices satisfy the mandatory Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) requirement. For AIA members, 12 of the required 18 annual Learning Units (LUs) must be HSW. State requirements vary (often requiring 12–24 hours per renewal cycle).
• Double-Check State Rules : While most state boards accept the AIA transcript, some states (like California or New York) have specific mandatory topics (e.g., zero net carbon design, disability access, or live instructor-interaction minimums).
• Always Provide Your AIA Number : Make sure to input your AIA member number or license details at enrollment so the provider automatically updates your official transcript.

If you share your state of licensure or whether you are an AIA member , I can give you the exact breakdown of your required HSW hours and recommend a tailored plan.