New Jersey architects have diverse continuing education hours or LU choices. And those are governed by the New Jersey State Board of Architects and the American Institute of Architects if you have a membership.
Architects need a minimum of 24 continuing education credit hours for every biennial licensing renewal period. AIA membership has a higher benchmark, with 18 LUs required every year.
Most Credits Must be from Health, Safety and Welfare
Of the 24 required LUs required biennially for NJ state licensing, 16 credit hours must be from health, safety and welfare (HSW) courses. The New Jersey Board of Consumer Affairs says the additional 16 LUs must be from courses or activities that are “directly related to the practice of architecture.”
As for the AIA, 12 of the 18 annual required LUs must be from HSW. They also explain that different membership levels may have different LU standards. You can check here https://www.aia.org/help to find more information about your membership details.
Some LUs are Self-Reported, and Others Are Not
NJ AIA no longer allows continuing education self-reporting. That changed in 2012. But when you earn LUs from an approved provider, such as PDH Academy, that’s not a problem. When a course is complete, LUs are automatically reported on your behalf.
Credits toward licensing are reported upon request by the New Jersey State Board of Architects. According to the New Jersey Administrative Code, N.J.A.C. 13:27, architects shall maintain records of all completed continuing education courses for 5 years. Proof of completion include:
- Architect name and license number
- Course title or subject
- Course instructor name
- Course sponsor or provider
- Course date and location
- Total number of LUs earned
- Certification of course completion
Some continuing education activities require:
- Course transcript
- Publication of a paper
- School or sponsor verification of a teaching or research appointment
- Sponsor verification of lecture or scientific presentation
Teaching could earn LUs as long as the subject matter ties in with architecture.
Architects Have Numerous Continuing Education Choices
According to N.J.A.C. 13:27-4A.3, architects in New Jersey have a lot of ways to earn LUs. Some educational programs at industry-related meetings and conferences are approved for LUs. And other learning options include courses or programs offered or approved by the following:
- American Institute of Architects
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
- School of Architecture at the New Jersey Institute of Technology
- National Architectural Accrediting Board
- New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (if the courses are related to architecture)
Architects can also earn LUs through architecture-related activities, but the number credit hours will vary:
- Pass the landscape architect licensing exam
- Paper, publication or scientific presentation
- Table clinic or scientific exhibit
- Teaching and research appointments
Continuing education for architects doesn’t have to be stale or boring. And it doesn’t have to be inconvenient, either. PDH Academy offers a wide variety of courses for architects in New Jersey. And they’re approved by the AIA.
Ready to learn more about convenient online continuing education? Take a look at AIA-approved, PDH Academy courses for architects today.
