During the past several weeks, the AIA's Continuing Education System (CES) department has been responding to queries from architects about continuing education credits for New York State licensure. The New York Licensing Board is rejecting credits if they were not earned through a health, safety, and welfare (HSW) program, callers reported.

We have confirmed that in recent weeks, non-HSW-related programs offered by AIA/CES Providers are being reviewed and rejected by the New York Licensing Board. One example is a CAD course offered by New York University (a CES provider), which the New York Licensing Board rejected on HSW grounds.

At the AIA New York State conference in Buffalo October 12, AIA staff put the question to a board official during a session on New York State IDP/MCE requirements. The New York State Licensing Board official confirmed that continuing education programs that do not support the general health and safety of the public were being reviewed and rejected.

New York Licensing Board law requires architects to complete 36 professionally related continuing education hours every three years. Of the 36 hours, 24 must relate directly to HSW issues.

AIA/CES is now recommending to its providers that they check directly with the New York Licensing Board for determination that courses are compliant there. And, in light of the new interpretation and enforcement by the New York State Licensing Board, AIA/CES advises AIA members licensed in New York to complete 12 continuing education hours per year—or 36 continuing education hours during the three-year requirement period—all related to HSW. AIA New York State, in turn, is advising anyone with a New York State license to check directly with the New York Licensing Board to make sure their continuing education will be accepted.

The AIA still requires its members to complete 18 LU hours per year, of which at least 8 are HSW.

Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.