AIA Continuing Education Program
AIA Las Vegas Continuing Education Luncheons
The AIA CES Program is a continuing education system developed by the National AIA to record professional learning as a mandatory requirement for architect membership. It enables the architect to keep current, master new knowledge and skills, plan for the future and responsibly meet the role society entrusts to a professional. Each architect is required to earn 18 CE credits, 8 of which must be in the area of Health, Safety and Welfare and 4 of which must be in the area of Sustainable Design, in order to maintain active membership in the AIA. Beginning in January 2010, architects in the state of Nevada are required to acquire 8 CE credits in the area of Health, Safety and Welfare in order to maintain licensure in Nevada.
AIA Las Vegas continually seeks programs and educational opportunities to present to our membership so that they can achieve their required CE credits. As an AIA/CES “registered provider”, AIA Las Vegas can partner with companies that are developing new technology, systems, products and services that impact the industry and whose research and development are of educational benefit to our members. Through this partnership, the firm realizes an opportunity to present this educational information to our members and our members have an opportunity to learn and to earn their required CE credits.
AIA Las Vegas has found that the most expedient way to provide these learning opportunities for busy architect members is to combine “Lunch & CE Credits”.
Interested in Hosting a CE Luncheon?
Hosting a C.E. program provides great visibility for your firm and identifies you as a leader in your industry. You receive special recognition in the newsletter and promotional materials for the event.
If you are interested in hosting and providing a Continuing Education program for AIA Las Vegas members, click here.
Continuing Education Regulation Passed CEUs required for renewal in 2010
The Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design, (NSBAIDRD) approved a regulation to mandate continuing education as a requirement for license renewal at its October meeting. The effective date of the new regulation is January 1, 2010. This means that registrants must earn the required CEUs prior to December 31, 2010, when their 2010 certificates of registration expire.
The new regulation requires all registrants earn eight continuing education units in the areas of health, safety and welfare each year, prior to renewal of their certificate of registration. A minimum of four units must be earned in a structured setting, and a maximum of four units may be earned in a self-directed setting. Additionally, two of the eight units must be obtained from code-related research or learning. Details of what constitutes a structured educational activity, a self-directed educational activity, and an educational activity relating to health safety and welfare, can be found in Sections 5-7 of the draft regulation.
The new regulation provides exemptions for registrants called to active duty in the armed forces. Registrants with medical issues or physical disabilities that prevent them from earning the CEUs may request an exemption from the board. Board members plan to add an exemption for registrants who have taken Emeritus status once the required statutory change implementing that status is made.
Over the next year the NSBAIDRD will be creating tools to help registrants comply with the new regulation. These tools include a “Frequently Asked Questions” list, a CEU “Proof of Completion” form (for those who do not use the professional associations’ tracking systems), an updated page on the board’s Web site, and a reporting form for registration renewals.
During the numerous town hall meetings and workshops, the main concern of registrants was the potential economic impact on their businesses. In response, the NSBAIDRD has committed to assist registrants in finding free and low-cost educational opportunities. In 2010, the board will attempt to notify registrants of these opportunities as they become known.
AIA Las Vegas will continue to provide a variety of “Lunch & Learn” sessions that are free and open to all who RSVP, as well as low cost meetings, seminars and events that will assist registrants in securing their credits. These C.E. opportunities and events for 2009 are listed on the www.aialasvegas.org website and attendees can RSVP online.
A copy of the proposed regulation, which was passed with no changes, can be downloaded from the State Board’s Web site.
Track Your CE Credits!
Last year, through lectures, programs, meetings and CE. lunches, we provided 33 AIA Continuing Education programs that provided 32.5 learning units and 12 health, safety and welfare credits.
That is more than sufficient to maintain your AIA membership and to meet the requirements of most states for licensure renewal.
In 2009, we have planned several more events to provide more C.E. opportunities. AIA Las Vegas makes it very easy for you to meet your requirements. All you have to do is sign-in (and sign-out) at each of the C.E. programs just to verify your attendance. Your attendance is then registered with AIA National and your credits are recorded.
All of the programs provided by the Chapter are registered with the AIA Continuing Education Division. You can easily check the progress of your credits by going to the aia.org website, select the continuing education button, enter your member number and you will have a complete listing of your C.E. and HSW Credits.
And don’t forget……You should keep a record of each one of the C.E. programs you attend so that you can compare it with your online record at AIA National. That way you’ll always know exactly how many credits you have earned.
Sustainable Design Becomes a Mandatory Continuing Education Requirement for AIA Membership
To demonstrate our commitment to sustainable design, the AIA Board of Directors modified the AIA — member continuing education requirement to include 4 hours of education in sustainable design as part of the existing 18 — hour annual requirement. This sustainable design requirement goes into effect in calendar year 2009 and extends through 2012.
Sustainability has been a focus of architectural practice for more than 30 years, and the AIA has provided resources and tools to help its members better serve their clients and communities through environmentally responsible projects. The issue of climate change and the impact of buildings on carbon emissions created a new expectation among clients and the public to look to the expertise of architects for solutions that can help them leave a greener footprint. Social, political, and economic factors are all driving the market toward mainstreaming sustainability, and AIA architects who educate themselves in sustainable design will have an advantage, and again, have the privilege of providing ever greater service to clients and community.
What Is the Sustainable Design Continuing Education Requirement?
Beginning January 1, 2009, 4 of the total 18 CES Learning Units (LUs) required in a given calendar year must focus on sustainable design in a way that meets the established guidelines for sustainable design mandatory continuing education (MCE).
How Does the New Requirement Affect the Original AIA MCE Requirement?
The sustainable design MCE does not replace the original requirement for 18 total hours, 8 of which must be in Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) subjects, as HSW is a subset of Learning Units, and sustainable design may be a subset of HSW. It designates that 4 of the total hours be in sustainable design topics.
Is This Also a State Licensing Board Continuing Education Requirement?
This sustainable design MCE requirement is for AIA membership renewal. However, some states may develop their own special continuing education requirements in addition to HSW. To verify a specific state’s MCE requirement, contact the state licensing board directly.
How Will I Know that a Course Qualifies for Sustainable Design MCE?
All courses by AIA/CES Registered Providers will be identified as qualifying for sustainable design, much like those courses and programs that qualify for HSW learning units. AIA/CES will have reviewed and approved these courses for sustainable — design learning units.
|
