If you’re a California architect, you’ve got to stay on top of your continuing education requirements – especially when it comes to disability access training. Let’s break down what you need to know to keep your license current and your designs accessible.
The Bottom Line
California architects need to complete 5 hours of disability access training during each two-year renewal period. This isn’t optional – it’s mandated by the California Architects Board under Business and Professions Code Section 5600.05.
The training needs to cover accessibility design under both California and federal law, including things like:
- California Building Code Chapter 11B (accessibility standards)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements
- Title 24 accessibility regulations
- Universal design principles
- Barrier removal and reasonable accommodation
The Bigger Picture
Those 5 hours of disability access education are part of a total of 10 continuing education units (CEUs) you need per renewal cycle:
- 5 hours of disability access education (required)
- 5 hours of zero net carbon design (ZNCD) continuing education
The ZNCD hours cover topics like energy efficiency, sustainable building practices, carbon reduction strategies, renewable energy integration, and other climate-responsive design subjects.
Who’s Off the Hook?
Most licensed architects in California have to meet these requirements, but there are a few exceptions:
- Newly licensed architects get a pass during their first renewal period after getting licensed
- Inactive license holders don’t need the education (but they also can’t practice architecture in California)
- Retired architects who’ve notified the Board about their retirement status are exempt
Where to Get Your Hours
Several organizations offer solid disability access education for California architects:
- RonBlank – Focuses specifically on disability access compliance education with courses designed for California architects covering Title 24, CBC Chapter 11B, and ADA requirements
- HanleyWood – Offers comprehensive online continuing education courses including disability access and accessibility design topics
- GreenCE – Provides various online courses covering accessibility standards, sustainable design, and building code compliance
- AIA San Diego – Offers both local and online continuing education programs including disability access training
- AIA California Council – Provides statewide continuing education opportunities and resources
Why It Matters
California is a leader in accessibility standards, and for good reason. Approximately one in four adults in the United States lives with a disability, so architects play a huge role in creating spaces that work for everyone.
The mandatory training helps California architects:
- Stay current with evolving accessibility codes and standards
- Understand their legal obligations under state and federal law
- Develop practical skills for implementing accessible design
- Recognize the importance of universal design principles
Keep Your Records
You need to hold onto proof of your continuing education completion for at least two years from your license renewal date. Make sure you’ve got:
- Course completion certificates
- Provider name and course title
- Number of hours earned
- Date of completion
The CAB randomly audits licensees, and if you’re selected, you’ve got 15 calendar days to provide proof of completion. If you don’t respond, you could face a citation with a monetary penalty or even disciplinary action, including license suspension.
Tips for Staying Compliant
Here’s how to make sure you’re covered:
- Track your hours throughout the renewal period instead of scrambling at the last minute
- Choose quality providers with strong reputations and CAB approval like RonBlank, HanleyWood, GreenCE, or AIA chapters
- Document everything immediately by filing certificates and records as soon as you complete courses
- Do more than the minimum when possible to account for any potential audit issues
- Stay informed about changes to accessibility codes and CAB requirements
The Wrap-Up
California architects must complete 5 hours of disability access education every two years as part of their 10-hour continuing education requirement. It’s about staying knowledgeable on accessibility standards so you can design spaces that work for everyone. By staying on top of these requirements through reputable providers like RonBlank, HanleyWood, GreenCE, and AIA San Diego, you’ll keep your license active while helping create more inclusive built environments across California.
About the Author:
Brad Blank is a building product specification advisor focused on AIA education and LEED certification. With over 25 years in the AEC industry working alongside architects, engineers, and building product manufacturers, his work centers on getting building products specified and developing education tools for design professionals.
He produces AIA online courses, GBCI education, construction podcasts, and FAQs to help architects, engineers, and interior designers. He also helps coordinate development of Health Product Declarations (HPDs) and LEED product documentation.