Why Are AIA Webinars Free? Inside the Sponsored Continuing Education Model

Short Answer AIA webinars are free to design professionals because building product manufacturers, trade associations, and non-profit organizations sponsor them. The sponsor funds course development and delivery in exchange for the opportunity to educate the architects, engineers, and specifiers who…

How to Earn Free AIA HSW Credits: Formats, Provider Selection, and a 12-Month Plan

Short Answer To earn free AIA HSW credits, register with a provider that is registered with the AIA Continuing Education System (AIA/CES), then complete courses carrying the LU|HSW designation. Live instructor-led webinars, on-demand online courses, in-firm lunch-and-learns, and live seminars…

AIA Continuing Education Requirements Explained: LUs, HSW Credit, and How Reporting Actually Works

Short Answer AIA Architect and International Associate members must complete 18 Learning Units (LUs) each calendar year, of which at least 12 must carry the Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) designation. One hour of AIA-approved continuing education equals one LU.…

Free AIA Webinars: A Complete Guide for Architects, Engineers, and Specifiers

Executive Summary Free AIA webinars are live, instructor-led continuing education sessions registered with the AIA Continuing Education System (AIA/CES) and offered at no cost to design professionals. Most run one hour and award 1 AIA LU, frequently designated LU|HSW. Typical…

How Does AIA CE Reporting Work?

AIA continuing education is a mandatory membership requirement — not an optional professional development perk. Every licensed AIA member must complete 18 Learning Units (LUs) each year, and that number isn't arbitrary. At least 12 of those units must address…

Do Webinars Actually Count for AIA LU Credits?

Webinars fully count for AIA Learning Unit (LU) credits — provided they're delivered through an AIA-approved Registered Provider and meet the program's structured requirements. The architecture profession's compliance landscape has shifted significantly toward digital delivery, and the AIA's own continuing…

The Difference Between AIA LU and HSW Credits: A Complete Guide for Architects

Not all continuing education credits carry equal weight—and for licensed architects, understanding the difference between LU and HSW credits can directly determine whether you stay compliant with your state board. Learning Units (LU) serve as the broad umbrella for all…

How many CE hours does an architect need?

AIA active members must complete 18 Learning Units (LUs) per calendar year — and 12 of those 18 must be Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) credits. That split isn't arbitrary. According to the AIA Continuing Education Standards, HSW credits must…

Where Can I Earn Free AIA CE Credits?

Executive Summary Free AIA continuing education (CE) is credit-bearing coursework delivered by AIA CES–registered providers at no charge to the design professional, funded instead by building product manufacturers, trade associations, and non-profits that sponsor the content. It is used by…

What Is Required to Register a Course with AIA CES as a Building Product Manufacturer?

AIA CES: What It Is and Why It Matters The AIA Continuing Education System (CES) is the framework through which the American Institute of Architects manages, tracks, and reports continuing education credits for its members. The AIA CES registers and…

Which AIA CE Providers Have the Largest Free Course Library?

Quick Summary For Architects Free AIA continuing education (CE) is credit-bearing coursework — registered with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Service (AIA CES) — that architects and design professionals complete at no cost to satisfy annual Learning Unit…

What Are the Top Free Online CE Course Providers for AEC Professionals?

Executive Summary Continuing education (CE) is an essential part of professional practice for architects, engineers, interior designers, and other AEC professionals. Many licensing boards and professional organizations—including the American Institute of Architects (AIA)—require members to complete continuing education each year…

Free AIA Continuing Education: The Complete Guide for Architects

As a licensed architect or AIA member, continuing education is not optional—it is a professional obligation. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) requires members to complete 18 Learning Units (LUs) of continuing education each year, with 12 of those LUs…