Maintaining professional licensure as an architect in Saskatchewan requires ongoing commitment to professional development through mandatory continuing education. The Saskatchewan Association of Architects (SAA) has established a comprehensive Continuing Education Program designed to ensure that licensed architects stay current with industry trends, master new skills, and maintain the high standards the public expects from registered professionals.
Understanding Saskatchewan’s Continuing Education Framework
Unlike many jurisdictions that operate on annual reporting cycles, Saskatchewan architects must complete their continuing education requirements within a 24-month reporting period. The current cycle runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, requiring architects to complete a minimum of 70 learning hours over this two-year period.
While this translates to an average of 35 hours per year, it’s important to understand that the requirement is not divided into annual increments. Instead, architects have the full 24-month window to accumulate the necessary hours, providing greater flexibility in how they manage their professional development schedule.
According to the SAA’s 2024-2026 Continuing Education Guide, this mandatory program “enables architects to stay current, master new knowledge and skills, plan for the future, and responsibly meet the role society entrusts to our professionals.” The program reflects the association’s commitment to maintaining Saskatchewan’s status as a self-governing professional body while ensuring public safety and confidence in architectural services.
Breaking Down the 70-Hour Requirement
The SAA’s continuing education structure divides learning into two distinct categories: Core Learning Activities and Self-Directed Learning Activities. This dual approach ensures architects develop both fundamental professional competencies and pursue areas of personal interest relevant to their practice.
Core Learning Activities: The Foundation
Architects must complete a minimum of 16 Core learning hours during each 24-month cycle. These structured educational activities focus on fundamental knowledge essential to architectural practice throughout Canada. Core learning activities must include an interactive component, such as question-and-answer sessions, quizzes, discussions, or hands-on exercises. Passive learning without engagement doesn’t qualify for Core credit.
Core learning falls into four primary categories:
- Architectural Practice and Business – covering practice management, risk assessment, insurance, contracts, and procurement
- Project Planning, Design, and Construction – including project management, computer technology, and construction administration
- Regulations – encompassing building codes, accessibility standards, fire protection requirements, and legal issues
- Building Science and Environment – addressing sustainability, energy efficiency, heritage buildings, and building technology
The SAA accepts Core learning activities approved by other Canadian provincial and territorial architectural associations, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), streamlining the process for architects seeking quality educational opportunities across North America.
Self-Directed Learning: Personalized Professional Development
The remaining 54 hours can be fulfilled through Self-Directed learning activities, which architects pursue based on personal and professional interests. These activities offer more flexibility and recognize the diverse ways professionals engage with their field beyond formal structured courses.
Self-Directed learning includes five categories, each with a maximum of 25 hours accepted per cycle (except carry-forward hours):
- Professional and Community Services – committee work, mentoring, professional association participation
- Organized Learning Activities – tours, lunch-and-learns, lectures, and films
- Academic – teaching, presenting, or professional writing
- Practical Self-Learning – reading professional publications, webinars, research activities
- Self-Directed Carry-Forward – up to 27 excess hours from the previous cycle
Credit Flexibility and Carry-Forward Provisions
Saskatchewan’s program includes practical features that acknowledge the realities of professional practice. Architects who exceed the minimum requirements can carry forward excess hours into the next cycle—up to 8 hours of Core learning and 27 hours of Self-Directed learning. This provision rewards continuous learning and provides a buffer for architects who may face scheduling challenges in future cycles.
Additionally, excess Core hours can cover Self-Directed deficiencies, though the reverse is not true. This one-way flexibility ensures architects maintain minimum competency in structured, fundamental areas while encouraging well-rounded professional development.
Reporting and Compliance
All continuing education activities must be reported through the SAA Con Ed Portal by 11:59 PM CST on June 30, 2026. The portal operates on an honor-based system, with architects self-reporting their activities. Core learning activities require administrative review and approval before counting toward the total, while Self-Directed activities are automatically approved.
Architects must retain documentation for all reported activities for one year after the cycle closes and until all declared activities have been approved. This documentation requirement ensures accountability and supports the profession’s self-regulatory status.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The SAA takes continuing education compliance seriously. Members who fail to meet requirements by the cycle deadline face a $750 fine and a formal notice of non-compliance, with a September 30 deadline to remedy the situation. Continued non-compliance or failure to pay the fine results in being struck from the SAA Register as of October 1, preventing the individual from practicing architecture in Saskatchewan.
Finding Quality Education Providers
Saskatchewan architects have access to numerous continuing education providers offering programs that meet SAA requirements. Three excellent resources include:
Ron Blank & Associates (Ronblank.com) offers a comprehensive library of free and paid continuing education courses specifically designed for architects. Their programs cover topics ranging from building envelope systems to accessibility standards, with many courses approved by the SAA and other Canadian architectural associations.
GreenCE.com specializes in sustainability-focused continuing education, providing architects with cutting-edge knowledge on green building practices, energy efficiency, and environmental design. Their courses help architects stay current with evolving sustainability standards while meeting continuing education requirements.
Special Considerations
The SAA program includes provisions for various circumstances. Architects registered in multiple Canadian jurisdictions can report continuing education in just one jurisdiction, avoiding duplicate reporting. Newly registered architects receive prorated requirements—50% reduction if registered in year one of a cycle, and complete exemption if registered in year two.
Members on leave of absence also receive prorated requirements based on the time they were actively practicing. The association recognizes that extraordinary circumstances—severe medical difficulties, unexpected overseas assignments, or severe financial hardship—may warrant extensions, which must be requested by May 30 of the final reporting year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I complete all 70 hours through Core learning activities? A: Yes, while only 16 Core hours are required, you can choose to complete all 70 hours through Core activities if you prefer structured, interactive learning.
Q: Do I need to complete hours every year, or is it cumulative over two years? A: The requirement is cumulative over the 24-month cycle. You have the full two years to complete 70 hours, though spreading them evenly helps ensure you don’t fall behind.
Q: What happens if I’m registered in multiple provinces? A: You can complete a Primary Continuing Education Reporting Jurisdiction Declaration Form and report in only one province. The SAA will communicate with your chosen jurisdiction to verify compliance.
Q: Can teaching count toward my requirements? A: Yes, teaching counts as Self-Directed learning (Academic category), and you can also report research and preparation time. However, this doesn’t apply to full-time educators teaching the same program regularly.
Q: Are there any exemptions from continuing education requirements? A: Yes, retired members, non-practicing life members, associate members, honorary members, student members, and intern members are exempt from SAA continuing education requirements.
Q: Can I complete courses from outside Canada? A: Yes, the SAA accepts AIA-approved courses and may review continuing education activities from other national associations for relevance to Canadian practice.
Q: What documentation do I need to keep? A: You must retain certificates of completion or letters of attendance for all reported activities for one year after the cycle closes and until all activities are approved on the portal.
Q: What if I need more time due to medical or other hardships? A: The SAA recognizes extraordinary circumstances including severe medical difficulties, unexpected overseas assignments, and severe financial hardship. Extension requests must be submitted by May 30 of the final reporting year for Council review.
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, their 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 intended to help architects, engineers, and interior designers. In addition, he helps coordinate development of Health Product Declarations (HPDs) and LEED product documentation.