Each Alabama registered architect shall complete a minimum of twelve (12) structured continuing education hours each calendar year. One continuing education hour (CEH) shall represent a minimum of 50 minutes of actual contact time. Each CEH must be devoted to health, safety, and welfare subjects related to the practice of architecture, including those enumerated below, and provided by qualified individuals or organizations, whether delivered by direct contact or distance learning methods. The Board has final authority to accept courses, credits, and continuing education hours for courses and any other method of earning credit. The Board does not pre-approve courses.

1. (1) Topics for the twelve (12) structured CEHs shall include the study of technical and professional subjects that the Board deems appropriate to safeguard the public and that are within the following enumerated areas necessary for the proper evaluation, design, construction, and utilization of buildings and the built environment:

   1. (a) Legal: Laws, Codes, Zoning, Regulations, Standards, Life Safety, Accessibility, Ethics, Insurance to protect Owners or the Public;
   2. (b) Building Systems: Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Communications, Security, Fire Protection;
   3. (c) Environmental: Energy Efficiency, Sustainability, Natural Resources, Natural Hazards, Hazardous Materials, Weatherproofing, Insulation;
   4. (d) Occupant Comfort: Air Quality, Lighting, Acoustics, Ergonomics;
   5. (e) Materials and Methods: Construction Systems, Products, Finishes, Furnishings, Equipment;
   6. (f) Preservation: Historic, Reuse, Adaptation;
   7. (g) Pre-design: Land Use Analysis, Programming, Site Selection, Site and Soils Analysis, Surveying;
   8. (h) Design: Urban Planning, Master Planning, Building Design, Site Design, Interiors, Safety and Security Measures;
   9. (i) Construction Documents: Drawings, Specifications, Delivery Methods;
   10. (j) Construction Contract Administration: Contracts, Bidding, Contract Negotiations.

2. (2) Structured course study shall consist of participation in HSW education activities presented by individuals or groups qualified by professional, practical, or academic experience to conduct courses of study. Structured Continuing Education shall include the following types of activities:

   1. (a) Attending professional or technical HSW presentations at meetings, conventions, or conferences;
   2. (b) Attending in-house technical HSW programs sponsored by corporations or other organizations;
   3. (c) Successfully completing HSW seminars, webinars, tutorials, short courses, online courses, correspondence courses, televised courses, or videotaped courses;
   4. (d) Successfully completing post professional degree college or university sponsored courses that qualify as HSW (1 academic credit hour = 1 CEH);
   5. (e) Successfully completing HSW courses that are awarded continuing education credits.

Author: Board for Registration of Architects

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-2-39.

History: New Rule: Filed February 19, 2010; effective March 26, 2010. Repealed and New Rule: Filed October 17, 2011; effective November 21, 2011. Amended: Published May 31, 2022; effective July 15, 2022. Amended: Published November 30, 2023; effective January 14, 2024.