Architect License Renewal: CE Hours & Fees by State

After completing the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), passing all six divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), and earning your license, you are not done yet. Every state requires architects to renew their license on a regular cycle, and most require continuing education credits focused on Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW). This guide covers renewal periods, fees, CE hours, and HSW requirements for all 51 states in our database.

Maintaining your NCARB certification alongside your state license simplifies reciprocity and can streamline renewal across multiple jurisdictions. All data below is pulled from our verified state databases. Click any state to see its full renewal details and sources.

Renewal Overview

Complete Renewal Comparison Table

The table below shows renewal requirements for all 51 states, sorted by renewal period length. Click any state for full details.

Renewal Periods by State

States renew architect licenses on different schedules. Most use a 1-year or 2-year cycle, though a few states have 3-year periods. Here is how states group by renewal period:

CE Topics for Architects

Most states require that a significant portion of continuing education hours focus on Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) topics. Common CE categories for architects include ADA compliance, sustainability, fire and life safety, structural design, and building codes. Below are the most common CE topics across states:

State CE Details (50 states with CE)

Tips for Architect License Renewal

• Maintain your NCARB certificate. If you hold an NCARB certificate, keep it current alongside your state license. NCARB certification requires its own annual renewal and CE compliance, but it greatly simplifies reciprocity when you need to practice in additional states.
• Leverage AIA continuing education programs. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) offers a wide range of CE courses that satisfy state requirements. AIA members can track their CE credits through the AIA transcript system, making it easier to document compliance.
• Prioritize HSW credits. Most states require that a majority of your CE hours fall under Health, Safety, and Welfare topics. Plan your CE schedule to focus on HSW-eligible courses first, then fill remaining hours with elective topics that interest you.
• Track your renewal date. Your license expiration date is printed on your license. Set calendar reminders 90 days in advance so you have time to complete any remaining CE hours and submit renewal paperwork on time.
• Understand late renewal consequences. Practicing architecture with an expired license is illegal and can expose you to significant liability. Most states charge late fees and may require additional steps to reinstate a lapsed license.
• Keep CE completion records. Save all CE completion certificates for at least two full renewal cycles. State boards may audit your CE compliance, and you will need proof of completion for every claimed credit.

Next Steps

Find your state in the table above and click through for the complete renewal details. Also explore our other architect guides:

• How to Become a Licensed Architect: Complete State-by-State Guide
• Architect License Requirements by State: Full Comparison

Sources

Renewal data is sourced from official state architecture licensing boards and verified against published fee schedules, CE requirements, and NCARB guidelines.

• Individual state architecture licensing board websites (cited on each state page).
• NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) — certification and CE standards.
• AIA (American Institute of Architects) — continuing education program guidelines.
• Published state board fee schedules and continuing education rule documents.

Data was last verified in February 2026. Renewal fees and CE requirements can change as states update their regulations. Always confirm current renewal requirements with your state's architecture licensing board before your renewal deadline.