AIA Webinar Credits Q&A
Q: What is the difference between AIA credits (LU), PDH credits, and CEU credits?
A: The terms AIA credits, PDH credits, and CEU credits are often used in professional continuing education, especially in architecture, engineering, and construction industries. They all relate to ongoing professional development, but they differ in their governing bodies, intended audiences, and credit systems:
♦ 1. AIA LU Credits (Learning Units)
• Audience: Licensed architects and AIA members.
• Governing Body: American Institute of Architects (AIA).
• Purpose: To fulfill membership and licensure continuing education requirements.
• Types of AIA Credits:
· LU (Learning Unit): 1 LU = 1 hour of instruction.
· HSW (Health, Safety, Welfare): A subset of LUs focused on public well-being. Many states require a minimum number of HSWs.
• Usage: AIA credits are often required to maintain AIA membership and meet state licensure requirements, depending on the state.
♦ 2. PDH Credits (Professional Development Hours)
• Audience: Licensed engineers and related professions.
• Governing Body: Determined by state licensing boards (e.g., NCEES guidelines in the U.S.).
• Standard: 1 PDH = 1 contact hour of instruction.
• Usage: Required by many state engineering boards for license renewal. Accepted forms of PDH vary by state.
♦ 3. CEU Credits (Continuing Education Units)
• Audience: General professional development across many industries (architecture, engineering, business, education, etc.).
• Governing Body: No single body—many organizations use the CEU framework.
• Standard: Typically, 1 CEU = 10 contact hours of participation in an organized program.
• Usage: Often used by certifying bodies or employers to track continuing education but may not be accepted for licensure renewal without conversion.
Summary Comparison Table:
| ASPECT | AIA CREDITS (LUs) | PDH CREDITS | CEU CREDITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audience | Architects | Engineers | All professionals |
| Governing Body | American Institute of Architects | State Engineering Boards | Varies (e.g., IACET) |
| Credit Conversion | 1 LU = 1 hour | 1 PDH = 1 hour | 1 CEU = 10 hours |
| Focus Area | Architecture, HSW topics | Technical/professional engineering topics | General continuing education |
| Licensing Use | Yes (AIA & state architect boards) | Yes (state PE boards) | Sometimes (depends on conversion) |
Takeaway:
• AIA LUs may be accepted as PDHs in some states but check with the state licensing board.
• CEUs are more administrative and might need to be converted into PDHs or LUs depending on your licensure requirements.
• Always verify with your licensing board or credentialing authority to make sure the credits are accepted for your specific needs.
Q: If I am not a Licensed Architect and/or an AIA member, what do I need to do to earn PDH or CEU credits when attending an AIA course?
A: If you’re not a licensed architect or AIA member, you can still earn PDH or CEU credits by attending an AIA-approved course—but you’ll need to take a few extra steps to ensure the credits are valid for your profession or licensing body. Here’s what you need to do:
♦ 1. Request a Certificate of Completion
Ask the course provider (AIA or host firm) for:
• A Certificate of Completion that includes:
· Course title
· Presenter’s name and credentials
· Date and location
· Duration (in contact hours)
· Description of content
· Whether it qualifies for HSW (if applicable)
This certificate is critical for self-reporting your PDH or CEU credits.
♦ 2. Track the Time Spent
Document your participation:
• 1 PDH = 1 hour
• 1 CEU = 10 hours
Most AIA courses are 1-hour sessions, so you’d earn:
• 1 PDH, or
• 0.1 CEU (if CEUs are accepted by your organization)
Use a log or spreadsheet to track all sessions for your professional records.
♦ 3. Ensure the Course Is Relevant
For PDHs or CEUs to be accepted, the course should:
• Be related to your field of practice (e.g., engineering, construction, planning)
• Be non-promotional and educational in nature
• Align with your licensing or certification board’s requirements
♦ 4. Check With Your Licensing or Certifying Body
Different professions have different rules. Confirm that:
• They allow self-reporting of hours
• They accept programs by third-party providers (like AIA)
• They accept HSW or technical content from related disciplines
📌 Example: Many state engineering boards accept AIA HSW courses as PDHs if the subject is relevant to public health/safety or engineering practice.
♦ 5. Convert Units If Needed
• If you’re required to report in CEUs, convert like this:
• 10 contact hours = 1 CEU
· Therefore, a 1-hour AIA course = 0.1 CEU
• Keep detailed records in case your certifying body audits you.
Summary Comparison Table:
| REQUIREMENT | ACTION NEEDED |
|---|---|
| Proof of Attendance | Request Certificate of Completion |
| Track Hours | Record time spent (1 PDH = 1 hour) |
| Content Relevance | Confirm course applies to your field |
| Licensing Board Acceptance | Check if AIA course meets your board’s criteria |
| CEU Conversion (if applicable) | Use 10 hours = 1 CEU formula |
Attendee Type Vs. Credit Type)
| ATTENDEE TYPE | CAN I GET AIA CREDIT (LUs)? | CAN I GET PDH CREDIT? | CAN I GET CEU CREDIT? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Architect | Yes | Yes (if relevant) | Maybe (converted)* |
| Licensed Engineer | No | Yes (self-reported) | Maybe (converted)* |
| Other Professionals | No | Yes (if relevant) | Yes (if converted) |
*Maybe: Acceptance of CEUs depends on the receiving organization (e.g., a professional certification board, employer, or academic program). If receiving organization accepts CEUs, then you can convert the credits.