Colorado AES CE

Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW)

Only Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) subjects, as defined by Board Rule, are acceptable toward the CE requirements for license renewal. HSW subjects are defined as technical and professional subjects related to the practice of architecture that the Board deems appropriate to safeguard the public. These subjects are necessary for the proper evaluation, design, construction, and utilization of buildings and the built environment and include the following broad categories and areas:

• Legal: Laws, codes, zoning, regulations, standards, life safety, accessibility, ethics, insurance to protect owners and the public.
• Building Systems: Structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, communications, fire protection.
• Environmental: Energy efficiency, sustainability, natural resources, natural hazards, hazardous materials, weatherproofing, insulation.
• Occupant Comfort: Air quality, lighting, acoustics, ergonomics.
• Materials and Methods: Construction systems, products, finishes, furnishings, Equipment.
• Preservation: Historic, reuse, adaptation.
• Pre-Design: Land use analysis, programming, site selection, site and soils analysis, Surveying.
• Design: Urban planning, master planning, building design, site design, interiors, safety and security measures.
• Construction Documents: Drawings, specifications, delivery methods.
• Construction Contract Administration: Contracts, bidding, contract negotiations.

Continuing Education Activities (CEA)

Continuing Education Activities (CEA) are Board-approved learning activities undertaken for professional development and license renewal. Documentation of completed activities must be retained for at least 6 years. To qualify for CEH credit, CEA must be structured educational efforts meeting the following criteria:

• Include technical and practical applications that impact public health, safety, and welfare.
• Maintain, improve, expand, or enhance the quality of the architect’s existing technical knowledge; or develop new and relevant professional skills and knowledge.
• Have clear purposes and objectives.
• Be well-organized and provide evidence of pre-planning.

Acceptable CEA:

Academic Coursework

CEH's are earned through the successful completion of a college or university-level course in architecture offered by a U.S. regionally accredited institution.

• 1 semester credit hour = 15 CEH's
• 1 quarter credit hour = 10 CEH's
• 1 semester credit hour for audited classes = 8 CEH's
• 1 quarter credit hour for audited classes = 5 CEH's

Documentation Required:

• An academic transcript verifying the earned credits

Formal Certification Programs

CEH's may be earned through the successful completion of a formal certification program, such as LEED or a graduate-level certification from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university in a subject, such as Historic Preservation, Health & Wellness Architecture, or Urban Design.

Documentation Required:

• A provider-generated certificate of completion or academic transcript verifying completion of the program. Documentation must include the architect’s name, the certification earned, the date of completion, the name and contact information of the certification provider, the number of CEH's, and a declaration that the earned CEH's are HSW.

In-House Programs

HSW activities developed internally or externally by an architect’s employer or a vendor for that employer may be completed to earn CEH's.

Documentation Required:

• An employer-generated or vendor-generated certificate of completion. Documentation must include the architect’s name, the name of the activity, the activity’s location and date, the name and contact information of the employer/vendor, the number of CEH's, and a declaration that the earned CEH's are HSW.

Lecture, Seminar, Workshop

The most common type of CE for architects are lectures, seminars, and workshops that consist of HSW activities offered by organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), etc. CEH's are awarded by the recognized continuing education provider.

Documentation Required:

• A CE provider-generated certificate of completion or transcript that includes the architect’s name, the name of the activity, the activity’s location and date, the name and contact information of the CE provider, the number of CEH's, and a declaration that the earned CEH's are HSW.

Teaching/Presenting

CEH's may be earned for either the preparation OR delivery of a presentation related to a licensee’s professional skill and experience. CEH's shall be awarded for the initial class or presentation only. Faculty at a college, university, or other educational institution may not receive teaching credit for teaching their regularly assigned courses beyond the INITIAL class.

Documentation Required:

• A Board-approved CE Structured Report, as well as a printed course program or agenda showing the name of the licensed architect presenting the materials, the title of the presentation, the date(s) of the presentation, the name of the organization/institution, and the total number of hours presented, etc.

Publishing

CEH's may be earned for the publishing of a technical article, chapter, or book relevant to the practice of architecture. All works must be published in a journal, periodical, or book with a peer review process that is technically oriented, not marketing-oriented.

Documentation Required:

• A Board-approved CE Structured Report, as well as a cover sheet, masthead, or table of contents from the publication showing the name of the licensed architect, the date of authoring, etc.

Structured Self-Study

Individually completed, structured activities traditionally found in printed materials, CD's/DVD's, or online may be completed to earn CEH's.

• Activities that issue certificates of completion and are offered or accredited by an organization such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) are not considered a Structured Self-Study, even if the activity is self-paced.

Documentation Required:

• A Board-approved CE Structured Report.

Unacceptable CEA:

• Computer-aided drafting classes (except for activities in modeling software designated/verified as HSW by the provider).
• Serving on federal, state, or municipal boards or commissions.
• Rendering pro bono services.
• Participation on a public, professional, or technical society board.
• Attendance at licensing or registration board meetings or any other professionally relevant board or committee meetings.
• Participating in or attending exhibit poster sessions.
• Residency or fellowship training programs.
• Any activity that does not include a structured educational effort with a process or procedure to demonstrate whether the architect retained the material presented.

Documentation Requirements

All CE activities must include one of the following methods that demonstrate whether the architect obtained the CE hours:

• A certificate of completion.
• A Board-approved transcript.
• A Board-approved CE Structured Report.
  • Structured report forms cannot be used for proof of attendance at CE activities in the Academic Coursework, Formal Certification Program, In-House Program, or Lecture/Seminar/Workshop CEA categories.

Licensees must maintain their own CE records for at least 6 years. Certificates of completion and transcripts must include:

• The licensee's name.
• CEA type.
• Activity location and date(s).
• Activity title and description of content and objectives.
• Sponsor/Continuing Education Provider (e.g. Organization, institution, association, employer, vendor, publication) name and contact information.
• Monitor/Facilitator name and contact information, as applicable.
• Number of CEH's.
• A designation that the CEH's are considered HSW.

Documentation should not be submitted to the Board unless specifically requested.

Exception Options for Continuing Education

Below is a list of exceptions that may be requested. These are limited circumstances and require board approval:

• Military Exemption: A licensee requesting a military exemption to their licensing fees and CE requirements may visit DPO’s Military License Renewal Information webpage for more information.
• Initial License Exemption: Architects who receive their initial Colorado license by examination or transfer of grades one year immediately preceding the license expiration date are exempt from CE requirements until after the first renewal of their license.
• Inactive License Exemption: An Architect who holds an Inactive license is exempt from CE requirements for renewal. Architects with a license in Inactive or Expired status are not allowed to practice as or hold out as an Architect. A licensee should be cautious about changing a license status to Inactive or allowing the license to expire to avoid compliance with any requirements for license renewal, including CE.
• Hardship Exception: The Board may grant exceptions to CE requirements for reasons of individual hardship, including but not limited to health or other good cause. It is within the sole discretion of the Board to decide whether good cause has been shown to grant exceptions. A licensee shall not be eligible under this section for two consecutive license periods except in the case of military service.
  • Requests for exception must be submitted in writing to the Board and must include evidence and an explanation, citing in as much detail as possible, the inability of the licensee to comply and why the license should remain in Active status. Requests for exceptions due to health reasons must include supporting documentation from a healthcare provider. To request a hardship exception, submit your request and supporting documentation to dora_aesboard@state.co.us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do CE activities need to be completed in Colorado?

A. No. CEH's may be completed at any location.

Q. Can I receive credit for CEH's if I visit a major or historical site?

A. Not necessarily. The activity must be a structured educational effort that meets the Board’s criteria, including that it be an HSW activity.

Q. The license period ends on October 31st of odd years. Does that mean I don’t get a full 12 months to complete the required 12 CEHs for that calendar year?

A. No. CEHs for odd-numbered calendar years may be completed all the way through December 31st.

Q. Do CE activities offered by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) automatically qualify as CE toward my license renewal requirements in Colorado?

A. No. Not all CE activities offered by AIA are designated as HSW and/or meet the Board’s requirements of a structured CE activity.

Q. What if a CE activity is rejected by the Board?

A. If the Board should disallow any CEHs because of an audit, you will be allowed 60 days to provide one of the following:

• Documentation that the CEH's meet the criteria.
• Evidence of acquiring an additional CEH during the required period.
• Remedy the disallowance.

Q. I don't live in the State of Colorado. Does that mean I need to comply with the Colorado law regarding CE?

A. Yes. If you wish to renew or hold a Colorado Architect license, you must comply with state statutes and Board Rules.

Q. Why did the Colorado Board change the CE reporting period to calendar years?

A. The Colorado Board decided to align with the NCARB Model Law passed by NCARB's 54 U.S. Member Boards in June 2011 to help licensees. One approach nationally, using the same terminology, requiring the same amount of continuing education hours, on the same calendar, and requiring the same qualitative content, will be much easier for licensees to comply with, and the focus will be on continuing education.

Continuing Education Activities (CEA)

Continuing Education Activities (CEA) are Board-approved learning activities undertaken for professional development and license renewal. Documentation of completed activities must be retained for at least 6 years. To qualify for CEH credit, CEA must be structured educational efforts meeting the following criteria:

• Include technical and practical applications.
• Maintain, improve, expand, or enhance the quality of the land surveyor’s existing technical knowledge; or develop new and relevant professional skills and knowledge.
• Have clear purposes and objectives.
• Be well-organized and provide evidence of pre-planning.
• Unless otherwise indicated, there is no limit on the number of CEH's a land surveyor can earn in the categories listed below.  

Acceptable CEA:

Academic Coursework

CEH's are earned through the successful completion of a college or university-level course in land surveying offered by a U.S. regionally accredited institution.

• 1 semester credit hour = 15 CEH's
• 1 quarter credit hour = 10 CEH's
• 1 semester credit hour for audited classes = 8 CEH's
• 1 quarter credit hour for audited classes = 5 CEH's

Documentation Required:

• An academic transcript verifying the earned credits

Formal Certification Programs

CEH's may be earned through the successful completion of a formal certification program, such as CFedS, Certified Surveying Technician, Remote Pilot Certificate, Certified Floodplain Manager, or Geographic Information System Professional.

Documentation Required:

• A provider-generated certificate of completion or academic transcript verifying completion of the program. Documentation must include the land surveyor’s name, the certification earned, the date of completion, the name and contact information of the certification provider, and the number of CEH's.

In-House Training

Active participation in coursework, seminars, or professional or technical presentations developed internally or externally by a land surveyor’s employer or a vendor for that employer may be completed for CE credit. CEH's are awarded, as established, by recognized continuing education providers, such as NCEES, NSPS, PLSC, etc.

Documentation Required:

• An employer-generated or vendor-generated certificate of completion. Documentation must include the land surveyor’s name, the name of the activity, the activity’s location and date, the name and contact information of the employer/vendor, and the number of CEH's.

Teaching/Presenting

CEH's may be earned for the delivery of a presentation related to a licensee’s professional skill and experience. CEH's shall be awarded for the initial class or presentation only. Faculty at a college, university, or other educational institution may not receive teaching credit for teaching their regularly assigned courses beyond the INITIAL class.

• CEH will be awarded 2 CEH's for 1 presentation/course contact hour.

Documentation Required:

• A Board-approved CE Structured Report, as well as a printed course program or agenda showing the name of the land surveyor presenting the materials, the title of the presentation, the date(s) of the presentation, the name of the organization/institution, and the total number of hours presented, etc.

Publishing

CEH's may be earned for the publishing of a technical article, chapter, or book relevant to the practice of land surveying. All works must be published in a journal, periodical, or book with a peer review process that is technically oriented, not marketing-oriented.

• 5 CEH's will be awarded for the initial publication.

Documentation Required:

• A Board-approved CE Structured Report, as well as a cover sheet, masthead, or table of contents from the publication showing the name of the land surveyor, the date of authoring, etc.

Board/Committee Service

Service on a board or committee of a public, professional, or technical society nature shall be awarded a maximum of 2 CEH's per license period for each position and no more than 6 CEH's per license period overall.

Documentation Required:

• A Board-approved CE Structured Report, as well as written verification by the board/committee that includes the name of the land surveyor serving, the name of the board/committee, the position held (if applicable), and the dates of service.

Ethics for Land Surveyors Course

CEH's may be awarded for successful completion of a continuing education course, seminar, or presentation in ethics for land surveyors.

• A maximum of 2 CEH per license period can be awarded.

Documentation Required:

• A provider-generated certificate of completion or academic transcript verifying completion of the course. Documentation must include the land surveyor’s name, the title of the course, the date of completion, the name and contact information of the course provider, and the number of CEH's.

Structured Self-Study

Individually completed, structured activities traditionally found in printed materials, CD's/DVD's, or online may be completed to earn CEH's.

• Activities that issue certificates of completion and are offered or accredited by a nationally-recognized organization or academic institution are not considered a Structured Self-Study, even if the activity is self-paced.

Documentation Required:

• A Board-approved CE Structured Report.

Unacceptable CEA:

• Equipment/software vendor presentations.
• Rendering pro bono services.
• Attendance at licensing or registration board meetings or any other professionally relevant board or committee meetings.

Documentation Requirements

All CE activities must include one of the following methods that demonstrate whether the land surveyor obtained the CE hours:

• A certificate of completion.
• A Board-approved transcript.
• A Board-approved CE Structured Report.
  • Structured report forms cannot be used for proof of attendance at CE activities in the Academic Coursework, Formal Certification Program, In-House Program, or Ethics Course CEA categories.

Licensees must maintain their own CE records for at least 6 years. Certificates of completion and transcripts must include:

• The licensee's name.
• Activity date(s).
• Activity title and description of content and objectives.
• Sponsor/Continuing Education Provider (e.g. Organization, institution, association, employer, vendor, publication) name and contact information.
• Instructor/Monitor/Facilitator name and contact information, as applicable.
• Number of CEH's.

Documentation should not be submitted to the Board unless specifically requested.

Exception Options for Continuing Education

Below is a list of exceptions that may be requested. These are limited circumstances and require board approval:

• Military Exemption: A licensee requesting a military exemption to their licensing fees and CE requirements may visit DPO’s Military License Renewal Information webpage for more information.
• Initial License Exemption: Land Surveyors who receive their initial Colorado license by examination during the current license period are exempt from CE requirements until after the first renewal of their license.
• Inactive License Exemption: A Land Surveyor who holds an Inactive license is exempt from CE requirements for renewal. Land Surveyors with a license in Inactive or Expired status are not allowed to practice as or hold out as an Land Surveyor. A licensee should be cautious about changing a license status to Inactive or allowing the license to expire to avoid compliance with any requirements for license renewal, including CE.
• Hardship Exception: The Board may grant exceptions to CE requirements for reasons of individual hardship, including but not limited to health or other good cause. It is within the sole discretion of the Board to decide whether good cause has been shown to grant exceptions. A licensee shall not be eligible under this section for two consecutive license periods except in the case of military service.
  • Requests for exception must be submitted in writing to the Board and must include evidence and an explanation, citing in as much detail as possible, the inability of the licensee to comply and why the license should remain in Active status. Requests for exceptions due to health reasons must include supporting documentation from a healthcare provider. To request a hardship exception, submit your request and supporting documentation to dora_aesboard@state.co.us.