The goal of the AIA Orange County LifeLong Learning Program is to provide the best available professional development opportunities for design professionals at every point in their careers.

AIA Continuing Education System (CES)

Members must complete 18 Learning Unit Hours (a unit hour equals one real-time hour of learning) of continuing education per year, starting in their second year of membership. These professional learning activities are recorded as a requirement for maintaining AIA membership.

Eight of the 18 hours must be in the Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) areas of the practice of architecture, and four hours must be in sustainable design. The 2009 ADA requirements are as follows: Those with California licenses expiring December 2009 - December 2010 need to fulfill 2.5 hours of ADA requirements. Those with California licenses expiring January 2011 or later must complete 5 hours of ADA requirements. CES/HSW units must be actively taught by a third party in a structured activity, and therefore are more difficult for members to acquire. These subject areas are defined by the various states licensing boards with Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) requirements. Currently the architecture boards in 30 states require continuing education to maintain licensure. California does not require MCE. There is a September 30th deadline every year. This deadline applies to any activity completed by within the previous calendar year.

ARE Programs

AIAOC supports its Associate Members in their pursuit for licensure. To that end, the Associate Committee organizes seminars and workshops in preparation for the ARE, IDP, and California Supplemental Exam in addition to other social and professional events. While these events are provided as a benefit to Associate Members, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. Review of pertinent subject material prior to these seminars will enhance your learning experience.

IDP/CIDP Program

The California Architects Board requires that, prior to licensure; new candidates complete an evidence-based structured internship program developed by the Board called Comprehensive Intern Development Program (CIDP) in conjunction with the Intern Development Program (IDP) of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). To learn more about CIDP and IDP, utilize the resources listed below and visit this site periodically for updates on CIDP/IDP (http://www.cab.ca.gov/candidates/cidp_idp.shtml).