Minnesota Architect FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Minnesota architect licensing and continuing education.
Minnesota Architect Renewal
Renewal Deadline: June 30th of even-numbered years
State Required Continuing Education: 24 PDH: 22 HSW & 2 in Professional ethics
AIA Membership Continuing Education: 18 hrs annually, including 12 HSW
Renewing Your License:
How do I renew my Minnesota architect license?
- Complete the required continuing education
- Go online to complete a renewal application & pay the required fees
What are the Minnesota continuing education requirements for architects?
Minnesota architects are required to complete 24 professional development hours each two year renewal cycle. 22 of these hours must be in subjects relating to Health, Safety & Welfare (HSW) & 2 must be in subjects regarding professional ethics.
New licensees do not need to complete continuing education for their first biennial renewal period.
I have extra Minnesota architect continuing education hours, can I apply them to the next renewal cycle?
Carryover is limited to half (12 hours) of the biennial requirement, and hours credited to the ethics requirement may not be carried over. Ethics courses must be completed within the cycle to which they will be credited.
Who notifies Minnesota of my completed architect continuing education?
Minnesota does not require architects or continuing education providers notify the state of continuing education unless they perform an audit. Architects must maintain records of completed continuing education activities for 4 years and be furnished to the Board in the event of a compliance audit. Architects Training Institute will submit your course completions to the AIA and maintain your records for 6 years at no extra charge.
Do I need to complete continuing education requirements for my AIA membership?
Yes, as an Architect member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), 18 learning unit hours are required per calendar-year for membership renewal. Of these 18 hours, at least 12 hours must be in subjects designated as Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW).
Are AIA approved classes accepted to renew my Minnesota architect license?
AELSLAGID does not pre-approve any continuing education activities, final discretion rests with the board. The board provides a free tool for assessing continuing education: find it here.
My Minnesota architect registration has lapsed, how do I reinstate it?
There is no grace period for renewing your license, and you may not practice in Minnesota if your license has lapsed. Go online to renew for the following licensing cycle; a late fee will apply.
State Contact Info:
Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience & Interior Design (AELSLAGID)
85 E 7th Place, Suite 160
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 296-2388
Fax: (651) 297-5310
aelslagid@state.mn.us
https://mn.gov/aelslagid/
Once I order the course, how long before I can start?
You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you’ve entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!
Once I start an online course, will I be able to start and stop at anytime?
Our courses are available online 24/7 and you are able to log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10-15 minutes, simply log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.
How long do your continuing education courses take to complete?
Continuing education requirements vary by state. Each course lists a minimum number of credit hours required to complete the course.
How long do I have access to the courses?
We allow up to 6 months for you to complete the courses. During the six months you have unlimited, 24/7 access. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).
Are there tests or quizzes in the courses?
Some states do require quizzes, these will be found at the end of lessons. You cannot fail a quiz, though, as you may take it as many times as required to pass!
Once I complete a course, can I still go back and review the lessons?
You are able to review the lessons at any time during the six months you’ll have access to the courses.