South Carolina Architect FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about South Carolina architect licensing and continuing education.

South Carolina Architect Renewal

Renewal Deadline: June 30th of odd-numbered years

Renewal Cycle: Biennial

State Required Continuing Education: 24 hrs in HSW subjects

AIA Membership Continuing Education: 18 hrs annually, including 12 HSW

See South Carolina AIA Courses

Renewing Your License:

How do I renew my South Carolina architect license?

  1. Complete 24-hours of continuing education
  2. Renew your license online by paying the $115 renewal fee

What are the South Carolina continuing education requirements for architects?

South Carolina architects must complete a minimum of 24 HSW continuing education hours by June 30th of odd-numbered years.

I have extra South Carolina architect continuing education hours, can I apply them to the next renewal cycle?

No, learning units must be completed in their respective cycle.

Who notifies South Carolina of my completed architect continuing education?

South Carolina does not require architects or continuing education providers notify the state of continuing education unless they perform an audit. Architects must maintain continuing education records for 6-years in case of an audit. Architects Training Institute will store your continuing education records for 6-years at no extra cost.

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 South Carolina architect license?

Yes.

My South Carolina architect registration has lapsed, how do I reinstate it?

The state will provide a late renewal application after the renewal deadline has passed. You will have to pay a varying late fee depending on when your license expired.

Getting a License:

How do I obtain an South Carolina architect license?

You may become licensed through examination or reciprocity.

Does South Carolina offer architect reciprocity?

Yes, an individual who is a registered architect in another state and holds an NCARB certificate may become registered in South Carolina. Follow this link to proceed: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/architects/pdf%20files/Architect_Reciprocity_Online_App.pdf

State Contact Info:

State Board of Architectural Examiners
Kingstree Building
110 Centerview Dr
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803) 896-4408
Fax: (803) 896-4427
Contact.Arch@llr.sc.gov
https://llr.sc.gov/arch/

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

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.