Tennessee Architect FAQs

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

Tennessee Architect Renewal

Renewal Deadline: The end of the month of initial licensure

Renewal Cycle: Biennial

State Required Continuing Education:

  • 1st renewal: 12 hrs including 7 hrs in HSW & technical subjects
  • Subsequent renewals: 24 hrs including 13 hrs in HSW & technical subjects

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

See Tennessee AIA Courses

Renewing Your License:

How do I renew my Tennessee architect license?

  1. Complete the appropriate continuing education
  2. Renew your license online by paying the $140 renewal fee

What are the Tennessee continuing education requirements for architects?

1st Renewal: Tennessee architects must complete a minimum of 12 continuing education hours including 7-hours of HSW by the end of the month two-years after licensure.
Subsequent Renewals: Tennessee architects must complete a minimum of 24-hours of continuing education including 13-hours of HSW by the end of the month two-years after licensure.

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

Yes, you may carry over up to 12 hours of continued education. 

Who notifies Tennessee of my completed architect continuing education?

Tennessee 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 4-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 Tennessee architect license?

Yes.

Does Tennessee offer architect reciprocity?

Yes, an individual who is a registered architect in another state and holds an NCARB certificate may become registered in Tennessee. Follow the instructions found under Registration by Comity to proceed.

State Contact Info:

Tennessee Board of Architectural & Engineering Examiners

Physical Address:
710 James Robertson Pkwy, 5th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243

Mailing Address:
500 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, TN 37243-1142

Phone: (615) 741-3221
Toll-Free: (800) 256-5758
Fax: (615) 532-9410
http://www.tn.gov/regboards/ae/index.shtml

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.