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Alabama · Architects · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Alabama Architect License

Alabama architects must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as required by State of Alabama Board for Registration of Architects.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the State of Alabama Board for Registration of Architects rule on September 10, 2026.

CE hours
12 hours
Renewal cycle
Every year
Next deadline
December 31, 2026
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Alabama architects holding a license in one of these classes: Annual Structured HSW CE — All Registered Architects, Architect. Requirements are set by State of Alabama Board for Registration of Architects.

When to renew

Alabama architects licenses renew every year, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is December 31, 2026. Continuing education may be completed at any time during the renewal cycle, as long as it is finished before the deadline. (Ala. Admin. Code r. 100-X-2-.03 (registration term is the calendar year January 1–December 31; renewal fees due on or before December 31 each year))

The continuing education Alabama requires

State of Alabama Board for Registration of Architects requires 12 hours of approved continuing education every year. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) — at least 12 hours
  • Legal: Laws, Codes, Zoning, Regulations, Standards, Life Safety, Accessibility, Ethics, Insurance to protect Owners or the Public
  • Building Systems: Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Communications, Security, 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

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Alabama sets architects requirements by license class (Annual Structured HSW CE — All Registered Architects, Architect). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is December 31, 2026.

  2. 2

    Complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education

    State of Alabama Board for Registration of Architects requires 12 hours every year, including Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW), Legal: Laws, Codes, Zoning, Regulations, Standards, Life Safety, Accessibility, Ethics, Insurance to protect Owners or the Public, Building Systems: Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Communications, Security, Fire Protection, Environmental: Energy Efficiency, Sustainability, Natural Resources, Natural Hazards, Hazardous Materials, Weatherproofing, Insulation and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Alabama architects course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Alabama, you keep your certificate and attest to completion when you renew; the board may audit.

  5. 5

    Renew with State of Alabama Board for Registration of Architects

    Submit your renewal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to State of Alabama Board for Registration of Architects

Alabama architect renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Alabama architects need?
Alabama architects must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as set by State of Alabama Board for Registration of Architects.
Which license classes does the Alabama architects CE requirement apply to?
The 12 hours requirement applies to: Annual Structured HSW CE — All Registered Architects, Architect.
What topics are required for Alabama architects continuing education?
State of Alabama Board for Registration of Architects requires coverage of: Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) (12 hours); Legal: Laws, Codes, Zoning, Regulations, Standards, Life Safety, Accessibility, Ethics, Insurance to protect Owners or the Public; Building Systems: Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Communications, Security, 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.
Can Alabama architects complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Alabama requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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