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Colorado · Architects · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Colorado Architect License

Colorado architects must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as required by Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors (DORA, Division of Professions and Occupations).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors (DORA, Division of Professions and Occupations) rule on September 10, 2026.

CE hours
12 hours
Renewal cycle
Every year
Next deadline
October 31, 2027
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Colorado architects holding a license in one of these classes: Architect biennial CE (12 HSW hours per calendar year, 24 per cycle), Architect, Standard Architect CE — 12 HSW CEH per calendar year. Requirements are set by Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors (DORA, Division of Professions and Occupations). Hours differ by class — 24 hours for Architect biennial CE (12 HSW hours per calendar year, 24 per cycle); 12 hours for Architect, Standard Architect CE — 12 HSW CEH per calendar year.

When to renew

Colorado architects licenses renew every year, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is October 31, 2027. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (C.R.S. § 12-25-315.5; Board Rule 4.9.3.1.2 (licenses expire October 31 of odd-numbered years; CE earned per calendar year within the biennial period))

The continuing education Colorado requires

Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors (DORA, Division of Professions and Occupations) requires 12 hours of approved continuing education every year. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) — at least 24 hours

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Colorado sets architects requirements by license class (Architect biennial CE (12 HSW hours per calendar year, 24 per cycle), Architect, Standard Architect CE — 12 HSW CEH per calendar year). 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 October 31, 2027.

  2. 2

    Complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors (DORA, Division of Professions and Occupations) requires 12 hours every year, including Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors (DORA, Division of Professions and Occupations)

    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 Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors (DORA, Division of Professions and Occupations)

Colorado architect renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Colorado architects need?
Colorado architects must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as set by Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors (DORA, Division of Professions and Occupations).
Which license types have different CE requirements in Colorado?
Requirements differ by license class in Colorado: 24 hours for Architect biennial CE (12 HSW hours per calendar year, 24 per cycle); 12 hours for Architect, Standard Architect CE — 12 HSW CEH per calendar year.
What topics are required for Colorado architects continuing education?
Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors (DORA, Division of Professions and Occupations) requires coverage of: Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) (24 hours).
Can Colorado architects complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Colorado requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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