Illinois · Architects · 2026 renewal guide
How to Renew Your Illinois Architect License
Illinois architects must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education each renewal period, as required by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation.
Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation rule on September 3, 2026.
- CE hours
- 24 hours
- Renewal cycle
- each renewal period
- Next deadline
- Per license
- Exam to renew
- Not required
Who has to renew
This guide covers Illinois architects holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation.
When to renew
Illinois architects licenses renew each renewal period, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal.
The continuing education Illinois requires
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation requires 24 hours of approved continuing education each renewal period. The hours must cover these topics:
- Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW)
- Building codes and standards updates
- Accessibility and ADA compliance
- Professional ethics
How to renew, step by step
- 1
Confirm your license class and renewal date
Illinois sets architects requirements by license class (All licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.
- 2
Complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation requires 24 hours each renewal period, including Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW), Building codes and standards updates, Accessibility and ADA compliance, Professional ethics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.
See the Illinois architects course - 3
Save your certificate of completion
Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.
- 4
Make sure your hours reach the board
In Illinois, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.
- 5
Renew with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation
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 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation
Illinois architect renewal FAQ
- How many continuing education hours do Illinois architects need?
- Illinois architects must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education each renewal period, as set by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation.
- What topics are required for Illinois architects continuing education?
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation requires coverage of: Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW); Building codes and standards updates; Accessibility and ADA compliance; Professional ethics.
- Can Illinois architects complete continuing education online?
- Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Illinois requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.
Sources
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation — official board site
- Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 3, 2026
- Illinois Architects continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class