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Iowa · Architects · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Iowa Architect License

Iowa architects must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Iowa Architectural Examining Board (Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Iowa Architectural Examining Board (Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
24 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Iowa architects holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Iowa Architectural Examining Board (Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing).

When to renew

Iowa architects licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/aco/bulletincontent/11-01-2023.Regulatory%20Analysis_306802979280758.pdf)

The continuing education Iowa requires

Iowa Architectural Examining Board (Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) requires 24 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Health, safety and welfare subjects (all 24 CEHs, structured activities with >=75% HSW content)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Iowa 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. 2

    Complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Iowa Architectural Examining Board (Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) requires 24 hours every 2 years, including Health, safety and welfare subjects (all 24 CEHs, structured activities with >=75% HSW content). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Iowa Architectural Examining Board (Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing)

    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 Iowa Architectural Examining Board (Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing)

Iowa architect renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Iowa architects need?
Iowa architects must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Iowa Architectural Examining Board (Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing).
What topics are required for Iowa architects continuing education?
Iowa Architectural Examining Board (Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) requires coverage of: Health, safety and welfare subjects (all 24 CEHs, structured activities with >=75% HSW content).
Can Iowa architects complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Iowa requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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