Illinois Architect FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Illinois architect licensing and continuing education.
Illinois Architect Renewal
Continuing Education Deadline: November 30th of even-numbered years
State Required Continuing Education: 24 hrs, at least 16 hrs in HSW subjects
License Renewal Deadline: November 30th of even-numbered years
AIA Membership Continuing Education: 18 hrs annually, including 12 HSW
Renewing Your License:
How do I renew my Illinois architect license?
- Ensure you have completed the required continuing education
- Complete an application for renewal through the IDFPR Board of Architect Professions
What are the Illinois continuing education requirements for architects?
Architects in Illinois are required to complete 24 hrs of continuing education by November 30th every two years.
I have extra Illinois architect continuing education hours, can I apply them to the next renewal cycle?
No, learning units must be completed in their respective cycle.
Who notifies Illinois of my completed architect continuing education?
Architects in Illinois must maintain records of their continuing education compliance for at least 4 years following the applicable renewal, to be furnished to the board in the event of a compliance audit. Architects Training Institute will submit your courses to the AIA and maintain your course completion records for 6 years free of charge.
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 Illinois architect license?
Yes, courses approved by the AIA are automatically acceptable to the state of Illinois.
My Illinois architect registration has lapsed, how do I reinstate it?
Licenses that have been expired for less than 3 years will be restored upon submission of completion of required continuing education activities and late renewal fee.
State Contact Info:
Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
Board of Architects Professions
100 West Randolph, 9th floor
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (888) 473-4858
https://www.idfpr.com/profs/Boards/Architect.asp
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.