Iowa Architect FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about Iowa architect licensing and continuing education.

Iowa Architect Renewal

Renewal Deadline: May 31st, biennially. You may renew up to June 30th by paying a $25 late fee.

  • Last names A-K: even-numbered years
  • Last names L-Z: odd-numbered years

State Required Continuing Education: 24 HSW hours

AIA Membership Continuing Education: 18 hrs annually, including 12 HSW

See Iowa AIA Courses

Renewing Your License:

How do I renew my Iowa architect license?

  1. The board will send you a renewal notice approximately 30 days prior to your registration due date
  2. Ensure you have completed the required continuing education hours
  3. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew your license

License renewal due dates are based upon licensee’s last name:

  • Last names A-K: June 30th of even-numbered years
  • Last names L-Z: June 30th of odd-numbered years

What are the Iowa continuing education requirements for architects?

Landscape architects in Iowa must complete 24 hours of continuing education in HSW subjects for each two year renewal cycle.

Continuing education due dates are based upon licensee’s last name:

  • Last names A-K: June 30th of even-numbered years
  • Last names L-Z: June 30th of odd-numbered years

For architects in their first renewal period:

  • Licensed less than 12 months: 0 hours
  • Licensed between 12 & 23 months: 12 hours

Who notifies Iowa of my completed architect continuing education?

Architects must complete and submit forms to the board demonstrating completion of the required continuing education. These records should also be maintained by the architect for a period of 2 years after the renewal cycle to which the credits were applied. Documentation may be audited by the board for compliance verification.

Architects Training Institute will submit your continuing education to the AIA and maintain your 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 Iowa architect license?

Yes.

My Iowa architect registration has lapsed, how do I reinstate it?

  1. Pay the current renewal fee
  2. Pay the reinstatement fee (varies dependent on how long the license has been expired)
  3. Provide a written statement detailing professional activities within the state of Iowa while the license was lapsed
  4. Submit documented evidence of the required continuing education (extra will be due, dependent on how long the license has been expired)

State Contact Info:

Iowa Architectural Examining Board
200 E Grand Ave, Suite 350
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 725-9022 ext 3
ArchitectureBoard@iowa.gov
https://plb.iowa.gov/

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.