FAQ
Do you have questions on some of AIA's signature programs, membership, getting involved, or just in general? Explore the FAQ below and let us know how we can help.
What benefits does the AIA offer?
Browse our member benefits guide for a complete list of benefits, professional resources, and exclusive discounts.
Who is eligible for AIA membership?
Here is an overview of AIA’s member categories:
Architect: Individuals who are currently entitled under law to practice architecture and use the title architect in any state of the United States are eligible to be Architect members.
Associate (non-international): Individuals without architectural licenses from a U.S. authority who meet any of the following requirements:
Those who are eligible by education or experience, and are employed, enrolled, or participating in circumstances recognized by licensing authorities as constituting credit toward architectural licensure.
Those who are employed under the supervision of an architect in a professional or technical capacity directly related to the practice of architecture.
Those who have professional degrees in architecture.
Those who are faculty members in university programs in architecture and who are actively involved in research, administration, or the teaching of architecture.
International Associates: Individuals without architectural licenses from a U.S. licensing authority who have an architectural license or equivalent from a non-U.S. licensing authority are eligible to be International Associates. Such persons may reside within or outside the U.S.
Do you have a membership level for companies?
Not at the national level. Your firm may choose to become a Cornerstone Partner or a Continuing Education Provider. One of our chapters may offer additional options.
I’d like to join AIA. Can I belong to the national chapter only and not to a state or local chapter?
No. AIA is a three-tier organization—national, state, and local—and members pay dues at all three levels. Per our bylaws, members must belong to all tiers of membership.
How much does it cost to join AIA?
AIA is a three-tier organization—national, state, and local—and members pay dues at all three levels. Each chapter determines its own dues, so rates vary. Your chapter location is determined by your ZIP code. Visit our dues calculator to estimate your membership dues.
I just joined AIA. When will I receive my new member card, certificate, and lapel pin?
Your new member packet will be delivered within four to six weeks.
I can’t log in. What should I do?
Visit here to reset your password.
What is my membership number?
Contact the AIA Member Support Center by phone at (800) 242 3837, option 2, or by email at membersupport@aia.org, and we will provide you with your membership number.
How do I change my address or update my contact information?
Log in to your profile.
I just moved/relocated. How do I change my state or local chapter?
Send a completed Chapter Transfer Request form to membersupport@aia.org
How do I renew my AIA membership?
If you're a current member, you can renew online. Or call (800) 242 3837, option 2, to pay by phone. You can also mail in your renewal to The American Institute of Architects-Membership, PO Box 830080, Philadelphia, PA 19182-0080.
When should I renew my membership?
AIA’s membership renewal cycle is on a calendar year. Annual dues are payable on or before January 15.
I’m a former AIA member. How do I reinstate my membership?
Former members can reinstate their AIA membership online.
Who can request an Advisory Opinion Letter from AIA?
This service is exclusively available to current AIA members. AIA does not author letters for non-members and lapsed members.
How do I request an Advisory Opinion Letter?
To request a letter, you must submit your information through the AIA Member Support Center. All requests should be directed to membersupport@aia.org. Member Support will handle the communication and coordination needed to prepare your letter once all required information is received.
What information is required to request an Advisory Opinion Letter?
Members must provide the following details to process their request:
• AIA Member Number
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• USCIS Service Center location
Is there a fee for this service?
Yes, beginning in January 2025, AIA will charge members for this service. The fee structure is as follows:
• Standard Delivery: $250
• Rush Delivery: $400
How long will it take to receive the letter?
The processing time depends on the delivery option you select:
• Standard Delivery: 30 business days
• Rush Delivery: 14 business days
Can non-members request this service?
No, this service is available only to current AIA members. Non-members are encouraged to join AIA to gain access to this and other member benefits. If you are a non-member requesting a travel visa for an AIA event, contact membersupport@aia.org.
Members of the firm or the individual hiring me is an AIA member, do I have to become an AIA member?
Yes, the individual who is applying for the visa who AIA authors the letter on behalf of must be an AIA member.
How is AIA prioritizing and supporting urgent climate action?
Climate change is real, it is urgent, and architects have the ability to make an immense difference in mitigating and adapting to its impacts.
How can I get information on AIA's progress addressing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion?
Harnessing the passion of our members and the broader design community, discover how AIA is taking steps to advance justice and equity across race and gender in our organization, in our profession, and in our communities.
Racial, ethnic, & gender equity at AIA >
Where can I find demographic information on the architecture profession?
There are a variety of publicly available resources on architecture:
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS)
Where can I find resources for demographic information on AIA members?
You may find a report on AIA-member demographics here.
What is AIA doing regarding diversity in the field of architecture?
Please see our page on equity, diversity, and inclusion for numerous resources and an overview on what AIA is doing to increase diversity in the field of architecture.
What is the diversity of gender identity and expression among AIA members?
Nearly 25% of all AIA members report that they are women. Our licensed, non–Emeritus Architect members and unlicensed Associate members are 22.6% and 40.2% women, respectively.
In 2018, AIA expanded the available options to identify gender beyond women and men.
Where can I learn more about all of AIA’s awards programs?
- Can I get an extension on my application?
- Do I have to be an AIA member to apply?
- Do I have to be an architect to apply?
- Do I need to be nominated to apply?
- How do I apply?
- How do I apply for Fellowship?
- Are reference letters required? How are they collected? Are they confidential?
- Who are reference letters addressed to?
- How long are reference letters kept on file?
- Can I eventually see copies of my reference letters?
- These questions can be answered by visiting AIA Honors & Awards >
- Where can I find a schedule of open awards?
When will the award open?
- What is the deadline?
- These questions can be answered by visiting AIA Honors & Awards schedule >
- Are there submission guidelines for applying for AIA awards?
- Can more than one photo be shown on a page?
- Do I need interior photography or night time photography?
- How are winners recognized?
- What should the Copyright Image page look like?
- How are the submissions reviewed? Is there a preferred format for the submissions?
- Can I see previously successful submissions?
- How will I find out if my submission was successful?
- What is a disqualification?
- Where can I find a schedule of open awards?
- When will the award open?
- What is the deadline?
- Are there submission guidelines for applying for AIA awards?
- Can more than one photo be shown on a page?
- Do I need interior photography or night time photography?
- How are winners recognized?
- What should the Copyright Image page look like?
- How are the submissions reviewed? Is there a preferred format for the submissions?
- Can I see previously successful submissions?
- How will I find out if my submission was successful?
- What is a disqualification?
These questions can be answered by AIA Honors & Awards >
Where can I find a complete guide to the continuing education requirements?
Please review the AIA CES Standards for a complete user-friendly guide to our requirements, terms, and helpful how-to’s.
What are the AIA membership requirements for continuing education?
AIA Architect and International Associate members are required to complete 18 learning units (LUs) of continuing education every year. Of those 18 LUs, at least 12 must be for approved health, safety, and welfare (HSW) courses. Architect Emeritus members are required to complete one (1) LU each membership year. Associate and Allied members do not have a continuing education requirement.
New members are not required to complete the AIA continuing education requirement until their first full year as a member. For example, someone who joins in June will not be required to complete 18 LUs until the following year.
How can I earn continuing education credits?
You can earn AIA learning units (LUs) by completing approved learning programs from registered AIA continuing education (CE) providers. You can verify whether a learning program is eligible for AIA CE credit and the type of credit in the AIA CE course catalog. Learning programs completed through registered AIA CE providers will be reported to AIA by the provider within 10 business days of successful completion of the program.
Members may also self-report learning that takes place outside the network of registered AIA CE providers. Self-reported learning programs are only eligible for LU|Elective credit unless the program is delivered by a government agency or is a for-credit course through an accredited college or university. Self-reports should be submitted online.
How do I know if a learning program is approved for AIA learning units (LUs), how many LUs, and what kind?
AIA CE providers display the “AIA Continuing Education Provider” logo on their website and other materials.
They are also required to clearly indicate the credit designation and number of units with the description and learning objectives for the course. For example, 1.5-hour program that qualifies for health, safety, and welfare credit will be listed as 1.5 LU|HSW.
What types of programs are eligible for credit?
AIA continuing education providers may deliver programs in different formats. AIA approves programs that are delivered live in-person and live online (webinars, streamed videos, etc.). Programs may also be delivered on-demand as e-learning or in print. On-demand program participants must pass a quiz before credit can be awarded.
What is the difference between LU|Elective and LU|HSW credits?
Programs awarding LU|Elective credits are related to the core competencies of the discipline or practice of architecture but not within the realm of health, safety, and welfare. Learning programs that address professional practice and other aspects of professional development within the field and practice of architecture are still valuable for continuing professional development and education.
LU|HSW programs address topics related to protecting or enhancing the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of the built environment.
Health: Those aspects of professional practice that improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of occupants, users, and any others affected by buildings and sites.
Safety: Those aspects of professional practice that protect occupants, users, and any others affected by buildings or sites from harm.
Welfare: Those aspects of professional practice that enable equitable access, elevate the human experience, encourage social interaction, and benefit the environment.
HSW topics and subject areas are defined collaboratively by AIA, the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB), and individual state boards. Courses approved by AIA for LU|HSW credit may count toward mandatory continuing education requirements for state license/registration renewal, but the final determination is at the state board’s discretion. Check with your state licensing board to determine any jurisdiction-specific requirements for continuing education.
Should I keep my own continuing education records?
Yes. While the AIA transcript is accepted as an official record of continuing education (CE) by most jurisdictions, some may require additional documentation or records beyond what is included in the AIA CE transcript. We recommend that all members regularly check their transcripts and keep their own records in case a credit is not posted.
Can I retake the same course for credit?
No, you cannot repeat the same program for credit. For programs that are refresher courses or updates, we encourage providers to update those courses and register them as new programs so they reflect new content in subsequent years. Members may repeat a course, but no additional credit will be awarded.
What should I do if my transcript is incorrect?
Contact us. While we strive to keep transcripts accurate and up to date, occasionally errors may occur.
How are transcript records kept, and how can I access my transcript?
AIA continuing education providers are required to report your attendance to us within 10 business days of course completion. Members can access their transcript by logging in to AIA.org and viewing their profile
Can I obtain credit for teaching?
Members who present an approved AIA continuing education program can self-report their work the first time they lead the program. Teachers are eligible for two (2) learning units (LUs) for each LU awarded for the program. For example, teachers of a 2.5 LU|HSW course are eligible for five (5) additional LU|HSW credits for teaching and prep the first time the program is taught.
Do university and college faculty members receive credit for teaching?
Teachers of a college or university course are eligible for self-reported credit the first time the course is taught. AIA will award 15 learning units (LUs) per credit hour for semester-system courses or 10 LUs per credit hour for quarter-system programs.
I completed a graduate-level class after I registered as an architect. How do I self-report the credit?
Members can self-report for-credit university or college classes. AIA will award 15 learning units (LUs) per credit hour for semester-system courses or 10 LUs per credit hour for quarter-system programs. For example, a three-credit course from a college on the semester system would be eligible for 45 LUs, while a three-credit course from a college on the quarter system would be eligible for 30 LUs
What is the rollover policy?
If a member does not meet the annual continuing education requirement but exceeded the requirement the prior year, a limited number of credits may be applied to fill any shortfall. Credits are applied at the end of the following year to address any shortfall and do not appear on the transcript. Only the number of hours needed to meet any deficiency will be applied. For example, a member only completed 16 LUs in the current year but completed 36 LUs in the immediate prior year. Two (2) LUs from the prior year will be applied to the current year to bring the member into compliance with the continuing education requirement. No additional LUs will be added to the current year beyond the 18 LU requirement.
Credits are not moved on the transcript. Completions are always recorded with the actual date of completion and the year in which they were completed.
Be aware that most jurisdictions do not have similar policies and will not roll over credits from prior licensing periods. Be sure to check with the state licensing/registration board with any question about state continuing education requirements.
What happens if I don’t meet the AIA continuing education requirement?
AIA conducts an audit of member continuing education compliance annually. Any members who fail the audit are notified that they have been audited and found to be deficient in the required number or type of credits. Members who fail to meet the annual requirement have until September 30 of the following year to make up any LUs needed to meet the prior-year requirement. Members who fail to complete the requisite credits during the grace period will have their membership terminated. Any member terminated for noncompliance with the continuing education requirement is eligible to reinstate their membership at a later date.
Members who fail the annual audit may also request a waiver for cause from the AIA secretary.
How can I participate in AIA member groups?
Knowledge Communities: Join one of AIA’s 21 Knowledge Communities and connect with others who share your passions and commitment—and start a project that advances the profession and your work. Sustainability, emerging technologies, small business, starting or managing a firm—no matter your interest, there is an AIA Knowledge Community for you.
Member groups: AIA engages the interests and deepens the knowledge of its diverse members through curated membership organizations. The groups deliver tailored online tools, access to forums and other significant resources. They elevate your practice field and help advocate for architecture. Find your group and expand the value of your AIA membership.