Recap | CES Information Session for Intern Architects AIBC

Couldn’t attend the CES Info Session for Intern Architects? Here’s what you missed!

The Continuing Education System (CES) Information Session for Intern Architects AIBC was held on Wednesday, October 9 – the purpose of the event was to provide an overview of the program and its requirements. Offered both in-person and online, the complimentary session was attended by nearly 50 intern architects.

One of the highlights of the evening was the dedicated Q&A period – attendees had the opportunity to ask questions directly to the AIBC and have their comments addressed.

Here are the top 5 questions (and their answers!) from the session:

1. I have already taken several courses and am currently studying for the ExAC. Can I report these activities for the July 2020–June 2022 cycle?
   Given that Intern Architects AIBC are not CES Participants until July 1, 2020, no self-reporting is required (or accepted) until that time. This is consistent with Bulletin 80: Mandatory Continuing Education System (CES), which states that LUs must be reported in the period in which they are earned. This is to ensure consistency amongst all CES Participants by providing a standard beginning and end date for each reporting cycle. Any educational activity done after July 1, 2020 will be eligible for LUs. As IAP courses are considered AIBC-Delivered events, attendance to these courses will be recorded on each CES Participant’s behalf by the AIBC.
2. Are work experience hours for the Canadian Experience Record Book (CERB) also eligible for LUs and CES reporting?
   No, CERB hours are not eligible to be reported for LUs. As part of the Internship in Architecture Program, the AIBC requires a minimum number of hours of recorded architectural experience, which are logged in an individual’s CERB. Work experience, or hours spent at work, are not eligible for LUs. Activities that may be eligible for LUs must be dedicated educational activities which have defined learning objectives. They must also be planned and yield new knowledge for the CES Participant.
3. What happens if you don’t earn the required 36 Learning Units for a reporting period?
   The AIBC is committed to the success of CES Participants in completing their education requirements and offers a variety of opportunities to earn LUs, from courses to the Recognized Educational Provider program. CES Participants are encouraged to keep track of their earned LUs by logging in and checking their transcripts. The AIBC will also send reminders and status updates as the reporting period deadline approaches.

   In the instance that a CES Participant has not earned 36 LUs, with a minimum of which 16 LUs are Core, by the end of a reporting cycle, they will be deemed non-complaint. A non-compliant CES Participant is required to pay an AIBC Council-mandated fine (Bulletin 1: Fees, Fines and Charges) and to earn and report the deficient LUs no later than September 30 after the end of the reporting period. In the rare instance a CES Participant remains non-compliant beyond September 30, a complaint of unprofessional conduct against the registrant will be made to the director of professional conduct. This may result in disciplinary action, to and including suspension and/or removal from the Register.

4. Is it possible to report Learning Unit credits that I earned outside of British Columbia?
   Yes – individuals can report LUs that were earned outside of British Columbia. As long as the content of the activity meets the criteria as outlined in Bulletin 80: Mandatory Continuing Education System (CES), and it is reported properly (refer to CES Guidelines Self-Reporting requirements), it will be accepted.
5. Is there a cost associated with earning Learning Units?
   There are a variety of ways to earn LUs, both Core and Non-core, and each opportunity varies in cost – some are even free! Below is a sampling of activities that are eligible for reporting:
   • AIBC Conference & Confab
   • Recognized Educational Provider (REP) sessions
   • AIBC-hosted Lunch and Learns
   • Studying
   • Volunteering

   We encourage you to view the AIBC’s Events Calendar to become familiar with the range of opportunities available to CES Participants. You can also refer to the CES Guidelines Document for a list of activities that can be self-reported for LUs.

Still have a question you want answered?

If you have any additional questions about CES, please feel free to reach out to the professional services department at professionaldevelopment@aibc.ca.

Read “CES for Intern Architects AIBC – Three Things to Know”
Learn more about the AIBC Continuing Education System