The AIBC’s Continuing Education System (CES) was introduced in 2001 in response to the profession’s recognition of its own needs and the public’s increasing expectation that architects remain current with contemporary technology, business practices, methods and materials. All architects, architectural technologists and intern architects (“CES Participants”) are required to earn 36 Learning Units every two years, consisting of “Core” and “Non-core” units as designated by the AIBC.
Indigenous Peoples Learning
Beginning in the 2022-2024 reporting period, a minimum of two Core LUs related to knowledge on Indigenous history, Truth and Reconciliation, and/or engagement (‘Indigenous Peoples Learning’) must be earned and reported each reporting period. For this learning to be considered Core, it must be a structured activity. An overview of the new requirement can be seen below:
- A minimum of two Core LUs related to Indigenous Peoples Learning are mandatory each reporting period.
- These two Core LUs are included within the minimum 16 Core LUs requirement.
- LUs for this mandatory requirement cannot be carried forward. They must be earned and reported each reporting period.
- Indigenous Peoples Learning can be completed through external providers and can be self-reported. It does not need to be taken through the AIBC.
- Architects AIBC who elect to complete CES requirements via the Canadian reciprocity option must also fulfill this new learning requirement and self-report it directly to the AIBC.
For more information about the Indigenous Peoples Learning requirement, please refer to the FAQ document.
CES Non-Compliance as an Administrative Matter
Under the Professional Governance Act, non-compliance with the Continuing Education System is addressed as an administrative matter, rather than as a professional conduct complaint. This means that after an appropriate number of notices and reminders, the suspension and/or cancellation of a CES Participant’s registration can take place for those who fail to complete CES requirements.
The 2022–2024 reporting period is the first reporting period whereby CES non-compliance will be addressed as an administrative matter, following the process outlined in AIBC Bylaws 5.14–5.24. If CES Participants fail to satisfy the CES requirements by the June 30 deadline, they have until September 30, 2024, to pay a fine and complete outstanding Learning Unit requirements. CES Participants who do not complete these actions by September 30, 2024, will no longer be in Good Standing, and will be suspended from the Register. Suspended CES Participants can be reinstated within 90 days of suspension upon completion of all CES requirements, payment of the fine specified in Schedule B: Fees, and submission of the applicable form. Any suspended CES Participant who remains non-compliant for the 2022–2024 reporting period after December 30, 2024, will have their registration cancelled, and will need to reinstate by making application to the Credentials Committee, pursuant to Bylaw 4.25.
CES Resources
- AIBC Bylaws 5.7–5.24 and Schedule P: Board Rules for the Continuing Education System
- Practice Guideline: Continuing Education System (CES)
- CES Registrant Portal Quick Guides
CES Opportunities
The Architectural Institute of British Columbia is committed to the success of CES Participants in completing their educational requirements, through provision of:
- AIBC Courses;
- Recognized Educational Provider (REP) Program;
- AIBC Conference and PD Day;
- Indigenous Peoples Learning Resources
- Access to additional PD activities.
Please consult the AIBC Calendar for a comprehensive listing of CES and other course programming.
AIBC Contact
For more information about the CES, please email professionaldevelopment@aibc.ca.