Ala. Admin. Code r. 100-X-2-.17 - Continuing Education

(1) Purpose. These rules provide for a continuing education program to insure that all registered architects remain informed of those technical and professional subjects which the Board deems appropriate to professional architectural practice and to safeguard life, health, and promote the public welfare.
(2) Scope and Exemptions.
(a) Scope: These rules shall apply to every Alabama registered architect as a condition for renewal of registration on an annual basis.
(b) Exemptions: A registrant may be exempt from participating in the continuing education program required by these rules for one of the following reasons:
1. A first-time new registrant by examination or first-time reciprocal registrant shall be exempt for his/her first renewal period.
2. Registrant is an emeritus status architect.
3. Registrant is a civilian who serves on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States for a period of time exceeding ninety (90) consecutive days during the annual report period.
4. Resident registrants of another NCARB jurisdiction with either a mandated or voluntary program, provided that same jurisdiction accepts the Alabama continuing education requirements as satisfying their continuing education requirement, and the registrant certifies by affidavit and annual report that all requirements of that jurisdiction for current continuing education compliance and registration have been met.
5. Hardship cases will be considered by the Committee on an individual basis.
(3) Requirements.
(a) Each Alabama registered architect shall complete a minimum of twelve (12) continuing education hours each fiscal year. One continuing education hour (CEH) shall represent a minimum of 50 minutes of actual course time. No credit will be allowed for introductory remarks, meals, breaks, or business/administration matters related to courses of study.
1. Registrants shall complete a minimum of 8 CEH's in structured course study. Structured course study shall consist of participation in education activities presented by individuals or groups qualified by professional, practical, or academic experience to conduct courses of study. The Board may require a detailed synopsis or report of CEHs claimed.
2. Registrants may complete a maximum of 4 CEH's in self-directed course study. Self-directed course study encourages flexibility of study by registrants and includes, but is not limited to, education activities such as self-study courses sponsored by professional associations, architecturally significant educational tours, organized individual or group study of professional specialization topics, or reading specific profession-oriented books and articles. The Board may require a detailed synopsis or report of CEHs claimed.
(b) Topics for the twelve (12) continuing education hours shall include the study of relevant technical and professional architectural subjects related to safeguarding life, health, property, and promoting the public welfare.
(c) Hours claimed for continuing education credit must be in addition to or outside of the registrant's normal day-to-day business activities.
(4) Annual Report.
(a) Each registrant, at renewal of registration time, shall submit an affidavit attesting to the registrant's fulfillment of continuing education requirements during the preceding period of one fiscal year ending September 30. No carry-over of continuing education hours is permitted. Affidavits with an accompanying report concerning registrant's methods of completion of requirements shall be submitted on a form provided by the Board.
(b) Each affidavit shall be reviewed and may be subject to audit for verification of compliance with requirements. Registrants shall retain proof of fulfillment of requirements for a period of one year after submission in the event that the registrant is selected for audit. The Board may require a detailed synopsis or report for verification of CEHs claimed.
(5) Audit. The Board will conduct an audit of renewals submitted to ensure compliance with continuing education requirements. Registrants selected for audit will be notified and required to provide documentation in support of hours claimed.
(a) The Board may disallow claimed credit for continuing education hours if the CEHs do not comply with subsection (3) above. The registrant shall have 60 calendar days after notification of disallowance of credit to substantiate hours claimed or earn other CEH credit which fulfills minimum requirements.
(6) Noncompliance and Sanctions. Failure to fulfill the continuing education requirements, or file the required annual report and affidavit, properly completed and signed, shall result in non-renewal of an architect's certificate of registration.
(a) Failure to respond to audit notification will result in a temporary suspension of registration until such time as audit requirements are met.
(b) Falsification of documentation is grounds for disciplinary action.

Author: Board For Registration Of Architects

Notes

Ala. Admin. Code r. 100-X-2-.17
New Rule: Filed: June 2, 1993; effective July 7, 1993. Amended: Filed February 17, 1999; effective March 24, 1999. Amended: Filed August 1, 2002; effective September 5, 2002. Amended: Filed August 22, 2006; effective September 26, 2006.

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, ยง 34-2-39.

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