Information Regarding the Continuing Educational Requirement

Continuing Education Update: Vermont State Board of Architects (02/20/2001)

In response to questions on how to meet the new continuing education requirements for architects we offer the following:

The Vermont State Board of Architects regulates the practice of the profession of architecture in Vermont primarily for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of building occupants and users.

Vermont Architects are now required to: Complete 24 hours of study during the two (2) years between license renewals, in topics defined as health, safety and welfare related. This equals an average of one hour per month of self directed or formal learning. Many states have now adopted similar requirements for architects and other professions.

All AIA learning hours in HSW topics are accepted as are a wide variety of self-directed and formal educational settings. Classes, professional seminars, workshops, technical training, trade show seminars, magazine articles, and video tapes are all acceptable means of study.

Since a period eighteen (18) months elapsed between the passage of the new law requiring continuing education for architects, and the first renewal period in January of 2001, the Board will accept 18 credits to fulfil the continuing education requirements for the first renewal period. To simplify reporting, you may attach your AIA continuing education form or other learning reports to the renewal form. You may be asked to provide further documentation is some cases.

HSW in architecture is anything that relates to the structure, safety or soundness of buildings and sites: and promotes the general welfare of building occupants and users. Appropriate topics for study in HSW are generally defined as issues addressed by the Architecture Registration Examination (ARE).

HEALTH - Aspects of architecture that have wholesome, beneficial and healthful effects among the users of buildings or sites and address environmental issues, and health concerns in design and building.

Examples include: building climate, HVAC, humidity control, natural day-lighting, indoor air quality and nontoxic materials and finishes, green building and landscaping.

SAFETY - Aspects of architecture intended to limit or prevent accidental injury or death among users of buildings or sites, and promote public safety.

Examples include fire safety provisions, automatic sprinkler systems, structural and seismic design, wind forces, job-site safety procedures. Also included are provisions that enable equal access by users of buildings or sites. Universal Accessibility, ADA, pedestrian design.

WELFARE - Aspects of architecture that create pleasing and satisfactory building conditions, and positive emotional responses, and experiences among users.

Examples include: Building design, scale, proportions, materials, and color, spaces with special lighting, views of nature, special design features or unique responses to human needs. Also included are historic preservation, community and downtown development, land preservation and conservation, public transit, and topics such as professional ethics and legal liability.

Sources that meet the HSW requirements: AIA monographs, NCARB monographs, L & I Code College, Vermont Star Homes workshops, Build Boston workshops, NESEA workshops, CSI workshops, historic preservation workshops, design workshops, architecture magazine articles, Environmental Building News, US Green Building council, almost anything related to the architectural practice fits into HSW.

Subjects that are solely for increasing profitability or personal enjoyment would not be included.

Sincerely,

Chris Liddle, AIA, NCARB
Chair, Vermont Board of Architects
Peggy Atkins, Staff Secretary patkins@sec.state.vt.us


ACCEPTABLE EXAMPLES

Universal Accessibility, ADA Building Climate Building Design Building Codes Automatic Sprinkler Systems Fire Safety Provisions HVAC Humidity Control Structural & Seismic Design Wind Forces Severe Climate Design Masonry Construction LEED Rating System Security Systems

Natural Day-Lighting Indoor Air Quality Nontoxic Materials Energy Conservation Alternative Energy Sources Building Science Interior Design-Interior Lighting Lead Paint - Toxic Abatement Community Needs Social Needs Aesthetics Professional Ethics Legal Liability Professional Conduct

Historic Preservation Land Preservation Building Conservation Community Development Downtown Development Soil & Water Conservation Shoreline Protection Special Design-Human Needs Pedestrian Design Public Transit Landscape Design Signage & Way-Finding Wildlife Protection Ergonomics Environmental Psychology

UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS

Business Management & Administration
Community Service (meetings, hearings)
Marketing
Profitability
Travel (unless part of a structured course)
Computer Technologies
Graphics Workshops
Architectural History

* * * * Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Continuing Education Credits for Architects * * * *

Question: Can continuing education credits obtained in one two year period be carried over to the next renewal period if one has more than 24 credits in one renewal period?

Answer: Up to 12 hours of excess HSW credits maybe carried over to the next 24 hour period only. (Determined at 2/21/2001 meeting)

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Question: Does all continuing education credits need to be in health, safety and welfare? If not, how many need to be?

Answer: Yes, as stated, all 24 credits must be HSW. (Determined at 2/21/2001 meeting)

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Question: Can all credit be obtained in one year or does it have to be so many each year?

Answer: Yes. The only stipulation is that by the end of the 24 month period, you have 24 hours of HSW credit. (Determined at 2/21/2001 meeting)

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What ever continuing education activities are selected, it is expected that the licensee will maintain records documenting them which can be presented in the event of being selected at random for audit of compliance.