Maryland Architect CE Requirements (2026): 24 Hours Every 2 Years

Requirements Overview

The Maryland State Board of Architects requires 24 Learning Units (LUs) per two-year license term under COMAR 09.21.05, and all 24 must be health, safety, and welfare (HSW) units as defined by NCARB or AIA content areas. One LU equals one instructional hour of at least 50 minutes.

There are two ways to comply: earn 12 LUs in each of the two calendar years before your license expires, or earn 24 LUs across the two-year term if you miss the annual pace. The methods are mutually exclusive. Each activity you count must be at least 75% HSW content, AIA- and NCARB-approved activities are pre-approved, and self-reported activities are not eligible. Excess LUs do not carry over.

The first renewal after initial licensure is exempt, and a one-time compliance exception is available for disability, illness, or hardship. Records must be kept six years.

Mandatory Topics

Exemptions

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  First Renewal After Initial Licensure — A licensee renewing for the first time after initial licensure may renew without meeting the Continuing Professional Competency requirements.
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  Compliance Exception (Disability, Illness, Hardship) — A licensee unable to comply due to physical disability, illness, or other extenuating circumstances may file a one-time Compliance Exception Request at least 60 days before license expiration, with a plan to come into compliance within 12 months after expiration.

How You Can Complete Your CE

Maryland CE Rules & Limits

Details specific to Maryland that generic CE guides tend to miss:

• Annual minimum — at least 12 hours must be completed each year of the cycle, not just by the renewal deadline.
• Maryland measures architect continuing education in Learning Units (LUs): 24 LUs per two-year license term, all in health, safety, and welfare (HSW) subjects as defined by NCARB or AIA content areas. One LU is one instructional hour of at least 50 minutes.
• There are two compliance methods: complete 12 LUs in each of the two calendar years preceding expiration, or complete 24 LUs across the two-year term if the annual pace is missed. The methods are mutually exclusive and there is no double-counting.
• Each authorized activity must be at least 75% HSW content, and self-reported activities are not eligible for credit. AIA- and NCARB-approved activities are pre-approved.
• Excess LUs do not carry over into the next license term.
• Records must be kept for at least six years from the date each program is completed, per the current codified rule (COMAR 09.21.05.07). Note: the Board's older webpage and handbook still state two years, but the six-year regulation governs.
• License terms are two years with individualized expiration dates; the Board randomly audits licensees each term and audited licensees must respond within 30 days.

Tips for Maryland Architects

• Aim for 12 LUs each calendar year — that keeps you on the primary compliance method; the 24-LUs-across-the-term option is the fallback if you fall behind one year.
• Make every unit HSW: all 24 LUs must be HSW-designated, and each course must be at least 75% HSW content to qualify.
• Use AIA- or NCARB-approved courses when possible — they are pre-approved, so you avoid separate board approval and reduce audit risk.
• Do not rely on self-reported or self-created activities; Maryland explicitly excludes them from LU credit.
• Keep your certificates for six years (the current COMAR rule), not the two years the older board handbook mentions — the six-year regulation is what governs an audit.

Sources

Architect Requirements in Nearby States

Other Professions in Maryland

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