South Carolina Architect CE Requirements (2026): 24 Hours Every 2 Years
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Requirements Overview
The South Carolina Board of Architectural Examiners (part of LLR) requires 24 continuing education hours (CEH) each biennial licensure period under S.C. Code Regs. §11-8.1. Every one of the 24 hours must address the public's health, safety and welfare (HSW) — technical and professional subjects that directly safeguard HSW. One CEH equals 50 minutes.
The reporting period runs July 1 through June 30. There is no carry-over of hours into the next biennial licensure period, although hours may be applied within the current period. A first-time registrant by examination is exempt for the first renewal, and military, hardship, and emeritus exemptions are also available.
The Board relies on a compliance affidavit with random audits, so retain your proof of participation for two years after submission. Verify current details with the Board before relying on any course.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health, Safety & Welfare (HSW) | 24 | Every renewal | All 24 CEH per biennial licensure period must be in topics related to the public's health, safety and welfare — technical and professional subjects that directly safeguard HSW. One CEH equals 50 minutes. |
Exemptions
- First-Time New Registrant By Examination — A first-time new registrant by examination is exempt from the continuing education requirement for the first renewal.
- Active Military Duty — Registrants on active military duty may be granted an exemption.
- Hardship — Board-recognized hardship cases may be granted an exemption.
- Emeritus — Emeritus registrants may be exempt from the continuing education requirement.
How You Can Complete Your CE
South Carolina CE Rules & Limits
Details specific to South Carolina that generic CE guides tend to miss:
- All 24 CEH per biennial licensure period must be in health, safety and welfare (HSW) topics; one CEH equals 50 minutes.
- The reporting period runs July 1 through June 30 on a biennial cycle.
- No carry-over of hours into the next biennial licensure period is permitted, though hours may be applied within the current period.
- Registrants must retain proof of fulfillment for two years after submission in case the compliance affidavit is selected for audit.
Tips for South Carolina Architects
- Every hour must be HSW — South Carolina has no allowance for non-HSW hours, so a general business or software course will not count toward the 24.
- Remember the 50-minute CEH: one continuing education hour equals 50 minutes of instruction when you tally credit.
- Plan around the July 1-June 30 reporting period rather than the calendar year, and finish before renewal since unused hours do not carry into the next biennium.
- First-time registrants by examination are exempt for their first renewal; confirm your first compliance period with the Board before counting courses.
- Keep your certificates or sponsor-verified attendance records for two years after you submit your affidavit, in case you are selected for audit.
Sources
- Cross-checked against the official published rules of the South Carolina Board of Architectural Examiners (LLR)
- Each stated figure recorded with its exact source excerpt
- 1 source cited — 1 primary (official board)
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