Tennessee Architect CE Requirements (2026): 24 Hours Every 2 Years
Requirements Overview
The Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners requires 24 hours of continuing education for each biennial architect renewal under Rules Chapter 0120-05. At least 13 of the 24 hours must address health, safety and welfare (HSW) issues and technical competencies; the remaining hours may cover other subjects related to the practice of architecture.
Registration renews every two years on the last day of your original licensure month, and credits must be earned in the two-year period preceding that date. Architects renewing for the first time after initial registration have a reduced obligation: 12 hours during the first two years, at least 7 of them HSW.
There is no carry-over of hours between renewal periods, and the Board does not pre-approve courses, so keep your documentation for four years. Verify current details with the Board before relying on any course.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health, Safety & Welfare (HSW) / technical competency | 13 | Every renewal | At least 13 of the 24 PDH per biennial renewal must address health, safety and welfare issues and technical competencies. The remaining hours may cover other subjects related to the practice of architecture. |
How You Can Complete Your CE
Tennessee CE Rules & Limits
Details specific to Tennessee that generic CE guides tend to miss:
- The standard requirement is 24 PDH per biennial renewal, at least 13 of which must address health, safety and welfare (HSW) issues and technical competencies.
- First renewal after initial registration is reduced: 12 hours during the first two years, of which at least 7 must be HSW.
- Registration renews biennially on the last day of the architect's original licensure month; credits must be earned in the two years preceding renewal.
- No carry-over of hours between renewal periods is permitted. Keep documentation for four years; the Board does not pre-approve courses.
Tips for Tennessee Architects
- Target at least 13 HSW/technical-competency hours out of your 24 — the remainder can be broader practice topics, but the HSW minimum is firm.
- Your renewal date is keyed to your original licensure month, not a statewide date, so confirm the exact deadline for your license.
- If this is your first renewal after initial registration, you owe only 12 hours (7 HSW), not the full 24 — verify your reduced total with the Board.
- Do not count on banking extra hours: Tennessee allows no carry-over between two-year renewal periods.
- Because the Board does not pre-approve courses, keep your certificates for four years in case of audit.
Sources
Each figure on this page is taken directly from the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners's official rules and continuing-education sources and recorded with the exact source excerpt. Last verified Jul 2026. Read how we compile and verify this data.