Utah Architect CE Requirements (2026): 24 Hours Every 2 Years
Requirements Overview
The Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) requires architects to complete 24 hours of continuing education during each two-year period ending December 31 of each odd-numbered year, with at least 12 hours each year, under Utah Admin. Code R156-3a-304. Every hour must be directly related to the practice of architecture and to topics involving the public health, safety and welfare (HSW) and the ethical standards of architectural practice.
Watch the two dates: the CE accounting period ends December 31 of the odd-numbered year, but the license itself renews biennially and is due May 31 of even-numbered years. Plan to have your hours finished by the December 31 close, not the May renewal.
There is a real penalty for falling short: a licensee who fails to timely complete the required hours must complete double the number of hours missed to renew or reinstate. Keep proof of completion for six years, and verify current details with DOPL.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health, Safety & Welfare (HSW) | 24 | Every renewal | All 24 hours (12 each year) must be directly related to the practice of architecture and to topics involving the public health, safety and welfare (HSW) of architectural practice and the ethical standards of architectural practice. |
How You Can Complete Your CE
Utah CE Rules & Limits
Details specific to Utah 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.
- 24 hours of continuing education per two-year period (12 each year); all hours must relate to the practice of architecture and to public health, safety and welfare (HSW) and the ethical standards of architectural practice.
- The CE accounting period ends December 31 of each odd-numbered year, while the license itself renews biennially and is due May 31 of even-numbered years.
- Deficiency penalty: a licensee who fails to timely complete the required hours must complete DOUBLE the number of hours missed to renew or reinstate.
- Keep proof of completion for six years.
Tips for Utah Architects
- Earn at least 12 hours in each year of the two-year cycle — you cannot satisfy the 24 by cramming them all into one year.
- Finish your hours by the December 31 (odd-year) close of the CE period, even though the license renewal fee is not due until May 31 of the even year.
- Every hour must tie to architectural practice and public HSW or professional ethics; unrelated general-business courses will not qualify.
- Do not fall short — Utah requires you to make up DOUBLE any hours you miss before you can renew or reinstate.
- Retain your completion certificates for six years in case DOPL requests proof.
Sources
Each figure on this page is taken directly from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) - Architects Licensing Board'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.