I suppose that I should oppose this requirement into my professional career as an unnecessary intrusion as every day is a continuing education day for me.

However, as I am licensed in 16 or so states and some of these states also require CEU's, the impact is limited on me.  I take these classes and, even with  those sponsored by the AIA, I usually know more than the presenter.  However, I diligently sit through my class knowing that I need these hours to simply be able to practice my trade.  Is it necessary?  Not for me, but in this day of "feel good" regulation, it seems to be the norm.

The AIA instituted continuing education for its members a short while back.

Items that need to be addressed:

• The 16 CEU's seem excessive and most states have adopted 12 hours as their standard for 2 years.  I don't see the need to require more than other states.  If 16 seems "right", why not 24 or 36 hours?  We should at least match the AIA's requirements.
• There appears to be no standard for what is acceptable "class time" or record keeping.  The AIA has an excellent reporting system and this system should be listed as an acceptable record keeping method and the submission of their standardized form will mean I only need to log into the website, hit print and submit it as a bonafide copy of my record.  If the PE's have a similar organization, then that method should be acceptable.  Don't do something stupid like WVA did where I have to hand transfer my AIA printed classes to their form.  That simply wastes my time.  Yes, I got audited and submitted the AIA form.  They rejected it as it had to be on their form.....was it down loadable for typing? No.
• Self reporting- if an architect is not a member of the AIA, then a method of on line self reporting is necessary.

The cost to my firm will be tremendous as we have approximately 30-40 licensed architects and engineers.  Each of these will be required to take time off from work to maintain their license-even though we don't require them to seal the drawings.  They will look to us to cover the cost of maintaining their license while they take classes.

Thank you.