It was my understanding that the CE requirement was already in effect for Architects.   But I see from this that is apparently not the case.  (Having been a member of the AIA, there was an AIA CE requirement that predates the Virginia requirement and I therefore had the requisite hours anyway.)  I was also not aware that the law applied to Engineers and Land Surveyors.  (Where are they going to find 8 hours of useful new information every year for Land Surveyors?)  I attended several classes and presentations last year which were for the most part "worthwhile" but frankly somewhat redundant.  Three covered Building Codes.  That took up three days.  And I got credit for showing up and paying my $175 ($525 total).  I frankly would have found a good synopsis for each seminar, readable in two hours,  far more useful. 

Over the span of my forty year career, I have been required, in the course of doing business, to continue my education through technical and product research as well as extensive travel.  I have kept abreast of changing code requirements and have learned to use a computer which has made me far more self sufficient but has reduced my need for a secretary or draftsmen (jobs?).   And let's not forget LEED and all those green buildings.  (Note that very little, if any, "green building" or USGBC study time gets CE credit.)

So I would have to say that competition has, heretofore, required me to learn and evolve.  And I have continually expanded my professional knowledge base WITHOUT A LEGISLATED MANDATE TO DO SO.   BAD LEGISLATION.   What's next?  Re-sitting our board exams?  

So I would have to agree with many of the comments made so far that  "MCE" best serves the special interest of the AIA and education establishment and has little to do with insuring the greater interest or safety of the general public.