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Mandatory Continuing Education on Disability Access Requirements

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill (SB) 1608 (Chapter 549, Statutes of 2008) on September 29, 2008, requiring all California architects to complete mandatory continuing education courses on disability access requirements as a condition of license renewal. The bill also requires licensees to provide coursework documentation to the California Architects Board (Board) when filing a renewal application. The bill was sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce, trial lawyers association, and most disabled access groups. Below are details on the requirement.

Basic Requirements

SB 1608 requires that architects, as part of the license renewal requirements:

  1. Certify on the license renewal application that s/he has completed the required five hours of coursework on disability access requirements within the previous two years.
  2. Provide information about the coursework on the renewal application indicating the course title, subjects covered, name of provider and trainer or educator, date of completion, number of hours completed, and a statement about the trainer or educator's knowledge and experience background in disability access requirements.

Licensees are encouraged to complete these requirements timely in order to avoid a delay in the processing of their license renewal. Licensees who fail to complete the required coursework cannot renew their license and cannot practice architecture until they have fulfilled these requirements.

Coursework Requirements

The bill specifies that licensees complete five hours of coursework on disability access requirements within the previous two years. The coursework on disability access requirements must include information and practical guidance concerning the requirements imposed by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336; 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), state laws that govern access to public facilities, and federal and state regulations adopted pursuant to those laws. The coursework must also be presented by trainers or educators with knowledge and background experience in disability access requirements. The Board does not have the authority to approve course providers or courses. Coursework on disability access requirements is available from a variety of sources. Below are some of the sources to assist architects in finding courses. However, the Board does not endorse any specific course or provider. Other providers are available, including online providers. When selecting a course, be sure to choose one that the course content meets the requirements described above. Verify that the material is presented by trainers or educators with knowledge and experience background in disability access requirements.

You may also check with your local Building Department.

Effective Date of License Renewal

Business and Professions Code section 121 stipulates that licensees who have complied with the license renewal requirements (e.g., complete coursework provider documentation, correct fee, required signature(s), etc.) prior to its expiration may engage in legal practice of their profession until receipt of the renewed license if the delay was not the fault of the licensee (note: this provision does not apply to delinquent or incomplete renewal applications).