California Architects Board

Renewal Changes Starting on July 1, 2025

You may disregard the following if you have already renewed for this cycle.

Renewals Notifications

Starting on July 1, 2025, the biennial architect license renewal notifications will be mailed to licenseholders in the form of a postcard instead of the old-style 8.5"x14" notification letter that has been used for several decades. The newer approach helps CAB reduce its carbon footprint and is more cost-effective.

The new postcard notification will be mailed approximately 90 days before the license expiration date and will direct licenseholders to use our Connect online payment portal (https://connect.cab.ca.gov) for renewal of their architect license. CAB has online renewal instructions available to assist licenseholders with renewing through Connect.

Online Renewals Changes

Starting July 1, 2025, licensees are strongly encouraged to upload their continuing education coursework documentation when submitting their license renewal application through our online portal, Connect. Uploading CE documentation is a convenience for architects who renew online in the event of an audit later to verify their compliance. As a reminder, completion of CE coursework is a condition of license renewal. The CE coursework requirement applies whenever a license is renewed, including early renewals. An architect should have all the required CE coursework completed prior to the date they renew their license. Architects must also retain a copy of their documentation for two years from the date of renewal.

Acceptable documentation includes certificates of completion, or official transcripts from the course provider that meet the requirements of Business and Professions Code 5600.05(b); which requires certificates of completion or official records from the provider to contain the following information:

• Course title
• Subjects covered
• Name of provider
• Name of educator or trainer
• Date of completion
• Number of hours completed
• Statement about the trainer's or educator's knowledge and experience background

Coursework and records or certificates of completion that do not meet those requirements will not be acceptable.

Informational Bulletin: Most Common Violations of the Architects Practice Act

The Board's Enforcement Unit investigates as many as 500 complaints per year alleging violations of the Architects Practice Act. The most common violations are detailed in this document.

Published: June 4, 2025

Continuing Education & Licensing Specialist Webinar – December 19, 2024

A webinar was held on December 19, 2024 to inform licensees of the continuing education requirements and the related laws in efforts to maintain and increase compliance. The webinar was recorded and can be viewed on YouTube.

Published: February 7, 2025

Fee Increases Effective January 1, 2025

Beginning January 1, 2025, the Board's fees for the following will be increasing:

• Reciprocity applications will be $100
• Retired License will be $150
• Duplicate License will be $25

An update to CCR 109 (Filing of Applications) will also go into effect on January 1, 2025 that provides additional clarity to the application process for the Board. Information regarding this change can be found on the Board's Approved Regulations webpage.

Published: December 31, 2024