Looking where to get ADA training for Architects?
You’ve arrived at the right place! This page is dedicated to resources and information related to obtaining the required Continuing Education on Disability Access for California licensed architects.
Arriving at this site you are probably aware, in the state of California, architects are required to complete 5 hours of mandatory continuing education related to disability access. As a licensed architect myself, and going through the paces to get the training required in 2021 and now again for 2023 I’ve come across options for courses and resources many of you may not be aware of. Both paid and free (yes, free!).
I will be updating this page often as I encounter new information related to the specific requirements and provide information where you may actually get the training you need to satisfy the requirement. We’ve all received mass-mailings around the time our license needs renewal and it can be very confusing and frustrating to know what precisely we need to do and how much to spend.
I also use the 2022 California Building Code for guidance with ADA training.
Please also see my other pages for specific ADA topics:
Truncated Domes: What you need to know to comply.
ADA TRAINING
The California Architects Board (CAB) is responsible for regulating the practice of architecture in California. One of the requirements for architects in California is the completion of training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In this article, we will discuss the ADA training requirement for California architects, why it is important, and what the training covers.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. It is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and requires businesses and public accommodations to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. The ADA also requires that new construction and alterations to existing buildings meet certain accessibility standards.
The California Architects Board (CAB) has incorporated the ADA requirements into their licensing requirements for architects. Under California law, architects must complete five hours of coursework on disability access requirements every two years. This requirement is designed to ensure that architects in California are knowledgeable about the ADA and can design buildings that are accessible to people with disabilities.
The ADA training requirement is important for several reasons. First, it helps ensure that buildings in California are accessible to people with disabilities. This is important because people with disabilities have the right to equal access to public accommodations and services. Second, it helps architects avoid potential legal liability for non-compliance with the ADA. Third, it helps architects provide better service to their clients by designing buildings that are accessible to all.
The ADA training requirement covers a variety of topics related to disability access requirements. These topics include the history and purpose of the ADA, the requirements for accessible routes, the requirements for accessible entrances and exits, the requirements for accessible parking, the requirements for accessible restrooms, and the requirements for accessible communication.
The training also covers the various types of disabilities that architects may encounter when designing buildings. These include mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and cognitive impairments. The training provides architects with an understanding of how people with these disabilities navigate and use buildings, which is critical to designing buildings that are accessible to all.
In addition to the five hours of ADA training required every two years, architects in California must also complete a 12-hour course on disability access requirements as part of their initial licensure. This course covers many of the same topics as the ongoing ADA training requirement but provides a more in-depth understanding of the requirements.
Architects can fulfill the ADA training requirement in several ways. They can take courses offered by the CAB, attend seminars or workshops on disability access requirements, or take online courses on the topic. The CAB maintains a list of approved courses and providers on their website, which makes it easy for architects to find courses that meet the requirement.
Architects must keep records of their ADA training and provide proof of completion to the CAB upon request. This is important because failure to comply with the ADA training requirement can result in disciplinary action by the CAB, including revocation of the architect’s license.
ATTENTION! New Zero Carbon Emissions Training Required for California Architects
The California Architects Board (CAB) has recently introduced a new license renewal training requirement for architects in California: five hours of coursework on designing zero carbon emissions buildings. In this article, we will discuss the new requirement, why it is important, and what the training covers.
The new license renewal training requirement is part of California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Buildings are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 39% of total carbon emissions in California. By requiring architects to learn how to design zero carbon emissions buildings, the CAB is taking a proactive approach to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings in California.
The new requirement applies to architects who renew their licenses on or after January 1, 2021. These architects must complete five hours of coursework on designing zero carbon emissions buildings every two years as part of their license renewal.
The training covers a variety of topics related to designing zero carbon emissions buildings. These topics include energy-efficient building design, renewable energy systems, passive design strategies, building materials, and carbon accounting. The training provides architects with an understanding of how to design buildings that use minimal energy, generate their own renewable energy, and reduce the carbon emissions associated with the building’s construction, operation, and maintenance.
The training also covers the importance of life cycle assessments in building design. Life cycle assessments take into account the environmental impact of a building throughout its entire life cycle, from construction to demolition. By considering the environmental impact of a building over its entire life cycle, architects can make informed decisions about building materials, energy systems, and other design elements that can significantly impact the building’s carbon footprint.
The new license renewal training requirement is important for several reasons. First, it helps reduce the carbon footprint of buildings in California. Buildings are a significant source of carbon emissions, and designing zero carbon emissions buildings can have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in California.
Second, it helps architects stay current with emerging trends and technologies in sustainable building design. The building industry is constantly evolving, and architects must stay up to date with the latest technologies and design strategies to remain competitive and provide the best service to their clients.
Third, it helps architects provide better service to their clients by designing buildings that are environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient. Buildings that use minimal energy, generate their own renewable energy, and reduce carbon emissions are not only better for the environment but also more cost-effective in the long run. By designing buildings that are environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient, architects can provide their clients with buildings that are both environmentally responsible and financially feasible.
Architects can fulfill the new license renewal training requirement in several ways. They can take courses offered by the CAB, attend seminars or workshops on zero carbon emissions building design, or take online courses on the topic. The CAB maintains a list of approved courses and providers on their website, which makes it easy for architects to find courses that meet the requirement.
Architects must keep records of their zero carbon emissions training and provide proof of completion to the CAB upon request. Failure to comply with the new license renewal training requirement can result in disciplinary action by the CAB, including revocation of the architect’s license.
In conclusion, the new license renewal training requirement for architects in California is an important step in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings in California. The training covers a variety of topics related to designing zero carbon emissions buildings, including energy-efficient building design, renewable energy systems, passive design strategies, building materials, and carbon accounting. Architects can fulfill the requirement by taking courses offered by the CAB, attending seminars or workshops on the topic, or taking online courses. By designing buildings that are environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient, architects can provide their clients with buildings that are both environmentally responsible and financially feasible, and help California reach its goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
FREE options: (Note that these may require you to take more than one course as many are just 1 hour or so but, being free if you have the time it’s worth it).
AEC Daily I’ve taken a few courses from them in 2021 and again in 2023. They are straightforward and interesting in that some contain aspects of Universal Design. Recently I’ve noticed they’ve added more historical information at the beginning of the courses about the ADA along with the newer 2010 requirements now that the compliance period has arrived.
Ron Blank and Associates
Here is a 1-hour FREE course from their site. Introduction to Barrier-free design. I’ve taken this course and it’s really helpful in providing good beginning overall information.
Architectural Record Continuing Education Center Here is a free 1-hour course related to Vertical Wheelchair Lifts
WDBG (Whole Building Design Guide) Principles and Goals of Accessibile Design – Free 1-hour course.
Other Options:
The AIA often provides paid courses and is a good resource. I will add more links as they become available.