Everyone knows the state of Alabama requires ten CEU’s for license renewal. Most people remember that at least four of those have to be codes.

If I gave you a pop quiz on the details, would you pass? When is the last time you visited the Alabama Board for Registered Interior Designers website and read through the design codes? This year? This decade?

While a lot has remained the same, the continuing education section of the code has changed over the years. Since many of us will be scrambling in the next several weeks to make sure all our certificates add up to ten, maybe this is a good time for a refresher.

Quantity

Yes, the number to reach is still ten, and the requirement for Codes and Standards is still four.

You’re probably feeling pretty confident now.

Format

A maximum of six units can be self-directed. These are the ones with a quiz at the end that you do in your pajamas.

At least four units have to be interactive. That means either in-person or live webinar. Pre-recorded webcasts are NOT interactive. And none of it counts unless you have a certificate of completion with your name on it. (Keep those for two years, by the way)

Still good? Stay with me just a bit longer.

Provider

You don’t have to limit yourself to IDCEC-approved courses. The Alabama Board for Registered Interior Designers (ABRID) accepts courses from several professional organizations. If you don’t know what these mean, they don’t pertain to you, so don’t worry. ASID, IIDA, IDEC, NCIDQ, NKBA, AIA, CSI, USGBC – EIEIO.

 This flexibility is invaluable if you’re a designer who holds multiple certifications, each with its own CEU requirements. You can pick courses that universally apply to all your credentials. Most of you already do this since ASID has its own CEU requirements. (You just don’t remember that until you’re selected for audit)

Finally, some good news for a change?

Hang on. We’re not done yet.

Content

The ABRID Administrative Code states that you, the designer, must make a reasonable judgment on acceptable CEU activities. No pressure. None at all.

What is reasonable? Acceptable? Would a course on the different types of roofing tar count for an interior designer? Is a one percent code discussion acceptable, or should it be closer to eighty-five percent? Do we judge that by slide counts? Using a stopwatch? By feeling?

What is the likelihood that you judge a course to be acceptable, but the state rejects it?

Now, I’ve got your attention.

The bare minimum for a course to qualify is an HSW designation. If it ain’t there, it don’t count. Period. But hold on. A safety presentation about friction fit vs mounting brackets for stripper poles… ahem, vertical dancing apparatus… dubious.

The codes courses can be even more slippery (pun intended). Sometimes the title clearly refers to the six code topics: Barrier Free/ADA/Universal Design, Building Codes and Standards, Energy Codes and Standards, Sustainable Standards, Fire Safe Design, and Testing and Compliance Standards.

But what if you take a course filled with these topics that isn’t titled as such? Even worse, what if you take a course with a code-related title, but the majority of the content discusses something else?

Cue the blank stares.

Sometimes the honest answer about whether a course measures up is, “I don’t know.” Fortunately, you don’t have to resort to reading tea leaves. The ABRID has a CEU oracle who is ready and willing to help. If you ever question a CEU’s classification, you can send course information to the Executive Director, Bryant Williams. He’ll divine an answer faster than a Magic 8 Ball —and without needing to burn incense. Summon him at director@abrid.alabama.gov

Insight

Most of you have at least one source for CEUs already. If not, there’s a great conference happening next month…

For those wanting to maximize flexibility, here are a few tips and lesser-known options. No crystal ball needed:

• IDCEC has a searchable library of approved courses, both in person and online. Visit: https://www.idcec.org/pages/forms/public/coursesearch/coursesearch.aspx. Select your desired designation (codes or otherwise) for a list of available courses and links to access them.

• Serving as a board member of a related professional association earns two units for each year of service. (This is what I mean… I served on the ASID board for years and didn’t know this.)
• You can also earn units for gaining a design-related certification, achieving publication in a trade magazine, research paper, or a book, or for teaching HSW CEUs.

Got it now?

Getting your CEUs doesn’t have to involve divination, spreadsheets, or summoning ancient spirits (though that might be fun). A bit of planning, and maybe a quick email to the CEU oracle, can keep your credential protected and polished as a magic mirror.

Now go forth, wise one. May your certificates be plenty and bear the sacred seal of HSW.