Architects: continuing education.

Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of persons engaged in the practice of architecture by the California Architects Board. Existing law requires a person licensed to practice architecture to complete, as a condition of license renewal, coursework regarding disability access requirements, as specified, to certify that completion, and to provide specified documentation to the board. This bill would authorize the board to audit the records of a licensee, and, until January 1, 2015, require the board to audit at least 3% of the license renewals received each year, to verify completion of the coursework, and would, commencing with the 2-year license renewal cycle beginning January 1, 2013, require a licensee to provide the specified documentation only upon that audit. The bill would exempt a licensee from these coursework requirements for the licensee's first license renewal in certain circumstances. A licensee who violates these provisions would be subject to a specified civil penalty. The bill would require the board to submit, on or before January 1, 2019, a letter to the Legislature relating to these requirements. The bill would also authorize the board to require a licensee, as a condition of license renewal, to certify to the board that he or she has completed continuing education in, or relevant to, the practice of architecture in subjects relating to health, safety, and welfare. If the board imposes that requirement, the bill would require the board to adopt regulations establishing requirements relating to continuing education, authorize the board to audit the records of a licensee to verify completion of any continuing education requirements, and require an applicant for license renewal to verify completion of the requisite continuing education hours, as specified.