Head-to-head · Continuing Education Platforms
AIA Continuing Education System vs AIAU
AIA Continuing Education System leads on 0 checks, AIAU on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAIA Continuing Education System · 8.5/10
- Most featuresAIA Continuing Education System · 3 of 4
AIA Continuing Education System scores higher on our rubric for continuing education platforms: 8.5 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
AIA Continuing Education System is the better fit for architects seeking broad AIA-approved CE options. AIAU is the better fit for architects who want CE courses with credit tracking.
- AIA Continuing Education System fits best
Architects seeking broad AIA-approved CE options
- AIAU fits best
Architects who want CE courses with credit tracking
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Side by side
| Feature | AIA Continuing Education System 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | AIAU 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #6 in Continuing Education Platforms | #7 in Continuing Education Platforms |
| Best for | Architects seeking broad AIA-approved CE options | Architects who want CE courses with credit tracking |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $149/yr | $149/yr |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Phone | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features AIA Continuing Education System 3/4 · AIAU 2/4 | ||
| Accredited courses | ✓ | ✓ |
| Credit tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| License tracking | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Employer reporting | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Course formats | On-demand e-learning; print; live in-person; live online (webinars/streamed video) | live; on-demand; self-paced |
| Supported professions | Architects; design professionals | architects; design professionals; AEC industry |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | AIA Continuing Education System serves architects and design professionals seeking professional development and continuing education. Its AIAU offering provides 250+ on-demand CE courses and certificate programs, while the broader program… Read the review → |
AIAU is the American Institute of Architects’ online continuing-education platform for architects, design professionals and the broader AEC industry. Its catalog includes 250+ expert-led courses and certificate programs, offered live and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
AIA Continuing Education System — where it wins
- 250+ on-demand CE courses and certificate programs through AIAU
- Courses offer HSW, ADA, GBCI, RIBA, and AIA LU credits
- AIA member transcript tracks eligible credits and AXP experience hours
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; AIAU access is a paid annual subscription
- Non-members pay $199, compared with $149 for members
- AIAU 2026 subscription ends December 31, 2026
AIAU — where it wins
- Offers 250+ expert-led CE courses and certificate programs
- Supports HSW, ADA, GBCI, RIBA and AIA LU credits
- Automatically records completed credits on an AIA transcript
Where it doesn't
- Requires a paid annual subscription for unlimited course access
- Purchases are final under AIAU's no-refund policy
- Its courses focus on architects, design professionals and the AEC industry
- AIA Continuing Education System8.5/10 · Paid
AIAU combines on-demand courses with live learning and AIA member transcript tracking.
Visit AIAFull verdict → - AIAU8.4/10 · Paid
AIAU combines live and on-demand CE courses with credit recording and AXP tracking.
Visit AIAUFull verdict →
AIA Continuing Education System vs AIAU: questions
Which is better for continuing education platforms, AIA Continuing Education System or AIAU?
AIA Continuing Education System scores higher on our rubric for continuing education platforms: 8.5 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
How do AIA Continuing Education System and AIAU compare?
All 4 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do AIA Continuing Education System and AIAU have a free plan?
AIA Continuing Education System: No. AIAU: No.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update