Head-to-head · Continuing Education Platforms
Medscape Education vs AIAU
Medscape Education leads on 1 check, AIAU on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMedscape Education · 8.8/10
- Free planonly Medscape Education
Medscape Education scores higher on our rubric for continuing education platforms: 8.8 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
Medscape Education offers free plan; AIAU doesn't.
Medscape Education is the better fit for healthcare professionals seeking free CME/CE. AIAU is the better fit for architects who want CE courses with credit tracking.
- Medscape Education fits best
Healthcare professionals seeking free CME/CE
- AIAU fits best
Architects who want CE courses with credit tracking
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Side by side
| Feature | Medscape Education 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | AIAU 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #3 in Continuing Education Platforms | #7 in Continuing Education Platforms |
| Best for | Healthcare professionals seeking free CME/CE | Architects who want CE courses with credit tracking |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $149/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Phone |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Medscape Education 2/4 · AIAU 2/4 | ||
| Accredited courses | ✓ | ✓ |
| Credit tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| License tracking | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Employer reporting | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Course formats | Clinical News Briefs; Patient Simulations; Clinical Cases; Expert Commentary Videos; Conference Coverage | live; on-demand; self-paced |
| Supported professions | Physicians; nurses; pharmacists; other healthcare professionals | architects; design professionals; AEC industry |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Medscape Education is an online continuing professional-development service for physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. It offers thousands of free CME/CE courses across more than 30 specialty-focused sites,… 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
Medscape Education — where it wins
- Thousands of free CME/CE courses across 30+ specialty-focused sites
- Activity Tracker organizes credit history and certificates
- Eligible activities offer ABIM Maintenance of Certification points
Where it doesn't
- Online tests require learners to meet passing scores
- Some activities are non-credit, so learners must check activity details
- Focused on healthcare continuing education rather than general training
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
- Medscape Education8.8/10 · Free plan
Free CME/CE with specialty-focused courses, credit tracking and certificates.
Visit MedscapeFull verdict → - AIAU8.4/10 · Paid
AIAU combines live and on-demand CE courses with credit recording and AXP tracking.
Visit AIAUFull verdict →
Medscape Education vs AIAU: questions
Which is better for continuing education platforms, Medscape Education or AIAU?
Medscape Education scores higher on our rubric for continuing education platforms: 8.8 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
How do Medscape Education and AIAU compare?
Of the 3 checks we put side by side, Medscape Education leads on 1, AIAU on none, and 2 are level. Free plan only on Medscape Education.
Do Medscape Education and AIAU have a free plan?
Medscape Education: Yes. AIAU: No.
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All continuing education platforms comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update