How Cardinal Training Works
Get started, learn in the format that fits your day, and let us handle the paperwork. We report credits to AIA CES automatically and issue certificates you can file with your state board. Every course is free.
Four steps from signup to certificate
Create Your Free Account
Set up your account in minutes. If you have an AIA member number, add it (it's optional) so your completions land in the right place.
Learn at Your Pace
Stream On Demand courses on any device. Progress saves automatically, so you can stop and pick up where you left off.
Prove Mastery Quickly
Pass a short test with unlimited retakes. Detailed feedback shows you exactly where to focus.
Receive Certificates & Reporting
Download your certificate instantly. AIA members: Cardinal reports your completion to AIA CES for you. Track everything from your dashboard.
AIA CES Provider #10121105
Every course is registered with the AIA Continuing Education System for Learning Units (LU), including Health, Safety & Welfare (LU|HSW). For AIA members, we report completions to AIA CES automatically.
How reporting works: add your AIA member number to your profile, complete a course, and pass its test. Cardinal submits the completion to AIA CES on your behalf, and your certificate is your record of it. If you complete a course without a member number on file, you receive the same certificate and can submit it to your state licensing board yourself.
How On Demand Courses Work
What to Expect
Ideal for: Visual demonstrations, case studies, and self-paced learning
Course length matches the credit awarded: 1 LU is one hour of instruction, and every course lists its LU value in the catalog
Includes: Chapter markers, a short test, and an instant certificate. Captions are available on many videos.
Learn anytime, anywhere with automatic progress tracking
Mobile App
Learn on the go
Start a course at your desk and finish it in the field. Download course videos in the Cardinal Training app to watch without a signal; your progress syncs with the web the next time you connect.
Mobile app coming soon to the App Store and Google Play.
Credit Types Explained
LU|Elective
Learning Unit | Elective
Credits covering the core practice of architecture, outside health, safety, and welfare topics.
In plain terms: elective credits count toward your total LU requirement, but not toward any HSW minimum your state board sets.
LU|HSW
Learning Unit | Health, Safety, Welfare
Credits covering content that protects public health and occupant well-being. Every LU|HSW also counts toward your total LU requirement, and HSW courses are marked in the catalog.
In plain terms: HSW stands for Health, Safety, and Welfare. Many state boards require a share of your renewal credits to be HSW.
Top Questions
What if I don't pass the test on the first try?
Retake it as many times as you need at no cost. Each attempt shows you detailed feedback on what you missed.
When will I receive my certificate?
You get your certificate the moment you pass the test, and you can download it anytime from your dashboard.
For AIA members: do I need to report my own credits?
No. Cardinal reports your completion to AIA CES for you. Your certificate is available right away and serves as your record of completion. If you have a question about a submission, contact us and we will check its status.
Can I access courses on mobile devices?
Yes. On Demand courses stream on desktop, tablet, and phone, and your progress syncs across your devices.
Can I add my AIA number later?
Yes. You can start taking courses right away. Add your AIA number to your profile whenever you get it, and we'll report your completions to AIA CES from then on.
Ready to Map Out Your Continuing Education?
Create your free account and pick your first course. We'll handle the compliance paperwork.
