Nearly all states require residents to complete Continuing Education hours. However, it specifies that they must spend a minimum amount of those hours on topics related to health, safety, and welfare (HSW). In addition, the AIA requires that each member complete 12 hours of HSW education annually. Therefore, to abide by the standards the AIA and the Architect CEU (Continuing Education Unit) set.

They have to be compliant with the HSW's official definition. In other words, courses need to address the structural stability of a building. Its effect on the health and well-being of the people living in the structure is to be accepted. Public welfare is meant to be preserved by compliance with the HSW criteria. As a result, courses may concentrate on architectural techniques that reduce the risk of injury or death. It also provides beneficial emotional and physical reactions and guarantees equitable access.