If you’re wondering how to become a licensed architect, the process will vary considerably depending on where you live in the U.S.
Continue reading to learn the architect license requirements by state so you can start the process well-informed about what you need to do. We’ve also included details about architect business insurance that can protect your business from risks once you’re up and running.
Jump ahead:
If you want to become an architect, you have to start with education and licensure. To earn a new architect license in most states, you must generally complete the following standard licensing requirements as set by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB):
NCARB requires an degree from a bachelor’s or master’s degree program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
A comparable degree or additional experience may be accepted to fulfill the education requirement, depending on the state. Many states will also accept an architecture degree from a Canadian university certified by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). They may also accept Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA).
In addition to education, NCARB requires experience in the field through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) for general architects, which requires 3,740 hours of experience under the guidance of a licensed professional in the field.
The AXP was formerly called the Intern Development Program (IDP). NCARB’s board of directors renamed it in 2016
You must also pass the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) for general architects as per NCARB. The ARE has various divisions that test you in health, welfare and safety (HWS). It costs $1,410.
Note: To keep your license active, most states require architects to earn continuing education hours (CEH) in HWS topics every year.
You will also need to submit an application and pay the required fees according to the laws of your state.
Select states also require special classes or exams that focus on location-dependent challenges for practicing architects in that state, such as arctic engineering training in Alaska.
If you plan to apply for licensure in multiple states, the NCARB certificate gives you the flexibility to apply for licensure more easily through reciprocity. It promotes standards between the boards in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions and is part of many states’ licensure process. It can even help you get licensed in Mexico, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
The list is in alphabetical order. Find your state below to learn how to get your architecture license.
The Alabama Board of Architects processes the state’s architect registrations. For initial registration, the board requires:
You need to provide an NCARB certificate for reciprocal registration and pay a fee of $150. Applicants must also provide a citizenship affidavit and accompanying documents.
Licenses expire on December 31 each year and pay a $135 renewal fee. Architects must complete 12 CEH every calendar year to complete renewal.
The Alaska State Board of Registration For Architects, Engineers, And Land Surveyors (AELS) regulates licenses. For initial registration, the board requires:
While there an NCARB certificate isn’t required for reciprocal registration, applicants must meet other education and experience requirements, and complete the jurisprudence questionnaire and cold region course. The reciprocal registration fee is also $300.
All architectural registrations lapse on December 31 of odd-numbered years. For registrations first issued on or before December 31, the renewal fee is $100; registrations issued on or after January 1 are $50. Architects must complete 24 CEH for renewal, reported every two years.
Arizona’s State Board of Technical Registration requires architect licensure candidates to:
Arizona doesn’t require a degree from an NAAB-accredited program. Alternatively, the board accepts 60 months of experience instead of education to qualify for the ARE, and 96 months of experience to qualify for initial registration with no higher education. Candidates with a four-year non-NAAB architecture degree must add 48 months of experience to register.
The board will also accept architecture degrees certified by the CACB and EESA Evaluations.
An NCARB certificate isn’t required for reciprocal registration. However, applicants must meet the 96-month education/experience requirement. Additional evidence of experience may be required. The reciprocal registration fee is also $325.
Architect registration is valid for three years from the date of issuance. There is no CE requirement to renew and a $225 registration renewal fee.
The Arkansas Board of Architects, Landscape Architects & Interior Designers requires:
You need to provide an NCARB certificate for reciprocal registration and pay a fee of $250.
Architects must renew their licenses annually by July 31 and complete 12 CEH of continuing education. Renewal fees are $100.
The California Architects Board considers three distinct components of an individual’s architectural development: education, experience, and examination. A candidate can get an architecture license if they can show that they have fulfilled the following requirements:
While an NCARB certificate isn’t required for reciprocal registration, applicants must fill out a jurisprudence-specific application and complete the CSE. They must also fulfill other education and experience requirements. The reciprocal registration fee is also $35.
California architect licenses need renewal every two years and expire at midnight on the final day of the licensee’s birth month in odd-numbered years. The cost to renew your license is $400. Architects must complete and report five CEH between renewals.
The State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors oversees licensure. For initial registration, the board requires applicants:
Colorado doesn’t require a degree from an NAAB-accredited program. As an alternative, applicants with a pre-professional or four-year architecture degree must demonstrate 7,540 hours of experience. Applicants with other bachelor’s and associate’s degrees must document 11,300 to 15,060 hours, depending on the degree. Applicants with a high school education must show 18,800 hours.
The board will also accept architecture degrees certified by the CACB and EESA Evaluations.
An NCARB certificate isn’t required for reciprocal registration. However, applicants must meet the experience requirements. For example, the board might accept five years of licensed practice with attestation of meeting the intent of the AXP as an alternative. The reciprocal registration fee is also $100.
Architect licenses expire on October 31 every two years. Licensees must complete 12 CEH to renew. The board evaluates and sets renewal fees based on actual operating expenditures.
Connecticut’s Architectural Licensing Board requires:
You need to provide an NCARB certificate for reciprocal registration and pay a fee of $100.
Licenses are renewable annually and expire on July 31st. Each renewal must be accompanied by proof of 12 CEH and a non-refundable renewal fee of $190.
Candidates can apply with the Board of Architects. They require the following for initial registration:
If you already have an NCARB certificate, you can apply for your license via reciprocity without taking the exam. However, a certificate is not required. Architects without the AXP must register directly, show documentation of three years of licensing, and present five years of architecture work experience.
Delaware architect licenses expire on Jan. 31 of even years. Architects must pay a renewal fee and submit proof of completion of continuing education requirements. These include either:
Florida’s requirements are standard making it easy to get your license. The Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design requires:
If you are coming from another state and have a certificate or license there, you can apply for a certified endorsement in Florida, which will enable you to work in the state. Generally, applicants must:
Architects need to renew active licenses by February 28 of every odd-numbered year. Renewal applications require a fee and 24 CEH, of which architects must complete two hours in the Florida Building Code category. The renewal fee is $125.
The Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers requires architects to have a:
If you have a certificate from the NCARB, you can apply without re-taking the exam. The board reviews reciprocal applications every two months. It costs $55 to apply.
Architects must renew registrations before June 30th of odd-numbered years. They must complete 24 CEH (16 CEH must be HSW topics) between renewals, and pay a renewal fee of $90.
There are various paths to licensure in Hawaii. The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors & Landscape Architects issues licenses in Hawaii. To become a licensed architect in Hawaii, you must:
Education minimums include:
If you have a license in another state or a certificate from the NCARB, you can apply for your license via endorsement without re-taking the exam but must meet the board’s education, experience and exam requirements. The endorsement fee is $150.
Licenses expire on April 30 of each even-numbered year. You must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two years and pay a $204 fee.
The Board of Architects and Landscape Architects requires applicants to
While you don’t need a professional degree from an NAAB-accredited program to register, you must meet alternative requirements. Candidates must document eight years of experience and complete the AXP to satisfy requirements.
If you are licensed in another U.S. state, you may qualify for your license through endorsement if the qualifications in the other state are similar. The fee to apply is $50.
Idaho architect licenses are renewed annually by the licensee’s birth date, and licensees must complete 12 CEH each year. The renewal fee is $50.
The Illinois Architecture Licensing Board issues architect licenses within the state. To apply for a license in this state, you must have:
If you have a license in another state, you can apply via endorsement without taking the exam. While an NCARB certificate is not required, applicants must meet Illinois requirements at the time of their original licensure. If you were licensed after 1998, you must document AXP completion even if it was not required previously.
The exception is architects licensed before 1998, who are exempt. The board will accept five years of licensed practice with the attestation of meeting the intent of the AXP. All endorsement applicants must submit the affidavit. This application fee costs $100.
Licenses expire on November 30th of even-numbered years. Architects must complete 24 hours of CEH (16 hours on HSW topics) to be eligible for renewal. The fee is $60.
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency follows national standards for professional licensing requirements. Requirements include:
To apply without an NCARB record, you must complete the application, share transcripts, an architect training and experience report (IDP), verification of employment or reference and a certificate of licensure. The application fee is $520.
If you want to apply by reciprocity with an NCARB record, complete the application, pay a fee of $220, and request that your NCARB file be made available to Indiana. An NCARB certificate is not required for reciprocity, but you must meet the board’s educational and professional requirements.
Architect licenses expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years. Licensees must complete 24 CEH (16 hours on HSW topics) between renewal periods. The renewal fee is $120.
To earn your architect license in Iowa, the Architectural Examining Board requires:
If you are licensed in another state, you must have a certificate from the NCARB to apply via reciprocity. The application comes with a $200 fee.
Licenses for individuals with last names A-K renew by June 30 in even years, and licenses for people with last names L-Z renew by June 30 in odd years. Licensees must complete 24 hours of continuing education between renewal periods. Renewals cost $200.
The Kansas Board of Technical Professions requires
If you are licensed in another state, you can pay the $250 application fee and complete the application to apply via reciprocity. An NCARB certification is not required.
Architects must renew their licenses every two years on June 30. Individuals with last names A-L renew in even-numbered years; individuals with last names M-Z renew in odd-numbered years. All licensees must complete 30 CEH. The renewal fee is $70.
The Kentucky Board of Architects issues architecture licenses statewide. The board requires:
If you want to apply by reciprocity, you must have an active NCARB certificate. The application fee is $200, and a $125 licensure fee after the application is approved.
All licenses must be renewed annually by June 30, with proof of completing 12 hours of continuing education each year to remain eligible. The renewal fee is $125.
The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners follows the NCARB requirements for architect licenses. You’ll need a:
If you are licensed in another state and have a certificate from the NCARB, you will need to have your record transmitted to Louisiana. The board will review your record and, if approved, will grant your license. Registration costs $150 ($300 if out of state).
The licensure period for individual architects runs from January 1 through December 31 each year. Licensees must complete 12 hours of continuing education for renewal and pay a fee of $90 ($175 if out of state).
Maine’s Board of Licensure for Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers requires architects:
You can apply for the licensure without a degree from an NAAB-accredited program. As an alternative the board requires applicants with a four-year, pre-professional architecture degree to demonstrate nine years of experience. Applicants with other bachelor’s degrees or higher education must show 11 years of experience. High school graduates need only 13 years of experience.
While an NCARB certificate isn’t required for reciprocal registration, applicants must meet other education and experience requirements. The reciprocal registration fee is also $141.
Licenses expire annually on June 30 and cost $70 to renew. Maine does not have any continuing education requirements for architects.
The Maryland Board of Architects awards licenses in the state. They require applicants to
An architectural degree from a CACB-certified university is accepted, as is an EESA Evaluation.
Maryland architects aren’t required to have an NAAB-accredited degree to apply for licensure, but they must fulfill alternative requirements.
Applicants with a four-year, pre-professional degree in architecture must document four years of experience as an alternative to the education requirement. Applicants with a four-year design-related degree must document five years of experience. Applicants with any other bachelor’s degree or higher education must document six years of experience. Applicants with a high school education only must document 10 years of experience.
Licenses are renewed every two years, and licensees must complete 24 hours of continuing education during each renewal period to remain eligible. The renewal fee is $76.
To get licensed, Massachusetts’ Board of Registration of Architects requires applicants to have:
If you have a license in another state and have a certificate from the NCARB, you can apply without an exam via reciprocity. There is a $338 application fee for reciprocity.
Licenses are renewed annually and expire on August 31. License holders must complete 12 CEH, which must be HSW topics each year. The renewal fee is $125.
To get an architecture license in Michigan, you need to apply through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs – Board of Architects. They require:
While an NCARB certificate isn’t required for reciprocal registration, applicants must meet other education, exam and experience requirements. The reciprocal registration fee is also $100.
Licenses expire on October 31 every two years. To renew a license, architects must complete 24 hours of continuing education and pay a renewal fee of $70.
Applicants for an architecture license in Minnesota must have:
The Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design (AELSLAGID) does not require an NCARB certificate for reciprocity licensing. However, before being issued a license, candidates must meet the jurisdiction’s education, examination, and experience requirements.
Even if you have an NCARB certificate, reciprocity applicants must meet Minnesota’s statutes and rules in effect at the time of original licensure. There is a reciprocity fee of $75 and a licensure fee of $120.
Licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years. Licensees must complete 24 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period, of which two hours must be in professional ethics. There is a $120 fee for renewals.
According to The Mississippi State Board of Architecture, the license requirements follow those set by the NCARB. You must have:
For those who have already gained licensure out of state, you can transmit your NCARB credential to Mississippi to apply for direct licensure. The reciprocity fee is $275 for residents and $450 for non-residents.
Licenses are up for renewal on November 30 every odd year. Licensees must complete 12 hours of continuing education in each calendar year (24 hours in each renewal period). The renewal fee is $275 for residents and $350 for non-residents.
Missouri’s Board For Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors and Professional Landscape Architects follows the NCARB’s criteria for architect licensure. You must have:
An NCARB certificate is required for a reciprocal license. If you do not have an NCARB certification but have been licensed for at least one year in another state with no disciplinary action, complaints, or investigation and meet the educational requirements in that state, you may also apply. The reciprocity license fee is $200.
Architects must renew their licenses by December 31 every two years. Licensees must complete 24 CEH (16 hours must be HSW topics) in each renewal period. There is a $35 renewal fee.
The Montana Board of Architects and Landscape Architects requires:
An NCARB certificate is required for a reciprocal license. Applicants must also provide verification of the states they are licensed in. The reciprocity license fee is $180.
Renewals occur annually by June 30. Applicants must complete 12 CEH in HSW each year. You must pay a renewal fee of $55.
To earn your architect license in Nebraska, you’ll need to submit an application to the Board of Engineers and Architects. They require:
You don’t need an NCARB certificate for a comity (reciprocal) license. However, you must have 15 years of experience to be accepted for reciprocal registration. Applicants must also complete the open book exam on professional practice in Nebraska. The reciprocity fee is $150.
You must renew by December 31 every two years. Licensees with last names A-K renew in odd years, and L-Z renew in even years. Nebraska requires 24 hours of continuing education, of which one hour must be related to ethics. The renewal fee is $80.
The Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design (NSBAIDRD) requires architectural applicants to be at least 21 years of age to receive a license. Aspiring architects can meet the other licensing requirements, including:
Additionally, applicants must be sworn in as a final step in registration.
You will need an NCARB certificate for reciprocity. Applicants must complete the open-book jurisdiction examination on Nevada laws and regulations. The reciprocity fee is $300.
Licenses must be renewed each year by December 31. Architects must complete eight CEH annually, of which two hours must be in code-related learning opportunities. The annual registration fee is $180.
The New Hampshire Board of Architects requires architect applicants to:
A degree from an NAAB-accredited program is not required, but candidates must meet educational and experience requirements:
An NCARB certificate is not required to apply for reciprocity. Applicants must meet the educational and experience requirements listed above. The application fee is $155
Licenses must be renewed every two years by the last day of the licensee’s birth month. License holders must complete 12 CEH annually (24 hours per renewal period). The renewal fee is $155.
New Jersey’s architect licensure is a little more robust than other states. The New Jersey State Board of Architects requires the following:
You don’t need an NCARB certificate to apply for reciprocity. However, applicants must meet the board’s educational and experience requirements. The jurisdiction will accept five years of licensed practice with attestation of meeting the intent of the AXP as an alternative.
Licenses expire on July 31 in odd-numbered years. Licensed architects must complete 24 CEH every two years, which includes 16 hours in HSW. The renewal fee is $160.
The New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects requires applicants to have:
You must have an NCARB certificate to apply for reciprocity. Additionally, applicants must take the open-book exam on New Mexico Architectural Act, Rules and Regulations. All reciprocity applicants pay the $125 application fee, plus a registration fee of $225 for residents and $325 for out-of-state applicants.
Registrants must renew their licenses by December 31 every two years. License holders must complete 12 hours of continuing education per calendar year or 24 hours per renewal period. The renewal registration fee is $225 for residents and $325 for out-of-state applicants.
To become a licensed architect in New York, you must be 21 years or older when you apply for the exam. There are many paths to licensure; at minimum, NY’s State Board for Architecture requires applicants to:
While a degree from an NAAB-accredited program is not required, applicants must fulfill New York’s educational and experience requirements.
New York performs its own evaluation of foreign-educated candidates through its Bureau of Comparative Education. While it accepts CACB-certified degrees, it does not accept an EESA Evaluation.
An NCARB certification is not required for reciprocity, but applicants must meet New York’s licensure requirements. The registration fee is $377.
Renewal periods are every three years, by the last day of the month prior to the architect’s birth month. To renew, licensees must complete 36 hours of continuing education (24 of which must be HSW) every three years and pay the renewal fee of $287.
The North Carolina Board of Architecture and Registered Interior Designers oversees architect registration. You will need to meet all the following requirements:
For reciprocity applicants, you can request a transfer of your NCARD certificate for review and consideration of a new license. The Reciprocity application fee is $150.
Architect licenses must be renewed by June 30 yearly. Licensees must pay the renewal fee of $50 and submit proof of 12 CEH completed before the renewal.
Architects in North Dakota are licensed through the North Dakota State Board of Architecture. To qualify, you must submit the following:
Applications via reciprocity are available for those licensed out-of-state. You can apply for reciprocity with your NCARB certificate through the board’s licensing portal. There is a $150 application fee.
Architectural licenses are renewable by June 30 of odd years for a fee. The renewal fee is $125, and there are no continuing education requirements for architects in North Dakota.
To qualify for a new license in Ohio, architects must apply through the Ohio Architects Board. The board requires:
If you are licensed in another state and have a completed record from the NCARB, you can apply for licensure without re-taking the exam for a fee of $250.
License renewals are by December 31 on odd years. You must pay the renewal fee of $125 and submit proof of 12 CEH in HSW.
To get a new architect license in Oklahoma you must meet the requirements set by the Oklahoma Board of Architects. The requirements are:
Oklahoma does not require a degree from an NAAB-accredited program. At its own discretion, the Board may accept an architect who meets its equivalent requirements for schooling, experience, a valid license, and NCARB tests.
While an NCARB certificate is not required for reciprocity, you must meet the board’s education and experience requirements. You can apply for a reciprocal license by providing proof of your license and qualifications in another U.S. jurisdiction.
All reciprocity applicants are required to take and pass the open book exam on Oklahoma’s Law and Rules. There is a $100 application fee for reciprocal registration and a $325 licensing fee.
Once issued, licenses are renewable every two years and expire on June 30 on odd years. Candidates must complete 24 CEHs during each two-year renewal period. There is a $325 renewal fee.
If you want to get your architect license in Oregon, you’ll need to meet the requirements set by the Oregon State Board of Architect Examiners. These requirements include:
You can obtain reciprocity without an NCARB certificate. However, you must still fulfill the board’s experience and education standards (two years of licensed experience). By submitting documentation of your license and credentials from another U.S. jurisdiction, you can apply for a reciprocal license. The application fee is $75 plus a registration fee of $100.
Once issued, licenses must be renewed every two years and expire by December 31. Architects must complete 24 CEH within the prior renewal period and pay a renewal fee of $240.
You can apply for a new license directly through the online application portal for the Pennsylvania State Architects Licensure Board.
You don’t need to hold an NAAB-accredited degree to apply for a license. Candidates who do not hold a degree from an NAAB-accredited program must document educational transcripts and an additional six years of experience to be reviewed by the board.
All applicants must also provide a recent criminal history records check for any state where they resided within the previous five years. You can get this from the state police or other state agency that is an official repository for criminal history records.
Pennsylvania doesn’t require an NCARB certification to apply for reciprocity. If you do not have this, the board asks for your IDP information, or a cover letter explaining a lack of IDP. Reciprocity fees are $30 (NCARB certification) and $50 (no NCARB certification).
Licenses are renewed every two years by June 30 on odd years. Pennsylvania has no continuing education requirement, and the renewal fee is $100.
The Board of Examination and Registration of Architects issues licenses in Rhode Island. They require:
If you are licensed in another state, you can apply for a reciprocal license by transmitting your record from the NCARB. The reciprocity fee is $60.
Once issued, licenses are renewed every two years by December 31 on odd years. You must pay the renewal fee of $120 and submit proof of 12 hours of continuing education per calendar year. (24 hours total.)
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation requires all general architecture applicants to use the direct registration process through the NCARB to apply for a license. Here’s what’s required:
Licensed architects from other states can apply through reciprocity with an NCARB certificate. There is a reciprocal application fee of $90 and an initial licensure fee of $75.
Licenses are renewed every two years by June 30 on odd years. Renewers are expected to complete 24 CEHs during each two-year renewal period. The renewal fee is $100.
South Dakota’s Board of Technical Professions is the state’s licensing authority. Those applying for a new architect license are required to:
Those who are licensed in another state can apply with their certificate from the NCARB to expedite licensure. You can also apply without an NCARB record but must meet the board’s education and experience requirements. All applicants must take the codified laws and administrative rules of South Dakota exam. The reciprocity application costs $100.
Licenses are renewed every two years after the date of issuance. License holders are expected to complete 30 professional development hours OR 24 HSW hours every two-year renewal period.
If you want to become a licensed architect in Tennessee, you need to fulfill the requirements set by the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners. Requirements include:
Tennessee recognizes architectural degree programs accredited by the NAAB. Applicants who completed educational programs other than those may need additional experience. Minimum education requirements:
License holders must complete 12 hours of continuing education during their first two-year renewal period and 24 hours of continuing education for each subsequent renewal period.
Tennessee has comity registration, meaning applicants must meet the board’s minimum requirements to be considered for registration. They require an NCARB certificate, registration in another jurisdiction and other education, experience and examination requirements. The comity application fee is $55, plus a registration fee of $140.
Architects must renew their registrations every two years by the initial issuance month. The renewal fee costs $140. Architects must complete 12 CEH for the first renewal, with 7 hours in HSW. They must complete 24 CEHs for subsequent renewals, with 13 hours in HSW.
Architect license applicants must follow the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners’ guidelines to get licensed. Requirements include:
While an NCARB certificate isn’t required for reciprocal registration, applicants must meet other education and experience requirements. These include:
The reciprocal application fee is $150 plus a registration fee of $200.
Registrations must be renewed by the last day of the licensee’s birth month. They must complete 12 CEH and pay the renewal fee of $108 (residents) or $200 (non-residents)
The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing sets standards for general architects that match those set by the NCARB. To get a license, you’ll need:
Applicants are not required to have an NCARB certification to apply for reciprocal registration.
Renewals are processed in even years, and license holders must pay a renewal fee and complete 24 hours of continuing education during the renewal period. Applicants must meet the education and training requirements set by the board. The application fee is $121.
Licenses expire by May 31 every two years. To keep your license active, pay the $74 renewal fee and complete 12 CEH each year (24 CEH during the full renewal period).
To qualify for an architect license in Vermont, you’ll need to fulfill the Board of Architects’ requirements:
While candidates don’t need a professional degree from an NAAB-accredited program to register, they must meet alternative requirements. Vermont recognizes degrees from CACB-certified programs and the EESA Evaluation.
An NCARB certificate isn’t required for reciprocal registration. However, applicants must meet experience requirements and provide verification documents. The reciprocal registration fee is also $120.
Once issued, licenses are renewed by January 31 on odd years. Registrants must pay a renewal fee of $225 and complete 24 CEH during the two-year renewal period.
The Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects awards licenses in the state. Architect license requirements include:
Virginia does not require an NCARB certificate for comity registration. However, applicants must meet experience requirements and provide verification documents:
The comity registration fee is also $75.
Once issued, licenses are renewed every two years in the month they were issued.
Architects must complete 16 CEH and pay a renewal fee of $55 to maintain the license.
Washington’s State Board of Architects encourages general architect applicants to apply through the direct registration process with the NCARB. The board’s license requirements:
If you don’t have an NAAB-accredited architecture degree, there are still pathways to getting your license. For example, if you have a high school diploma or equivalent, you need at least eight years of practical architecture work experience, including completing the AXP.
While Washington does not require an NCARB certificate for reciprocal registration, applicants must meet experience requirements and provide verification documents. All reciprocity applicants must pass the Architect Law Review exam and score 100%. The reciprocity application costs $410.
Architects must renew their licenses by the licensee’s birth date every two years. They must complete 24 CEH (16 HSW topics) every two-year renewal. The renewal registration fee is $109.
The West Virginia Board of Architects sets license requirements that follow the standards set by the NCARB. Candidates must hold:
Licensing is also available via reciprocity in two ways:
Licenses are renewed annually by June 30, and architects must pay a renewal fee of $75. They must complete 12 CEH annually to maintain eligibility for renewal.
In Wisconsin, the Department of Safety and Professional Services issues architect licenses. License requirements include:
Wisconsin applicants for an architect’s license do not need an accredited degree. You can get your license via two pathways:
The board also accepts foreign education. All transcripts must be professionally translated into English.
Applicants can apply for reciprocity with an NCARB certificate. If they do not have one, they must have passed the ARE and have seven years of architectural experience. Candidates must pay the $55 application fee.
Once a license is issued, architects must renew it every two years by July 31. To remain eligible, license holders must complete 24 hours of continuing education (including 16 hours on HSW topics) during the renewal period. The renewal fee is $55.
Architects registering with the Wyoming State Board of Architects and Landscape Architects must apply for a new license by submitting the following:
Application via reciprocity is an option if you have a license in another state or an NCARB certificate. Reciprocity via NCARB transmittal costs $175. If you apply for reciprocity via state verification, you must have the jurisdiction you’re licensed to process your application form. It costs $300.
Licenses must be renewed every two years by December 31, based on license issuance. All architects must complete 12 CEH annually (24 hours per renewal period). The renewal fee is $125.
Ensure you’re well protected with tailored architect insurance coverage. You can learn more about the costs involved here.
NEXT Insurance helps protect your professional reputation and financial assets by providing you immediate coverage through our live certificates of insurance that can be accessed easily from your online account.
Find the right amount of business insurance coverage and secure your policy in minutes right from the convenience of your home.
Get started with a free online quote today.
This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice, and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.
Matt Crawford leads NEXT's content team. He's a small business insurance specialist and has worked with business owners throughout his career as a community journalist and content marketer.
You can find him at one of his many favorite local restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area when he's not at work.
