The process of becoming a licensed architect is a rigorous sequence of steps designed to ensure a professional possesses the necessary knowledge and experience to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Licensure grants the legal authority to practice architecture independently, including the ability to seal and submit construction documents for permitting. The path is structured around three major components: academic qualification, practical training, and a comprehensive examination.
Required Educational Path
The foundational requirement for architectural licensure is obtaining a professional degree from an academic program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This accreditation signifies that the curriculum meets a nationally recognized standard for preparing students for the profession. The three standard professional degrees that satisfy this requirement are the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), the Master of Architecture (M.Arch), and the Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch).
The B.Arch is typically a five-year undergraduate program. The M.Arch is a one-to-three-year graduate program, often pursued after a non-architectural undergraduate degree. For individuals with non-accredited degrees, alternative paths exist, usually involving documenting a greater amount of architectural experience. Some state boards allow a combination of a non-accredited degree and additional years of verified work experience to substitute for the formal NAAB education.
Completing the Architectural Experience Program (AXP)
The practical training component is formalized through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. The program requires candidates to document a total of 3,740 hours of experience across six distinct practice areas that align with the phases of a typical architectural project.
The six required experience areas are:
- Practice Management
- Project Management
- Programming & Analysis
- Project Planning & Design
- Project Development & Documentation
- Construction & Evaluation
At least 1,860 hours, half of the total, must be gained under the supervision of a licensed architect in the United States or Canada. The remaining hours can be obtained through alternative settings, but all experience must be documented and approved by a supervisor.
Passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
The final testing hurdle is the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), a multi-division assessment required by all U.S. jurisdictions for initial licensure. The current version, ARE 5.0, consists of six divisions that directly correspond to the AXP experience areas, linking practical training and tested knowledge.
The examination is administered on a computer-based platform at authorized testing centers and features a variety of question formats, including multiple-choice items and case studies. Candidates can take the six divisions in any order, tailoring their testing strategy to their experience. A time limit, referred to as a testing window, requires candidates to pass all divisions within a specified period from the date of their first passed division.
The Final Step: Applying to the State Board
Successfully completing the education, experience, and examination requirements culminates in applying for licensure with an individual state or territorial licensing board. There is no national architecture license; the authority to grant registration resides with the specific jurisdiction where the candidate intends to practice. The application process requires the candidate to submit their verified professional record, which is compiled and maintained through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
This record serves as the primary verification of the candidate’s education, AXP completion, and passing ARE scores. While most jurisdictions rely heavily on this standardized record, some may impose additional, jurisdiction-specific requirements. These can include a jurisprudence exam focused on state-specific laws and regulations, or a supplemental technical examination. Once all requirements are met and verified, the state board issues the license, granting the legal title and right to practice architecture.
Maintaining Your License Through Continuing Education
Obtaining the initial license is followed by the ongoing requirement to maintain professional competency through mandatory continuing education (CE). Licensing boards require architects to complete a minimum number of CE hours, typically on an annual or biennial cycle, to ensure their knowledge remains current. The primary focus of this education is on subjects that relate to the public’s Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW).
HSW topics cover subjects such as building codes, life safety, accessibility, environmental systems, and structural integrity. These educational units must be earned through structured activities, such as seminars, workshops, or approved online courses. Documentation of these hours is required for potential audit by the state licensing board during the license renewal process.
Understanding Practice Mobility and Reciprocity
For architects who seek to practice in multiple states, practice mobility and reciprocity are managed largely through the NCARB Certificate. This certificate confirms an architect has met the national standards for licensure, streamlining the process of obtaining a license in a secondary jurisdiction. Reciprocal licensure, also known as licensure by endorsement, is an agreement among U.S. jurisdictions to recognize licenses issued by other boards.
The NCARB Certificate facilitates this process by serving as a pre-verified package of the architect’s credentials—education, experience, and examination. This package can be transmitted directly to another state board for expedited review. All 55 U.S. licensing jurisdictions recognize the certificate, allowing architects to quickly gain authorization to practice across state lines.