Why get licensed as an architect?

• Call yourself an Architect – you can’t do this without a license
• Earn a professional credential that is internationally recognized
• Be eligible for salary raises and promotions in architecture firms
• Run your own architecture firm
• Join the community of licensed architects, help make the profession reflect the community we live in, and promote diversity!

How do I become licensed?

Before you can call yourself an architect, you’ll need to earn a license in the state you live in. Each of the U.S. licensing boards sets their own requirements for licensure in their jurisdiction, but they all include three core components. You can begin the experience portion while in school and get started early. There are also multiple paths to licensure for international students.

• Education (in CA, B.Arch, M.Arch, or BA in Architecture)
• Experience (in CA, begin anytime after high school graduation)
• Examination (in CA, after the education requirement is completed unless you are in the IPAL program)

Where do I start?

NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) is the non-profit organization that coordinates with 55 US states and territories to manage the licensure process. Each jurisdiction establishes its own licensure requirements and NCARB facilitates the process. Please start by visiting the NCARB websites at these links:

• Architectural Experience Program Guidelines Handbook AXP Guidelines
• https://www.ncarb.org/get-licensed/licensure-basics
• https://www.ncarb.org/become-architect/basics
• Make sure you look at the requirements for the jurisdiction you are in! https://www.ncarb.org/get-licensed/licensing-requirements-tool

Create an NCARB record

• Go to https://www.ncarb.org/
• Click “Start NCARB Record” then “Establish Record”
• Create and verify the account
• Cost is $100 initial fee for a new record, $85 per year renewal

Where can I find information on California’s architect licensure requirements?

The California Architect’s Board website explains how to become an Architect in California. https://www.cab.ca.gov/cand/index.shtml

How long does it take  to become a licensed architect?

See who’s getting licensed and how long it takes on average. NCARB publishes data on licensure candidates on their website NCARB by the Numbers

How can I get information on licensure paths at the School of Architecture?

• Attend the Licensing Presentation offered each year: View video recording and slides Architecture Licensing Presentation 2024
• Reach out to the Licensing Advisor Sameena Sitabkhan at ssitabkhan@academyart.edu
• Take required course: LA 485 Tell Your Story
• Take required course for B.Arch students: ARH 475 Professional Practices
• Participate in student organizations: NOMAS (National Organization of Minority Architecture Students) and AIAS (American Institute of Architect Students)

What are the do’s and don’t’s regarding how I present myself professionally?

• Do not use the term “Architectural” to describe your skills or specialties – including but not limited to terms like “Architectural Designer”
• Do not indicate that you specialize in “architecture”, or you produce, or are capable of producing, “architectural drawings” or other types of work that could be construed as building documentation or construction drawings
• Do use the term “Designer” to describe your skills
• Do state that you are attending or have graduated from architecture school (if this is the case)
• Do state that you work for an architectural office (if this is the case)
• See article on Architect called “Unlicensed? Don’t Call Yourself an ‘Architectural Designer’ or ‘Design Professional’” https://archinect.com/news/article/150171751/unlicensed-don-t-call-yourself-an-architectural-designer-or-design-professional