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How to become a licensed architect in Michigan. NAAB-accredited degree required. AXP: 3,740 hours. ARE 5.0 exam required. Total initial fees: $1,543. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Architect
Required
NAAB Degree
Yes
AXP Required
3,740 hrs
AXP Hours
6 divisions
ARE Divisions
24 hrs
CE Hours
$1,543
Total Initial Fees
Education & Degree Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Professional degree from NAAB-accredited program
NAAB Accredited
Required
Accepted Degrees
Minimum Education
NAAB-accredited professional degree in architecture
Accepted Alternatives
Most states require a professional degree from an NAAB-accredited program (B.Arch or M.Arch). Some states offer alternative paths for candidates with non-accredited degrees combined with additional experience.
Browse approved architect training programs to find the right fit.
Browse Architect study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Architectural Experience Program
VerifiedRequired
AXP Required
3,740 hrs
AXP Hours
Supervision
Under a licensed architect; some hours may be earned under other qualified professionals
AXP Experience Areas
The Architectural Experience Program (AXP) requires 3,740 hours of experience across six practice areas. Experience must be gained under the supervision of a licensed architect and reported through NCARB.
Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
VerifiedRequired
ARE Exam
ARE 5.0
Version
6
Divisions
$1,410
Total Exam Fee
ARE 5.0 Divisions
Practice Management
Project Management
Programming and Analysis
Project Planning and Design
Project Development and Documentation
Construction and Evaluation
Passing Score
Pass/Fail; scaled score determined by NCARB
Format
Computer-based testing at Prometric centers; year-round scheduling
Fee per Division
$235
Study guides and practice problems for the ARE licensing exam.
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Seal/Stamp Requirements
VerifiedProfessional Seal/Stamp Required
Seal Type
Rubber stamp, embosser, or digital seal with license number and signature
Details
All architectural drawings, specifications, and documents prepared by or under the supervision of the licensee must bear the architect's seal, signature, and date.
Licensed architects are typically required to affix their professional seal or stamp to all architectural documents, construction drawings, and specifications they prepare. Digital seals may be accepted in some states.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $55 |
ARE Total Fee 6 divisions at $235 each, paid to NCARB | $1,410 |
License Fee | $78 |
Renewal Fee | $78 |
NCARB Certification Fee NCARB Record annual renewal (effective Aug 1, 2024). Certificate holders pay $293/year. | $103 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, all 6 ARE divisions, and initial license fee | $1,543 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$1,628
Study guides & supplies
Architect Registration Exam Prep
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$1,628
Average Architect salary in Michigan: $82,170/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 8 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
Renewal & CE/HSW Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
16 hrs
HSW Hours
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$78
Regulatory Board
Architect licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours, with a portion dedicated to Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) topics as required by AIA and NCARB standards.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our architect license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NCARB Certification
Accepted for Reciprocity
Reciprocity Type
NCARB certification
Transfer Details
Michigan accepts NCARB certification for reciprocal licensure. Architects holding an active NCARB Certificate may apply for licensure by reciprocity.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Architect license reciprocity is primarily facilitated through NCARB certification. Architects holding an NCARB Certificate can typically obtain licensure in other jurisdictions through an expedited process.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Michigan has moderate fees and standard NCARB requirements.
Michigan requires a NAAB-accredited professional degree for architecture licensure.
AXP requires 3740 hours of documented experience across 6 experience areas.
ARE 5.0 consists of 6 divisions, each costing $235 at Prometric testing centers.
24 CE hours required per 2 years renewal period, with 16 hours in HSW.
Michigan accepts NCARB certification for reciprocal licensure.
Architect requirements in nearby states
Michigan ranks #7 out of 51 for lowest architect licensing fees ($1,543). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
Architect Schools in Michigan
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#42 of 51
Cost
#7 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval (SOC 17-1011)
Entry Level
$68,010
25th percentile
Median
$82,170
-15% vs. national avg ($96,690)Experienced
$103,900
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,940 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Architects, Except Landscape and Naval (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.9%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+4,800
over 10 years
Annual Openings
7,800
per year (avg.)
123,600 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
ARE 5.0 (Architect Registration Examination) — 2024National rate
55%
Overall Pass Rate
55% overall across all 6 divisions, all candidates including repeats. Individual divisions range from ~45-65%.
Source: NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) (2024)
Pass rates are approximate national averages and may vary by state, exam provider, and candidate preparation.
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 400–470 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Michigan Board of Architects — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Michigan Board of Architects — Licensing Requirements
Accessed 2026-03-21
Accessed 2026-03-21
Accessed 2026-03-21
Accessed 2026-03-21
Moving to Michigan? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Architect license to Michigan →
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Michigan requires the ARE 5.0 exam for licensed architects. 3,740 hours of AXP experience is required. All licensing is managed through the Michigan Board of Architects.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.