Architect License Requirements
All 50 States, Verified

The total cost to get an architect license ranges from $1,510 in Pennsylvania to $1,760 in California, with an average of $1,597. This includes application fees, the six-division Architect Registration Examination (ARE) at $235 per division, and initial licensing fees. The ARE exam alone costs $1,410 regardless of which state you're applying in.

All states require passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) (ARE) 5.0, which consists of six computer-based divisions administered at Prometric testing centers. The divisions are Practice Management, Project Management, Programming and Analysis, Project Planning and Design, Project Development and Documentation, and Construction and Evaluation. Each division costs $235 and uses a pass/fail scoring system determined by NCARB.

Continuing education requirements vary significantly by state, ranging from 5 to 36 hours per renewal period, with an average of 21 hours. 1 states have no continuing education requirement. Most states require a portion of CE hours to focus on Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) topics including building codes, accessibility compliance, and structural systems.

Yes, 0 states accept NCARB certification for reciprocal licensure, making license transfer relatively straightforward. To transfer your license, you must hold an active NCARB Certificate, submit a reciprocal license application with required fees, and provide evidence of current licensure in good standing. The NCARB certification system standardizes the reciprocity process across participating jurisdictions.

All states require a N/A from a NAAB-accredited architecture program, typically a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture or a Master of Architecture degree. Additionally, candidates must complete 3,740 hours of documented experience through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) across six practice areas including project management, design, and construction evaluation. Some states offer alternative paths for non-NAAB graduates with additional experience requirements.

The path to architect licensure typically takes 7-10 years after starting college, including 5-6 years for a professional architecture degree, 2-4 years to complete the required 3,740 hours of AXP experience, and additional time to pass all six ARE divisions. The actual licensing application process varies by state but generally takes several weeks to a few months once all requirements are completed and documentation is submitted.

51 jurisdictions require licensure to practice architecture and use the title "architect." The practice of architecture is regulated in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia to protect public health, safety, and welfare. While specific requirements vary by jurisdiction, all use similar standards based on NAAB-accredited education, AXP experience, and the ARE examination administered through NCARB.