Loading...
Loading...
Architect
Total cost: $1,560 | Exam: Yes
Required
NAAB Degree
Yes
AXP Required
3 hrs
AXP Hours
6 divisions
ARE Divisions
24 hrs
CE Hours
$1,560
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 Architect study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Architectural Experience Program
VerifiedRequired
AXP Required
3 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
Overall licensing difficulty: 26/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Browse study guides
Architect Registration Exam Prep
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides and practice problems for the ARE licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 | $50 |
ARE Total Fee 6 divisions at $235 each, paid to NCARB | $1,410 |
License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
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 | $1,560 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE/HSW Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
16 hrs
HSW Hours
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$100
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
South Dakota 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 →
Compare South Dakota with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
South Dakota licenses architects through the Board of Technical Professions, which covers multiple disciplines. Low fees.
South Dakota 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.
South Dakota accepts NCARB certification for reciprocal licensure.
Architect requirements in nearby states
See how South Dakota compares: Architect License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare architect requirements across all states →
Architect licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure architect is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does South Dakota compare to other states for architect? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your architect license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
Architect Schools in South Dakota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to South Dakota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Architect license to South Dakota →
Transfer your Architect license from South Dakota to: Iowa → | Minnesota → | Montana → | Nebraska → | North Dakota → | Wyoming →
South Dakota requires the ARE 5.0 exam for licensed architects. 3 hours of AXP experience is required. All licensing is managed through the South Dakota Board of Technical Professions.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.