How to get your license: Architects

By direct registration with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)

1. If you have an accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture from a university recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), work directly with NCARB during IDP training and completion of the ARE. See NCARB direct registration for more information.
2. After you have completed your licensing requirements through NCARB, send us all of the following:
   • A completed Architect Registration Initial Application.
   • The appropriate fee.
   • A written summary of Washington State law and rules. The summary must:
     • Be written in sufficient detail to show a thorough understanding of the laws and rules (approximately 5–7 pages per law).
     • Not be a verbatim copy of the law.
     • Be typed and double-spaced, and include:
       • All sections and subsections of RCW 18.08.
       • All sections and subsections of RCW 18.235.
       • All sections and subsections of WAC 308‑12.
       • The title of each subsection of the laws and rules.
       • A signed, dated Law Summary Affidavit.
     The board will not accept summaries that don’t address all sections of the laws and rules. Footnotes aren’t required.

By exam

1. If you have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture from a university not recognized by the NAAB or are applying with work experience only, work with the Washington State Board for Architects during IDP training.
2. After you have completed IDP, send us all of the following:
   • A completed Architect Registration Initial Application.
   • The appropriate fee.
   • Transcripts and employment and experience summary forms.
3. When your application is complete, we will register you to take the Architect Registration Exams (ARE).
4. When you have passed the entire ARE and, if necessary, the oral exam, submit a written summary of Washington law and rules. The summary must:
   • Be written in sufficient detail to show a thorough understanding of the laws and rules (approximately 5–7 pages per law).
   • Not be a verbatim copy of the law.
   • Be typed and double-spaced, and include:
     • All sections and subsections of RCW 18.08.
     • All sections and subsections of RCW 18.235.
     • All sections and subsections of WAC 308-12.
     • The title of each subsection of the laws and rules.
     • A signed, dated Law Summary Affidavit.
   The board will not accept summaries that don’t address all sections of the laws and rules. Footnotes aren’t required.

By reciprocity

Applicants with NCARB council records

Submit all of the following:

• Architect Registration Initial Application.
• The appropriate reciprocity fee.
• The initial 2-year registration fee.
• A written summary of Washington law and rules. The summary must:
  • Be written in sufficient detail to show a thorough understanding of the laws and rules (approximately 5–7 pages per law).
  • Not be a verbatim copy of the law.
  • Be typed and double-spaced, and include:
    • All sections and subsections of RCW 18.08.
    • All sections and subsections of RCW 18.235.
    • All sections and subsections of WAC 308-12.
    • The title of each subsection of the laws and rules.
    • A signed, dated Law Summary Affidavit.
  The board will not accept summaries that don’t address all sections of the laws and rules. Footnotes aren’t required.

Applicants without NCARB council records

1. Submit all of the following:
   • A completed Architect Registration Initial Application.
   • The appropriate reciprocity fee.
   • The initial 2-year registration fee.
   • A current state certification and certification of written examination from the jurisdiction where you were originally registered, including verification that you completed seismic requirements.
   • Documentation, on the form provided by the board staff, of at least 3 years of practical work experience.
   • An official college transcript indicating the degree you received.
   • A written summary of Washington law and rules. The summary must:
     • Be written in sufficient detail to show a thorough understanding of the laws and rules (approximately 5–7 pages per law).
     • Not be a verbatim copy of the law.
     • Be typed and double-spaced, and include:
       • All sections and subsections of RCW 18.08.
       • All sections and subsections of RCW 18.235.
       • All sections and subsections of WAC 308-12.
       • The title of each subsection of the laws and rules.
       • A signed, dated Law Summary Affidavit.
     The board will not accept summaries that don’t address all sections of the laws and rules. Footnotes aren’t required.
2. Complete an oral examination.