How to get your architect’s license by reciprocity

Requirements

To qualify for reciprocity, you must:

  1. Have a current architect license in good standing in another state, province, or recognized jurisdiction that is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
  2. Demonstrate that your qualifications and experience are equivalent to those required under RCW 18.08.350.
  3. Provide documentation that you’ve met the NCARB seismic exam requirements. If you can’t prove completion of seismic exam requirements, you may be required to complete Division LF (Lateral Forces) of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
  4. Submit a written summary of Washington State laws and rules, including a signed statement that it’s your own work.
  5. Complete an oral interview, if you don’t have an accredited degree or IDP. The board may waive this requirement for applicants with an NCARB “Blue Cover” certificate.

How to apply if you have an NCARB council record

  1. Have NCARB transmit your council record to us.
  2. Submit all of the following:
    • A completed Architect Registration Initial Application (sections 1, 3, and 5).
    • A check or money order, payable to the Department of Licensing, for the $325 fee ($250 for the reciprocity application fee and $75 for the initial 2-year registration fee).
    • A written summary of Washington State laws and rules. The summary must:
      • Be written in sufficient detail to show a thorough understanding of the laws and rules (approximately 20–30 pages total).
      • Not be a verbatim copy of the law.
      • Be typed and double-spaced, and include:
      Note: You don’t need to summarize redacted sections or subsections of the laws and rules. Footnotes aren’t required.

How to apply if you don’t have an NCARB council record

Submit all of the following:

  • A completed Architect Registration Initial Application.
  • A check or money order, payable to the Department of Licensing, for the $325 fee ($250 for the reciprocity application fee and $75 for the initial 2-year registration fee).
  • A current state certification and certification of written examination from the NCARB-recognized jurisdiction where you were originally registered, including verification that you completed seismic requirements (sent directly from the issuing jurisdiction).
  • 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 20–30 pages total).
    • Not be a verbatim copy of the law.
    • Be typed and double-spaced, and include:
    Note: You don’t need to summarize redacted sections or subsections of the laws and rules. Footnotes aren’t required.
  • If you’ve been licensed less than 9 years, you must also submit:
    • Documentation of your practical work experience (on the form provided by the board staff). See the Prerequisite Requirements for NCARB Examination to determine how much experience you need to report.
    • An official college transcript indicating the degree you received, sent directly from the issuing institution.
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