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In addition to completing AXP, you may need to report practical work experience completed under the direct supervision of a U.S. or Canadian-licensed architect.
Sometimes engineering work experience or experience under a licensed professional engineer is creditable. Please contact the board office for further details.
Possibly. The limitations of 10 weeks for full-time work and 6 months for part-time work still apply. For more information about credit for work experience, see WAC 308-12-025: What qualifications do I need to meet if I am not already licensed?
To get an application packet, download the online Architect Registration Initial Application.
You need to accumulate 24 professional development hours (PDH) over your 2-year renewal period. At least 16 PDF must address public health, safety, and welfare.
You'll be asked to submit your records and supporting materials. If the board determines you're missing hours, or some of your activities don't qualify, we may require you to make up the shortage.
Log in or sign up to change your name or address through our Professional and Business Licensing portal.
*For name changes, please include a copy of documentation.
Yes, completion of AXP (previously IDP) became mandatory on July 29, 2001. If you were accepted for exam registration before July 29, 2001, you may not be required to submit an AXP record if you have kept your application file active. If your application file shows no activity for 5 consecutive years, you'll have to reapply and will be held to the licensing requirements in effect at the time of reapplication (WAC 308-12-065).
No. If you have a NAAB-accredited degree, you only have to be enrolled in AXP to start taking the exams.
Yes, if you have a NAAB-accredited degree.
Yes, you're still required to complete all exams within 5 years of the date of your first passed exam.
Yes, you can complete the training requirements and apply for a Washington State license. However, you won't receive full AXP NCARB certification because of the lack of a degree. You also will need to sit for an oral exam before you can get a license.
You and your advisor should notify the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) immediately and follow their instructions to change your sponsor.
No.
The testing agency will send you exam scheduling information when they notify you in writing that your application is complete and you are eligible to take exams.
Examinations are administered across the United States. Testing locations in Washington are located in Puyallup, Mountlake Terrace, and Spokane.
Expect them approximately 4–7 weeks after you've taken your exam. Scores are posted in your MyNCARB account.
You may continue to take the exams until you pass. However, all exams must be passed within 5 years. This 5-year time limit begins the month you pass the first division of the exam. On a rolling-clock basis, you'll be required to retake any sections of the exam you passed more than 5 years ago, along with any sections not yet passed.
You can retake a failed ARE division as soon as 60 days after your previous test date. Keep in mind that you can only take the same division 3 times within any year-long period.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) launched a new version of the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) in November 2016. The last ARE 4.0 was administered in June 2018. If you have passed exams in version 4.0, you can determine the version 5.0 exams you still need at arecalc.ncarb.org (ncarb.org).
If you have testing accommodations that include extra breaks or extended time, contact the NCARB's customer relations team at ncarb.org.
More information about the ARE can be found at www.ncarb.org/pass-the-are (ncarb.org)
Yes, you may receive a certificate of registration if you're a registered architect in another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or another country. However, you must strictly meet Washington's licensing requirements.
Washington allows reciprocity through 4 different paths:
The requirements vary for each path. For specific information, see How to get your license: By reciprocity.
Washington law and rule uses "architect of record" in conjunction with stamping and sealing for a specific project submitted to authorities having jurisdiction. "Designated architect" identifies licensed architects who have been authorized by their business entity to sign and seal its technical submissions. Building officials most commonly use "architect of record" on building permits to identify the firm and/or individual who stamped and sealed.
Our law doesn't, nor does it intend to, instruct building officials, architects, or the media regarding identification of architects and use of titles. The following titles, and other variations, are often used synonymously within the architect profession to identify participation on architectural teams, in joint ventures, or in supporting roles for a specific project:
No, a Certification of Authorization isn't required if your employer doesn't offer to practice architecture. This exception is applicable when:
However, the following 3 things are important to remember:
Yes. Any business entity, including a sole proprietorship, offering architecture services in Washington State must register with the board, regardless of its business structure.