How to get your license: Architect by exam

Requirements

If you don't have an accredited architectural degree you can get your license with experience by exam.

To get your license, you must have:

A high school diploma or equivalent.
At least 9 years of practical architectural work experience.
- Including completing the Architectural Experience Program (AXP).
Passed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)

Submit your application and pay application fee.
Have education and experience verification sent to us.
Take and pass all divisions of the ARE.
- If you don't pass a division of the exam the first time, you can retest until you pass. However, after you pass your first division, you must pass all divisions of the exam within 5 years.
After successfully completing the ARE:
- Complete, sign, and date an Architect Law Review. You must score 100% to pass the exam, which covers:
After you pass your exam, pay the 2-year license fee.

Completed Architect Law Review Exam.
Professional architect experience verification.
- Architect Employment and Experience Summary form.
Official transcripts, if you want education applied toward experience.
NCARB AXP record.

Prepare your documents for upload:
- Electronic copy of your completed Architect Law Review.
Log in or sign up to apply and pay your application fee, and, after approval, your 2-year license fee.
Have any official transcripts, records, or experience verification sent to:
Washington State Board for Architects
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9012
Olympia, WA 98507-9012
Email: architects@dol.wa.gov (email must come directly from the school)

Please allow at least 7–10 business days to process your application.

Complete an Architect Registration Initial Application.
Complete an Architect Law Review Exam.
Complete applicant section of the Architect Applicant Employment and Experience Summary and send to verifiers.
Mail documents with a check or money order, payable to the Department of Licensing, for the application fee to:
Washington State Board for Architects
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3777
Olympia, WA 98507-3777
Email: architects@dol.wa.gov (email must come directly from the school)
Have any official transcripts or experience verification sent to:
Washington State Board for Architects
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9012
Olympia, WA 98507-9012
Email: architects@dol.wa.gov (email must come directly from the school)
Once we approve your application, mail us a check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for your 2-year license fee.