How to get your license: Architect by reciprocity

Requirements

To qualify for reciprocity, you must:

• 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).
• Show that your qualifications and experience are equivalent to those required under RCW 18.08.350.
• 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 that division of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
• Pass and submit the law review exam to show you understand Washington state laws and rules.

How to apply if you have an NCARB council record

1. Have NCARB transmit your council record to us.
2. Complete, sign, and date an Architect Law Review Exam. You must score 100% to pass the exam, which covers:
   • RCW 18.08
   • RCW 18.235
   • WAC 308-12
3. Submit your application:
   • Online
     • Log in or sign up to submit and pay the reciprocity application and 2-year license fees.
       • During this process, you will upload your completed Architect Law Review Exam (step 2 above).
   • By mail
     Please allow 7 – 10 business days, not including mailing time, to process your application.
     • Submit all of the following:
       • A completed Architect Registration Initial Application.
       • A completed, signed, and dated Architect Law Review Exam (step 2 above).
       • A check or money order, payable to the Department of Licensing, for the reciprocity application and 2-year license fees.

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

1. Complete, sign, and date an Architect Law Review. You must score 100% to pass this exam, which covers:
   • RCW 18.08
   • RCW 18.235
   • WAC 308-12
2. Request a current state certification AND a certification of written examination from the NCARB-recognized jurisdiction where you were originally registered, including verification that you successfully completed the ARE and seismic requirements. Have them sent to the address shown below.
   • If you've been licensed for at least 9 years, go to step 3.
   • If you've been licensed less than 9 years:
     1. Request an official college transcript indicating the degree you received and have it sent to the address shown below.
     2. Complete an Architect Applicant Employment and Experience Summary form for each work experience you are having verified. Have the work verifier complete their part and return the form to the address shown at the top of the form.
     3. Have proof you’ve completed the Architect Experience Program (AXP) or the Intern Development Program (IDP) sent directly to us. You can get this proof from:
        • NCARB: You must pay a fee to NCARB to release this information directly to us; or
        • The state where you got your initial license. The document must:
          • State that you completed the program,
          • Include how many hours and years you completed,
          • Include the state board seal, and
          • Be sent directly to us at the address shown below.
3. Submit your application, either online or by mail:
   • Online
     • Prepare any applicable documents for upload.
     • Log in or sign up to submit and pay your reciprocity application and 2-year license fees.
       • During this process, you will upload your completed Architect Law Review Exam.
   • By mail
     • Submit the following:
       • A completed Architect Registration Initial Application.
       • Completed Architect Law Review Exam (step 1 above)
       • A check or money order, payable to the Department of Licensing, for the application and 2-year license fees.
     • If you’ve been licensed less than 9 years, have proof you’ve completed your AXP or IDP sent directly to us. You can get this proof from:
       • NCARB: You must pay a fee to NCARB to release this information directly to us; or
       • The state where you got your initial license. The document must:
         • State that you completed the program,
         • Include how many hours and years you completed,
         • Include the state board seal, and
         • Be sent directly to us at the address shown below.

Mailing address for third party submissions:

Questions? Need help?

• Email us: architects@dol.wa.gov
• Call us: 360.664.1388