Licensure Basics

Questions?  Ask an Architect Licensing Advisor

To practice architecture in the United States, you must hold a license from the regulatory board in the jurisdiction where you want to practice. Each of the 55 U.S. states and territories, (also called jurisdictions), sets the requirements for licensure in that jurisdiction.
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​While there are many paths to architecture licensure in the U.S., all jurisdictions require three core components: education, experience, and examination.
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1. EDUCATION:  Earn an accredited degree in architecture (B. Arch, M. Arch. or D. Arch.) required by the jurisdiction you are looking to become initially (first) licensed in from an ​Architecture Education Program that has been confirmed as being accredited by National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB).
   
   
2. EXPERIENCE:  Gain the experience required by the jurisdiction you are looking to become licensed in, which may include completion of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP).
   
   
3. EXAMINATION:  Following the rules in the jurisdiction you are looking to become licensed in, take and pass the examination required by that jurisdiction, which may include passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
   
   
4. LICENSURE:  Apply for and obtain a license to practice architecture in the the jurisdiction you want to become licensed in.

Our local Architect Licensing Advisors are ready to help as you begin to navigate your path in the architecture profession.

Contact us by email:  

• ​Christine Olshan, Associate AIA
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• Nancy Payne
  Executive Director
  AIA Delaware​

Licensure Requirements Change!

BE SURE to regularly check with the Licensing Board of the jurisdiction were you wish to practice architecture to verify registration and practice requirements as you progress through the process of becoming licensed in that jurisdiction as they may change their rules, statutes and regulations at any time.