Licensing your work is an important thing to do as an architect, artist or designer. There are many ways to achieve this, but one of the most popular routes is via your state’s department of art or design. Most states have their own licensing process that requires you to prove that you are indeed qualified to practice architecture, landscape architecture or interior design.

In some cases, it also requires you to be certified by an accredited program like The Architectural Association in Chicago, for example. If you already are an architect, then you are probably familiar with being licensed already!

But what if you aren’t? That’s not a problem! In fact, it can help you build up your portfolio and get noticed more quickly. Many universities and architectural organizations hold open calls every year where anyone may enter to show off their work and talk about why they love designing buildings.

Some even pay a small entry fee to participate (though these usually go towards covering conference fees for those attending the event to see your work.

If you're passionate about creating beautiful designs, this is an easy way to gain exposure while working on concepts and projects back at home.

Pay for the license

The licensing process for architects is in place to protect your business from unskilled or unethical practices. Licensed professionals are allowed to use the “Architect” title, which includes creating logos using arch style fonts and logos, advertising materials like flyers and brochures, and even doing initial research to determine if you need an architect license before offering professional services.

Most states require that you be licensed within one year of being offered professional service, so it’s important to start looking soon! Some state laws also require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree, so make sure to check out our article about how to become an architecture student for more tips on getting that career started.

Obtain a certificate of registration

The next step in getting your architecture license is to obtain a certificate of registration, also known as an ARCR. This is not done directly through CAS but instead requires you to go through one of their professional membership programs or via an individual program called Professional Registration Services (PRS).

Membership programs vary in price according to what level of architect you are and for how long you want to be registered, however most offer access to the services below. These include:

Access to member only websites such as portfolios and business pages

Access to educational resources and courses online and offline

Member discounts at venues and events

The option to earn up to two professional designations under either the RIBA Part A Architectural Certificate or CDIA Diploma

Some members benefits are additional credit towards continuing education, free legal consultations, etc.

Apply for your license

After you are ready to take the exam, you can apply at any of the state boards that offer it. Each board is different so make sure to do some research and find out which one is right for you!

Some states require you to be licensed in their jurisdiction as well. This is not the case for most architectural licenses but it is important to know before taking the test.

Most states have an online application process where you create an account, enter your information and then pick your certification level. Some let you choose whether you want to become certified or re-certified, while others only allow you to select either one or the other.

After you pay for your license, they send you an email telling you when you can expect to receive it.

Provide documentation

It is very important to have proof that you are legally able to work as an architect before you can be issued your license. This includes having a college degree or certification, plus you must prove that you completed enough courses to satisfy education requirements.

Most states require you to show at least one year of professional experience working as an architect in order to obtain your license. You can easily get this by putting in applications with local architectural firms or through networking. Many universities also offer licensure programs so check out those for additional tips!

Getting your architecture license does not happen overnight, but if you are willing to put in the effort then it will go much more smoothly. Keep in mind that most people who cannot find their licenses due to missing documents or lack of evidence are actually fined instead of given theirs.

Check your license periodically

It is important to make sure that you do not violate your architectural licensure by working without one! If you find out that you are, then it’s time to look for ways to get licensed again. Some schools may be willing to waive your exam if you can show proof of active practice as an architect for a certain amount of time.

Alternatively, you could always start your own firm and use that as your professional identity. Either way, stay in touch with other architects so that you don’t have to start from scratch when re-licensing.

Do not share your license with other contractors

It is important to note that you do not need to be licensed as an architect to practice architecture. However, if you want to call yourself that you will need to have your license verified!

There are many ways to get around this by practicing under another profession’s license. For example, you can say that you work for an engineering firm and use their licensure to prove it. You can also say that you work for an interior design company or house painting business and use their licenses to show yours.

In all three of these cases, make sure to never mention that you are actually an architect when people ask about your license.

It is best to be honest and tell them that you don’t have one since you aren’t technically “architectural” in nature.

Know your state and local government regulations

Before you can officially practice architecture, you need to know if you are allowed to do so in your area and have adequate licensing. Most states require that you be licensed as either an architect or professional land surveyor. Some also require that you be certified by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Most of these licenses can’t be used for internal use only, like using them for yourself or family members. They must be used for business purposes. Licenses vary in cost depending on how much coverage you want and how long you work with the license.

There are some professions out there that don’t require formal education or certification, but rather experience and proof of skill. For example, you wouldn’t need to prove that you graduated from college, but instead show that you worked under professionals and received great reviews.

Know your local building codes

The next step in how to get an architecture license is to know your state’s building code. Different states have different rules about who can practice architecture, what classes of buildings require licensing, and what education or experience are needed to be licensed.

Mostly you will need either a bachelor’s degree in art, design, or architecture or at least one year of relevant work experience under your belt. Licensing requirements vary by profession, but being able to draw pictures using proportions, colors, and shapes is a universal skill that almost every architect needs!

Architecture is more than just putting up pretty decorations, it is a creative field so having some artistic ability is important. Technically speaking, engineering degrees like those in applied physics or electrical engineering do not qualify for professional licensure as architects, however these fields requires extensive math skills which most engineers already have.

Business licenses such as those for selling tangible goods or practicing medicine also don’t require formal architectural training, but being familiar with the structure and regulations of real estate is always helpful.