Architects Practice Across State Lines More Often Than You Might Think
While an architect is legally required to be licensed in any state where they stamp drawings for buildings to be constructed, many architects find over the course of their career that they need to be licensed in more than one state - because their practice follows clients across state lines, because they move to a new state, or because they pursue projects in neighboring states. The multi-state licensure process, while involving some administrative burden, is not as complex as obtaining your initial license - NCARB's reciprocity system and the NCARB Certificate are specifically designed to streamline the addition of state licenses once you are already licensed in one state.
Reciprocity Between States
Reciprocity is an agreement between two states to recognize each other's licensure requirements, allowing an architect licensed in one state to obtain a license in the other state without retaking the ARE. Most U.S. states participate in broad reciprocity arrangements under NCARB's framework. The specific requirements for reciprocity vary: many states grant reciprocity to any architect who holds an NCARB Certificate (see below) almost automatically, often requiring only an application, fees, and compliance with any state-specific supplemental requirements (such as a jurisprudence exam covering the state's specific laws and regulations).
The NCARB Certificate
The NCARB Certificate is a credential granted by NCARB to architects who meet a defined standard of education, experience, and examination. To obtain the NCARB Certificate, an architect must have: a NAAB-accredited degree; completed the AXP; passed all six ARE divisions; and obtained an initial state license. Once these are all on file in the NCARB record, the architect applies for NCARB Certificate issuance. The Certificate is a portable credential - it is recognized by virtually every U.S. state and territory as meeting their licensure standards, which means applying for reciprocity with an NCARB Certificate is a streamlined process in most jurisdictions.
The Reciprocity Application Process
Once you hold an NCARB Certificate, obtaining licensure in a new state typically involves: submitting the state's reciprocity application form and paying the application fee; authorizing NCARB to transmit your Certificate to the state board; completing any state-specific supplemental requirements (jurisprudence exam, disclosure questions about disciplinary history); and waiting for the state board to process and issue the license. Processing times range from a few weeks to several months depending on the state's administrative capacity. Most states use an online application system that connects to NCARB's record, making document transmission straightforward.
Temporary Practice Permits
Some states allow architects from other states to apply for a temporary practice permit to provide architecture services on a specific project in the state before full licensure is obtained. This allows firms to take on projects in states where the principal architect is not yet licensed, as long as a temporary permit application is in process. Temporary permits are typically issued for a specific project and expire when the project is complete or when full licensure is obtained, whichever comes first. This is not a substitute for full licensure - it is a short-term arrangement to allow professional work to proceed while the licensing process is underway.
Key Reciprocity Points
- NCARB Certificate: portable credential earned after degree + AXP + ARE + initial state license; streamlines multi-state licensure.
- Reciprocity: most states recognize NCARB Certificate for expedited licensure without retaking the ARE.
- Some states have supplemental requirements (jurisprudence exam, disclosure forms) even with reciprocity.
- Temporary practice permits available in some states for project-specific work while full licensure is pending.
- Obtain your NCARB Certificate as soon as you receive your first state license - it costs very little additional effort and makes future multi-state practice much easier.
Start Studying on AREprep
AREprep covers all six ARE 5.0 divisions with flashcards and practice exams built around the actual NCARB exam guides - so every hour you study is targeted at what the exam actually tests.