Frequently asked questions: Architects

Select a topic below:

Applying for a license

What is my degree worth toward my examination requirements?
If you received an accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture from a university recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), you will be given 5 years of academic experience credit. Undergraduate or graduate degrees in architecture from universities not recognized by NAAB are worth 3 years of academic credit.
Do I have to work under the supervision of a Washington architect?
In addition to a professional degree, you must complete an internship with at a minimum of 24 months of practical work experience under the direct supervision of a U.S. or Canadian-licensed architect before taking the exam.
Does work for an engineer count for experience credit?
Sometimes engineering work experience or experience under a licensed professional engineer is creditable. Please contact the board office for further details.
Will I receive credit for contract work for an architect or engineer?
Possibly. The limitations of 10 weeks for full-time work and 6 months for part-time work still apply. For more information about credit for work experience, see Adobe PDF iconExperience Evaluation and Equivalents.
How do I get an application packet for registration?
To get an application packet:

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Updating a license

How do I report a change of address or name change?
To notify us that you have changed your name or address:
  • Write to:
    Washington State Board for Architects
    Department of Licensing
    PO Box 9045
    Olympia, WA 98507-9045
  • Fax: (360) 664-1495.
  • Email: architects@dol.wa.gov.

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Intern Development Program (IDP)

Is the Intern Development Program mandatory?
Yes, completion of IDP became mandatory on July 29, 2001. However, if you were accepted for examination for registration before July 29, 2001, you won’t be required to submit an IDP record.
Do I have to complete IDP before taking an exam?
No, starting January 1, 2008, you only have to be enrolled in IDP to start taking the exams.
If I have completed my required work experience but I haven’t yet completed all of the requirements of the IDP, may I begin the exam process?
Yes, starting on January 1, 2008.
Do I still have 5 years to complete all my exams if I am doing IDP at the same time as my exams?
Yes, you are still required to complete all exams within 5 years of the date of your first passed exam.
If I don't have a professional degree (M/Arch or B/Arch), can I complete the requirements of IDP? If so, will I qualify for NCARB certification?
Yes, you can complete the training requirements and apply for a Washington State license. However, you won’t receive full IDP NCARB certification because of the lack of a degree. You also will need to sit for an oral exam before you can get a license.
If I start IDP and then move or change jobs, how do I continue the IDP?
You and your advisor should notify the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) immediately and follow their instructions to change your sponsor.

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Architect Registration Exam (ARE)

Do I have to be a Washington resident to apply for the exams in Washington?
No.
How soon may I begin taking the exams after I submit my application?
The testing agency, Prometric, will send you exam scheduling information when they notify you in writing that your application is complete and you are eligible to take exams.
Where are the testing centers?
Examinations are administered across the United States. Testing locations in Washington are located in Puyallup, Mountlake Terrace, and Spokane.
When should I expect to receive my exam scores?
The score reports are sent to board staff from the testing agency, Prometric. Once they are received, your file is updated and the reports are mailed to you. Expect them approximately 4-7 weeks after you have taken your exam.
How many times may I take the exam? Is there a limit?
You may continue to take the exams until you pass. However, all exams, including the oral interview, must be passed within 5 years. This 5-year time limit begins the month you pass the first division of the exam. On a rolling-clock basis, you will be required to retake any sections of the exam you passed more than 5 years ago, along with any sections not yet passed.
How long do I need to wait to retake an exam?
You may retake a failed exam every 6 months, with no limit on the number of times you may take an exam.
Do I need to have an oral interview if I have IDP certification?
The board may request an oral interview from candidates. Usually the board will waive this requirement for applicants who have an NCARB “Blue Cover” certificate. You can get an NCARB “Blue Cover” certificate by completing the IDP accompanied by a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture from a university recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Why does my score report from NCARB list the status of my exam as “exempt”?
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) implemented a 5-year clock on January 1, 2006. Any exams you took before that date will be marked “exempt.” However, Washington’s 5-year clock overrides NCARB’s, and you are still required to pass all of the exams within 5 years.
Do I still have to complete all my exams in 5 years if my score report from NCARB says “exempt”?
Yes, Washington’s 5-year clock rule applies to all candidates taking exams through Washington State. The score reports issued by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) give you detailed feedback on your performance for that division of the exam, but the “exempt” status is not relevant to Washington’s 5-year clock.
How will the transition to the new ARE (ARE 4.0) affect me?
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is launching a new version of the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) in July 2008. If you passed at least 1 division of the current exam before May 2008, you will have until June 2009 to pass the remianing divisions. If you started the current exams but haven’t passed them all by June 2009, please refer to NCARB’s Transition Chart.

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Reciprocity

Does Washington have reciprocity with other states?
Yes, you may receive a certificate of registration if you are a registered architect in another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or another country. However, you must strictly meet Washington’s licensing requirements.
How do I apply for reciprocity with Washington?
Washington allows reciprocity through 3 different paths:
  • With an NCARB council record (“blue cover”)
  • With completed IDP but licensed less than 2 years
  • With work experience only (no council record or IDP)
The requirements vary for each path. For specific information, see How to get your license: By reciprocity.

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Licenses and seals

How will my name appear on my license and wall certificate?
Your name will appear exactly as you entered it on your application form.
How do I get my Washington State architect seal?
You may get your architect seal from any rubber stamp manufacturer. See Adobe PDF iconSeal requirements for more information.
Can I use an electronically-produced seal?
Yes. The seal itself can be electronically produced, but the original documents must include an original signature.

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