How to get your license: Architects
By direct registration with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
- If you have an accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture from a university recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), work directly with NCARB during IDP training and completion of the ARE. See NCARB direct registration for more information.
- After you have completed your licensing requirements through NCARB, send us all of the following:
- A completed
Architect Registration Initial Application. - The appropriate fee.
- A written summary of Washington law and rules. The summary must:
- Be typed and double spaced.
- Include all sections and subsections of RCW 18.08, RCW 18.235, and WAC 308-12.
- Include a signed statement attesting the summary is your own work.
- Be written in sufficient detail to show a thorough understanding of the laws and rules (usually 7 pages per law, for a total of approximately 20 pages).
- A completed
By exam
- If you have a Bachelor’s or Master’ degree in architecture from a university not recognized by the NAAB or are applying with work experience only, work with the Washington State Board for Architects during IDP training.
- After you have completed IDP, send us all of the following:
- A completed Architect Registration Initial Application.
- The appropriate fee.
- Transcripts and employment and experience summary forms.
- A completed
- When your application is complete, we will register you to take the Architect Registration Exams (ARE).
- When you have passed the entire ARE and, if necessary, the oral exam, submit a written summary of Washington law and rules. The summary must:
- Be typed and double spaced.
- Include all sections and subsections of RCW 18.08, RCW 18.235, and WAC 308-12.
- Include a signed statement attesting the summary is your own work.
- Be written in sufficient detail to show a thorough understanding of the laws and rules (usually 7 pages per law, for a total of approximately 20 pages).
By reciprocity
Applicants with NCARB council records
Submit all of the following:
- Architect Registration Initial Application.
- The appropriate reciprocity fee.
- The initial 2-year registration fee.
- A written summary of Washington law and rules. The summary must:
- Be typed and double spaced.
- Include all sections and subsections of RCW 18.08, RCW 18.235, and WAC 308-12.
- Include a signed statement attesting the summary is your own work.
- Be written in sufficient detail to show a thorough understanding of the laws and rules (usually 7 pages per law, for a total of approximately 20 pages).
Applicants without NCARB council records
Submit all of the following:
- A completed Architect Registration Initial Application.
- The appropriate reciprocity fee.
- The initial 2-year registration fee.
- A current state certification and certification of written examination from the jurisdiction where you were originally registered, including verification that you completed seismic requirements.
- Documentation, on the form provided by the board staff, of at least 3 years of practical work experience.
- An official college transcript indicating the degree you received.
- A written summary of Washington law and rules. The summary must:
- Be typed and double spaced.
- Include all sections and subsections of RCW 18.08, RCW 18.235, and WAC 308-12.
- Include a signed statement attesting the summary is your own work.
- Be written in sufficient detail to show a thorough understanding of the laws and rules (usually 7 pages per law, for a total of approximately 20 pages).