Frequently asked questions: Architects

What is my degree worth toward my exam 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'll be given 5 years of academic experience credit. If you received an undergraduate or graduate degree in architecture from a university that isn't recognized by NAAB, you'll be given 4 years of academic credit.

Do I have to work under the supervision of a Washington architect?

In addition to completing AXP, you may need to report practical work experience completed under the direct supervision of a U.S. or Canadian-licensed architect.

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 WAC 308-12-025: What qualifications do I need to meet if I am not already licensed?

How do I get an application packet for registration?

To get an application packet, download the online Architect Registration Initial Application.

What is the difference between an "architect of record" and a "designated architect"?

Washington State law and rule uses "architect of record" in conjunction with stamping and sealing for a specific project submitted to authorities having jurisdiction. "Designated architect" identifies licensed architects who have been authorized by their business entity to sign and seal its technical submissions. Building officials most commonly use "architect of record" on building permits to identify the firm and/or individual who stamped and sealed.

Our law doesn't, nor does it intend to, instruct building officials, architects, or the media regarding identification of architects and use of titles. The following titles, and other variations, are often used synonymously within the architect profession to identify participation on architectural teams, in joint ventures, or in supporting roles for a specific project:

• Architect of Record
• Designated Architect
• Executive Architect
• Project Architect
• Design Architect
• Principal Architect

I'm an architect but my employer doesn't offer architectural services. Does my employer need to register with the board?

No, a Certification of Authorization isn't required if your employer doesn't offer architectural services. This exception is applicable when:

• You're employed as an in-house architect by a government entity, educational organization, institutional business, industrial company, or similar non-architectural business.
• You're an architect employed by a business or organization that doesn't offer architectural services in this state.
• Your work includes facility planning and preparing technical submissions for any construction or alteration of buildings owned by your employer.

However, the following 3 things are important to remember:

1. If your employer is a business, it must have a business license issued by the Department of Revenue (DOR) which classifies its business activities and the principal products and services it provides. Your activity as an in-house architect doesn't require your employer to submit a Registered Professional Design Firm Addendum to DOR if it isn't a principal service provided by the business.
2. Technical submissions prepared by you or under your supervision, if submitted to building authorities having jurisdiction, must be signed and sealed. This makes you the "architect of record" for each set of documents prepared for your employer's use.
3. If your employer offers architectural services, they must submit a Registered Professional Design Firm Addendum to get a Certification of Authorization from the Board for Architects, in addition to having a business license issued by DOR. The addendum must list you as a "designated architect," which requires you to have ownership and financial responsibility for the organization. For more information, see Get your license: Architect firms.

Do I need to register as an architect firm if I'm a sole proprietor?

Yes. Any business entity, including a sole proprietorship, offering architecture services in Washington State must register with the board regardless of its business structure.

Do I have to be a Washington resident to apply for the exams in Washington?

No.

How soon can I begin taking the exams after I submit my application?

The testing agency 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?

Expect them approximately 4-7 weeks after you've taken your exam. Scores are posted in your MyNCARB account.

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 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'll 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 can retake a failed ARE division as soon as 60 days after your previous test date. Keep in mind that you can only take the same division 3 times within a one-year period.

How will the transition to the new ARE (ARE 5.0) affect me?

NCARB launched a new version of the ARE in November 2016. The last ARE 4.0 was administered in June 2018. If you have passed exams in version 4.0, you can determine the version 5.0 exams you still need using the ARE 5.0 Transition Calculator.

What if I need a testing accommodation?

If you need testing accommodations that include extra breaks or extended time, contact NCARB's customer relations team.

See more information about the ARE.

Is the Architectural Experience Program mandatory?

Yes, completion of AXP (previously IDP) became mandatory on July 29, 2001. If you were accepted for exam registration before July 29, 2001, you may not be required to submit an AXP record if you have kept your application file active. If your application file shows no activity for 5 consecutive years, you'll have to reapply and will be held to the licensing requirements in effect at the time of reapplication (WAC 308-12-065).

Do I have to complete AXP before taking an exam?

No. If you have a NAAB-accredited degree, you only have to be enrolled in AXP 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 AXP, can I begin the exam process?

Yes, if you have a NAAB-accredited degree. If you have a non-accredited degree or lower, you can submit an application to us and we will determine your eligibility to take the AREs. If eligible, you can work on completing AXP and AREs at the same time.

Do I still have 5 years to complete all my exams if I'm doing AXP at the same time as my exams?

Yes, you're 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 (MArch or BArch), can I complete the requirements of AXP? 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 AXP NCARB certification because of the lack of a degree.

If I start AXP and then move or change jobs, how do I continue the AXP?

You and your advisor should notify the NCARB immediately and follow their instructions to change your sponsor.

Who can prepare and seal architectural documents submitted for a building permit?

Who can prepare and seal a document will depend on the project scope of your building permit. Architecture is a regulated profession, so most often, documents being submitted for a building permit will need to be prepared and sealed by the applicable professional.

Only an architect registered to practice architecture in Washington can prepare and seal architectural documents submitted for a building permit.

What is an architectural document?

The drawings and specifications prepared during the practice of architecture. They show, among other things, the building design for construction of any structure(s), and the use of space within and surrounding the structures.

Can plans prepared and sealed by an architect registered outside of Washington be submitted for a building permit in Washington?

Yes, but only if the plans are sealed by a Washington registered architect who has done the following 3 items:

• Review the documents for compliance with all applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
• Get written permission of the owner and preparer of the original plans to adapt and reuse the plans.
• Understand they are responsible for the documents as if they have prepared the documents themselves.

May a building official accept documents for permitting that have been sealed by an architect who has not personally prepared the documents but has reviewed them?

Yes, if the architect has done the following 3 items:

• Get written permission of the owner and preparer of the original plans to adapt and reuse the plans.
• Understand they are responsible for the documents as if they have prepared the documents themselves.
• Review the documents for compliance with all applicable laws, codes, and regulations.

May anyone other than a Washington registered architect prepare building permit documents for submittal to Washington building officials?

Yes. Certain categories of design work may be prepared by any person, subject to State Building Code. International Building Code gives Building Officials authority to require and define submittal documents prepared by registered design professionals.

These categories of "exempt" work allow any person to prepare building permit submittal documents and provide project administration for:

• Any structure that will be used for a residential building of up to and including 4 dwelling units, or a farm building, or is a structure used in connection with or auxiliary to such residential building or farm building such as a garage, barn, shed, or shelter for animals or machinery.
• Construction, erection, enlargement, alteration, or repairs of or to a building of any occupancy up to a total building size of 4,000 square feet.
• Alteration of or repairs to a building where the project size is not more than 4,000 square feet in a building greater than 4,000 square feet, and when the work contemplated by the design does not affect the life safety or structural systems of the building. The combined square footage of simultaneous projects allowed may not exceed 4,000 square feet.

An owner wants to add 550 square feet to a 3,600 square foot restaurant. Do the plans for the addition require a registered design professional's seal?

Yes. The addition will increase the building's total area by more than 4,000 square feet, making it a non-exempt structure.

2 offices of 1,500 square feet each are in separate structures on the same site and joined by a common roof. A third 1,500-square-foot office is proposed that joins the other 2 by a common roof, but with separation between buildings as in the original 2 offices. Must an architect or engineer seal the new drawings?

Yes. The total structure will be 4,500 square feet, which makes the complex non-exempt.

An owner wants to renovate 2,000 square feet within a single-family building larger than 4,000 square feet. Is an architect's seal required on the design documents submitted for a building permit?

No. Any structure of any size to be used for single-family residence does not require an architect's seal on the documents submitted for its building permit.

An owner plans a single-family residence of 5,000 square feet. Is an architect's seal required on the design documents submitted in the application for a building permit?

No. Any structure of any size to be used for single-family residence does not require an architect's seal on the documents submitted for its building permit.

An owner would like to build buildings on a farm property that will house tractors and animals. Will an architect's seal be required on the documents submitted for a building permit?

No. A farm building or a structure used in connection with or auxiliary to such farm building such as a garage, barn, shed, or shelter for animals or machinery does not require an architect's seal on the documents submitted for a building permit.

An owner would like to renovate 2 areas of 2,500 square feet each in an existing building. Will an architect's seal be required on the documents submitted for a building permit?

Yes. The limit of the cumulative size of exempt projects within an existing building is 4,000 square feet.

An owner plans a multi-family residence of 5,000 square feet with 3 dwelling units. Is an architect's seal required on the design documents submitted in the application for building permit?

No. Any structure of any size to be used for a residential building of up to and including 4 dwelling units does not require an architect's seal on the documents submitted for its building permit.

Are there penalties for facilitating the unlicensed practice of architecture or other legal violations?

Yes. "Aiding or abetting an unlicensed person to practice or operate a business or profession when a license is required" is against the law.

May a non-architect prepare architectural documents for a design-build architecture project?

No, unless the project itself falls within a category of “exempt work”. There is no specific exemption for design-build projects. Design-build projects are subject to the same restrictions and exemptions as other buildings. Any business entity offering design-build architectural services must meet all required standards to practice and must register with the board as an architectural firm. Otherwise exempt projects can be designed by a non-architect as part of a design-build program. However, only licensed architects and registered architectural business entities can offer or advertise to offer architectural services.

How does a building official determine which discipline of registered design professional's seal is required on construction documents for non-exempt construction?

The architect's seal is required when planning includes the designation of the use of spaces within and surrounding non-exempt buildings. This relates to the life safety implications of activities within buildings, occupant loads, egress provisions, fire safety, and accessibility of buildings.

Can an owner or builder or contractor make changes to an architect's, engineers, or landscape architect's sealed documents?

No. When plans are sealed by a Washington registered design professional, changes including addenda and change orders must be approved by that professional or another registered design professional in the same profession who then assumes responsibility for the changes along with all affected documents.

May Washington State licensed architects prepare documents for submittal to public authorities for an exempt structure such as a residence, a structure of less than 4,000 square feet or for other exempt work without their professional seal and signature?

No. Regardless of whether the structure or work is exempt or non-exempt, Washington-registered architects must seal and sign all drawings they prepare when filed with public authorities.

May a Washington State registered design professional make changes to filed plans prepared by another Washington registered design professional?

Yes, but only in the following circumstances:

Ensure the changed drawings are compliant with all applicable laws, codes, and regulations. The changes and all other related or affected portions of the structure must be shown on separate plan sheets that are stamped by the registered design professional making the changes. The seal on these change sheets means the professional is certifying that he or she takes responsibility for all portions of the structure that are related to or affected by the changes even if some or even most of the affected work is not being changed.

Do pre-engineered structures need to be sealed by an appropriate licensed architect when submitted to the building official for approval?

Pre-engineered structures such as "manufactured" buildings are treated no differently than other buildings. The plans for non-exempt structures must be prepared and sealed by an appropriate design professional registered in Washington. Examples of such structures are prefabricated metal buildings, roof truss systems, post-tension or pre-stress designs, and pre-cast concrete building components.

Can electronically or digitally prepared and sealed documents be accepted as architectural submittal documents made to building officials for approval?

Yes, documents can be electronically or digitally prepared and sealed if you follow all laws and correctly stamp and seal your documents.

Is sealing (which includes the seal, signature, and date) of every page in a plan set always required?

Yes. Drawings prepared by a registered design professional must be signed and sealed on each sheet.

How many hours of professional development activities do I need?

You need to accumulate 24 professional development hours (PDH) over your 2-year renewal period. At least 16 PDHs must address public health, safety, and welfare.

Where can I find a list of professional development activities or classes?

Contact your professional associations and related professions (such as American Institute of Architects.) See professional development for a list of qualifying activities. Many of your existing activities may qualify and you just need to keep a record of them.

How do I record my hours?

Use any of the following to keep track of the classes you attend or the activities you participate in:

• Your own method.
• The Architect Professional Development Worksheet
• The American Institute of Architect Continuing Education System

Keep receipts or certificates of completion. If you don't have these records, keep the agendas, handouts, copies of book covers, etc., to show you were involved in the activity. Keep these records for 5 years.

What if I get audited?

You'll be asked to submit your records and supporting materials. If the board determines you're missing hours, or some of your activities don't qualify, we may require you to make up the shortage.

Does Washington have reciprocity with other states?

Yes, you may receive a certificate of registration if you're 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 State's licensing requirements.

How do I apply for reciprocity with Washington?

Washington allows reciprocity through 4 different paths:

With an NCARB council record (blue cover) With 8 years of licensure but no council record

The requirements vary for each path. For specific information, see How to get your license: Architect by reciprocity.

• With completed IDP or AXP (licensed less than 8 years)
• With work experience only (no council record, IDP, or AXP)
  • If you haven't completed either IDP or AXP, you must verify that you've been licensed at least 8 years in another jurisdiction.

How do I report a change of address or name change?

Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) to change your name or address through our Professional and Business Licensing portal.

For name changes, please include a copy of documentation.