If you don't have an accredited architecture degree, learn how to get your license through practical experience and passing an exam.
Who needs a license?
Anyone who wants to work as an architect and doesn't have an accredited architecture degree.
How to apply
Follow the steps below to apply for your architect license.
1. Meet the requirements
To get your license, you must have:
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 8 years of practical architecture work experience, including completing the Architectural Experience Program.
- Passed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
- Passed the Architect Law Review Exam
Please note that the Law Review Exam for individuals applying by exam without an accredited degree does not need to be taken until after you have passed all of the AREs. In this case, if you are applying online, you would need to create a document that states that you will take the Law Review Exam after passing all of the AREs and upload it during the application process in lieu of the Law Review Exam. Once you have passed all of the AREs, please complete the Law Review Exam and email it to us at architects@dol.wa.gov.
2. Have education and experience verification sent to us
Send us any official transcripts, records, or experience verification (Architect Employment and Experience Summary and National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Architectural Experience Program record). To send us these records, please have your school directly email them to architects@dol.wa.gov or send to the following address:
Washington State Board for Architects
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9012
Olympia, WA 98507-9012
3. Take your exams
Architect Registration Exam
Take and pass all divisions of the ARE. If you don't pass a division of the exam the first time, you can retest until you pass.
Architect Law Review Exam
Complete, sign, and date an Architect Law Review Exam. You must score 100% to pass. The exam covers the following laws and rules:
4. Complete the required documents
Complete the following documents and send them to verifiers.
- Architect Registration Initial Application
- Architect Law Review Exam
- Architect Applicant Employment and Experience Summary
5. Submit your application
Lastly, you will submit your application either online or by mail.
Submit your application online
You'll receive your license faster by applying and paying the application fee online.
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)
Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create an account. You will receive instructions on paying the licensing fee when you are ready to be licensed.
Submit your application by mail
Mail your forms with a check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for the application fee to:
Washington State Board for Architects
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3777
Olympia, WA 98507-3777
After you have passed all of your exams and are ready to be licensed, mail us a check or money order for your 2-year license fee. The 2-year license fee is $110.50, which consists of a $104 licensing fee and a required $6.50 building code council fee.