Getting licensed

ArchiPrep® is here to support you every step of the way.

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Obtaining your architectural license is a big step in your career. The process is demanding, but the payoff gives you a competitive edge and the power to create your own future.   

 

ArchiPrep® support  

 

Getting started

The path to licensure in the U.S. typically includes education, experience, and examination. Requirements vary by state, so use NCARB's Licensing Requirements Tool to explore what’s needed where you want to practice.  

If you’re already licensed outside the U.S., visit NCARB's website to learn about additional pathways to obtaining licensure in the U.S.  

You don’t have to figure it out alone—AIA provides each state with an Architect Licensing Advisor. These volunteer professionals can guide you through the process and offer personalized advice.  

Education

Most states require a professional degree (B.Arch or M.Arch) in architecture. There are 100+ accredited professional degree programs in the U.S. and Canada—see the full list of programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Curious about program differences? Check out StudyArchitecture.com.  

Still in high school? AIA’s K-12 initiatives include guides, camps, workshops, and events hosted by AIA chapters and local schools to help you explore the field early.

Experience

All states require that you work under a supervising architect. This is tracked through NCARB’s Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and ensures you gain the practical skills you’ll use throughout your career.  

After you establish your NCARB record, use your member-exclusive AIA Transcript to earn up to 20 AXP experience hours by completing AIA continuing education at your chapter, firm, or through AIAU. One AIA HSW Learning Unit equals one AXP experience hour.  

Examination

To become licensed, you’ll also need to pass the Architect Registration Exam (ARE), a multi-part exam covering the knowledge and skills required for professional practice.

Through your AIA membership, you can tap into local chapter support—whether that’s mentorship, access to prep materials, or local study groups. Check with your chapter to see what’s available near you.  

The ARE has six sections—practice management, project management, programming and analysis, project planning and design, project development and documentation, and construction evaluation—designed to prepare you for professional practice in the U.S.  

Use these resources on your journey to pass the ARE:

Licensure

Once you’ve met the requirements for education, experience, and exams, you can apply for your license! Compare licensure requirements of the 54 jurisdictions to decide where to get your initial license.  

Individual states grant licenses; however, many architects pursue additional state licenses depending on where they want to work. To stay licensed, most states require annual continuing education credits—AIA continuing education makes earning those credits easy.