Starting the Licensure Process
Jump to:
- Initial (First) License
- Licensed in Another U.S. Jurisdiction (Reciprocity)
- Foreign Licensed Architect
Initial (First) License
If you previously had an eight-digit testing number please contact the Board before you establish an NCARB Record.
- Establish an NCARB Record and select California as the testing jurisdiction
3. Document eligibility for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
- If you have a degree from any U.S. university/college or you earned a degree from a Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) program, please complete and submit NCARB's Transcript Form (Form 122) and have your school(s) send your transcript(s) directly to NCARB.
- If you do not have a degree from a NAAB/CACB program, you must submit an Employment Verification Form (EVF).
- EVFs must be free of errors and require an original signature of the licensed professional signing the form when submitted hardcopy.
- A scanned original signature or a qualified e-signature (DocuSign, Adobe Sign, etc.) is acceptable for EVFs uploaded to your Connect account or sent to the Board via email.
Typed or stamped signatures are not acceptable on EVFs.
Complete the ARE (pass each division within the ARE Score Validity Policy)
Complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) or Internship in Architecture Program (IAP)
- You may begin reporting AXP hours once you turn 18 or the equivalent of a graduate from high school.
- You may also concurrently fulfill this requirement at the same time as you are completing the ARE.
- Allow 30-45 days for NCARB to transmit the AXP Record before inquiring about your CSE eligibility status.
You must request NCARB transmit your AXP Record to the Board after completing the ARE.
- Pass the California Supplemental Examination (CSE)
- Examination results are provided at site upon completion of the CSE
Carefully read the letter you receive from PSI for important information
Submit a Complete set of Fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- You may submit fingerprints prior to taking the CSE.
- Candidates outside California must request hard cards for fingerprint submission.
Apply for an architect license.
- Allow 6-8 weeks for the criminal background clearance and issuance of your California architect license before requesting a status update.
Licensed in Another U.S. Jurisdiction (Reciprocity)
- Document eligibility for the California Supplemental Examination (CSE)
- Examination results are provided at the site and either a license application or a retest application is provided to candidate
- You may submit fingerprints prior to taking the CSE.
- Candidates outside California must request hard cards for fingerprint submission.
Apply for an architect license.
Foreign Licensed Architect
- Foreign licensed architects holding a current and valid NCARB Certificate should follow the above steps under Licensed in Another U.S Jurisdiction (Reciprocity).
- Foreign licensed architects without an NCARB Certificate should follow the above steps under Initial (First) License.