On this page, you’ll find an exhaustive guide on the Arizona Architect License Requirements and the Architect Registration process in Arizona. It provides all the crucial information you need including state regulations, application fees, and filing instructions among other relevant details. If you need any assistance related to the licensing process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to offer further details about our software and managed license services to support your needs.

How do I become an architect in Arizona?

To become an architect in Arizona, you need to earn a professional degree in architecture from an NAAB-accredited program, gain practical experience under the supervision of a licensed architect, pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), and apply for licensure through the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration. It is important to review the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the board, as additional criteria may apply.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Arizona?

Company Licenses

Arizona Certificate of Authorization to Practice Architecture

First-Time Applicants

The following information pertains to architectural firms seeking an initial license in Arizona. If you currently possess a license and wish to renew it, please refer to the renewal section.

• Fill out the Annual Branch Registration. Consider that the filing method is via mail.
• Agency Fee: $50
• Note: Applicants are required to designate one professional in responsible charge for each professional service provided by the firm.

Registration Renewal

The following information pertains to architectural firms that are currently licensed in Arizona and are seeking to renew their license. Take into consideration:

• Fill out the Annual Branch Registration (Renewal). Consider that the filing method is via mail.
• Due date: Renewals must be submitted annually on or before the initial registration anniversary date. It is possible to file for renewal as early as 30 days prior to the expiration date.
• Agency Fee: $50
• Note: Licensees are obligated to designate one professional in responsible charge for each professional service provided by the firm.

Amendment

• Fill out the Annual Branch Registration (Amendment)
• Agency Fee: $0
• Deadline: Any changes must be promptly communicated to the board within 30 days of the effective date.

Individual Licenses

Arizona Individual Architecture Licenses

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the form Architect Registration Application Packet
• Agency Fee: $100 application fee + $225 registration fee

Reciprocal Registration

• Note: Arizona currently does not grant registration by endorsement (reciprocity/comity). Applicants must demonstrate they meet registration requirements pursuant to the Arizona Practice Act by submitting an Architect Registration Application and supporting documents, with the applicable fee. If the applicant is applying with a national council record, they should request to have it transmitted to the Arizona Board as the supporting document.

Registration Renewal

• Fill out the Professional Renewal Form. Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Due date: Renewals for registration are required on a triennial basis, aligned with the quarter when the initial registration was filed:
  • If the initial registration was filed between January 1 and March 31, renewal is due every three years by March 31.
  • If the initial registration was filed between April 1 and June 30, renewal is due every three years by June 30.
  • If the initial registration was filed between July 1 and September 30, renewal is due every three years by September 30.
  • If the initial registration was filed between October 1 and December 31, renewal is due every three years by December 31.
• Agency Fee: $225
• Original Ink is not required
• Notarize is not required

Must-have attachments

• Required attachments for architect licensure renewal include documentation of completed continuing education (CE) hours. Architects must complete 24 hours of approved CE during each two-year licensure period, with a minimum of 8 hours completed annually. CE hours must be in health, safety, and welfare (HSW) topics and can be obtained through:
  • NCARB monograph programs
  • AIA-approved HSW programs
  • Board-approved courses. 
  • Additionally, for the first renewal, one CE unit per month of registration is required from the first full month following the month of issuance until the end of the renewal cycle.

Arizona Annual Firm Registration

• Business Corporations
• Professional Corporations
• Professional Association
• Limited Liability Companies
• Professional Limited Liability Partnerships
• Partnerships

Business Corporations:

• Option 1: Ensure that at least one officer holds a professional license in each regulated service provided by the firm.
• Option 2: Designate licensed individual(s) with full authority over the professional services offered by the firm.

Professional Corporations:

• At least half of the shareholders and directors, along with the corporation’s president, must be licensed in one or more states to perform the professional service(s) offered by the firm.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs):

• Option 1: Ensure that at least one member is a licensed professional in each regulated service provided by the firm.
• Option 2: Designate licensed individual(s) with full authority over the professional services offered by the firm.

Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs):

• All members of the PLLC must be licensed individuals, or the PLLC can consist of a partnership with at least one licensed partner in Arizona, or a PC or PLLC.

Partnerships:

• Option 1: Ensure that at least one partner is a licensed professional in each regulated service provided by the firm.
• Option 2: Designate licensed individual(s) with full authority over the professional services offered by the partnership.

First-Time Applicants

The following information pertains to architectural firms seeking an initial license in Arizona. If you currently possess a license and wish to renew it, please refer to the renewal section.

• Fill out the Annual Firm Registration. Consider that the instructions and the filing method is via Email.
• Agency Fee: $50
• Turnaround: 8 to 12 weeks
• Original Ink is not required
• Notarize is not required
• Note: Firms are required to designate a registrant, who is also a principal of the firm, for each category of services offered. This designated registrant holds the authority and responsibility for the professional services provided by the firm. In the case of branch offices, a designated registrant must be assigned to oversee the professional services offered at that specific branch. Unlike the firm’s principal, the designated registrant for a branch office does not necessarily need to be a principal of the firm.

Before Applying, Take into consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

• Appoint an Arizona-licensed individual as the principal registrant for each office the firm operates in Arizona.

For foreign applicants:

• Verify that your Arizona entity complies with ownership requirements.
• Obtain a certificate of good standing from your business entity’s home state, which should be filed during the foreign qualification process. The certificate must not be more than 60 days old at the time of filing for foreign qualification.
• Acquire certified copies of your entity’s formation documents, including any amendments. These documents should be dated within 60 days of the application date for foreign qualification.

Before Applying, Take into consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. If your business is a corporation or LLC, create an ecorp account and utilize the portal to establish your business entity.
2. If your business is a partnership, file a certificate of partnership application with the Arizona Secretary of State.
3. Submit a Firm Registration Application to the State Board of Technical Registration.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Determine if your business is required to foreign qualify. If not, proceed to step 5.
2. If your business is a foreign PC (professional corporation), obtain an approval statement from the Board of Technical Registration demonstrating compliance with ownership requirements in Arizona prior to foreign qualifying with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
3. If your business is a corporation or LLC, create an ecorp account and utilize the portal to foreign qualify your business entity.
4. If your business is a partnership, file a foreign partnership registration application with the Arizona Secretary of State.
5. Submit a Firm Registration Application to the State Board of Technical Registration.

Registration Renewal

The following information pertains to architectural firms that are currently licensed in Arizona and are seeking to renew their license. Take into consideration:

• Fill out the Annual Firm Registration (Renewal)
• Due date: Renewals must be filed annually on or before the initial registration anniversary date. It is possible to submit renewal applications as early as 30 days prior to the expiration date.
• Agency Fee: $50
• Original Ink is not required
• Notarize is not required

Must-have Attachments:

The firm is required to provide a list of licensees who are designated as being in responsible charge of the professional services offered by the firm.

Amendment

• Fill out the form Annual Firm Registration (Amendment)
• Agency Fee: $0
• Deadline: the change must be reported within 30 days from the effective date.
• Important: To ensure compliance, it is necessary to file an amendment for any changes related to principals, designated registrants, services offered, or the firm’s or branch’s name or address. This amendment will provide updated information to the relevant authorities and help maintain accurate records of the firm’s operations.

Arizona Professional Landscape Architect Registration

Exam Application

• Fill out the Landscape Architect Professional Exam Packet
• Agency Fee: $100
• Note: there are distinct fees associated with the exams.

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Landscape Architect Registration Packet
• Agency Fee: $100 application fee + $225 registration fee

Reciprocal Registration

• Note: In Arizona, registration by endorsement (reciprocity/comity) is not currently granted. Therefore, applicants seeking registration as landscape architects must provide evidence that they meet the registration requirements outlined in the Arizona Practice Act. This involves submitting a Landscape Architect Registration Application, along with supporting documents and the applicable fee. If the applicant possesses a national council record, they should request that it be transmitted directly to the Arizona Board as the supporting document. This ensures compliance with the registration process set forth by the Arizona Board for landscape architects.

Registration Renewal

• Fill out the Professional Renewal Form. Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Due date: Renewal for landscape architect registration is required on a triennial basis, aligned with the quarter when the initial registration was filed.
  • If the initial registration was filed between January 1 and March 31, renewal is due every three years by March 31.
  • If the initial registration was filed between April 1 and June 30, renewal is due every three years by June 30.
  • If the initial registration was filed between July 1 and September 30, renewal is due every three years by September 30.
  • If the initial registration was filed between October 1 and December 31, renewal is due every three years by December 31.
• Agency Fee: $225

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Arizona

This section aims to clarify licenses that are not required in Arizona for architecture firms.

Arizona Interior Design Firm License

Interior design firm licensure is not necessary at the state level in Arizona. Arizona does not have a requirement to license or register interior design businesses.

Arizona Interior Design License

Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Arizona

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Arizona opens up a world of opportunities to practice architecture in the state. The journey commences with the pursuit of a professional degree in architecture, a fundamental requirement in your quest to become a licensed architect. This degree is not just a piece of paper, but a testament to your knowledge and comprehension of architectural principles, a rite of passage that equips you with the tools to craft and shape the built environment.

Remember, it’s important that your architecture degree is obtained from a program accredited by a recognized body such as the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This accreditation assures that the program meets the industry’s standards and provides the necessary skills and training.

Architect registration in Arizona is a crucial step that formalizes your standing in the industry. This process includes satisfying the state’s requirements and passing the relevant examinations. With this license, you will have the legal authority to practice architecture, offering your expertise to develop the Arizona landscape. Now that you are armed with this information, you’re one step closer to realizing your architectural aspirations.

Disclaimer: These requirements are subject to change based on approval board discretion. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the State Board of Technical Registration website.