On this page, you’ll find an exhaustive guide on the Alabama Architect License Requirements and the Architect Registration process in Alabama. 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 Alabama?

To secure an Alabama Architect License, there are specific prerequisites that need to be met. The preliminary step towards this goal is the successful completion of a professional architecture degree from a program that has received accreditation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). In most cases, this would require the completion of either a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) program or a two-year Master of Architecture (M. Arch) program. Following this, you would then need to pass the Alabama Architect Exam, which is a crucial component in obtaining your architecture license in Alabama.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Alabama?

Company Licenses

Alabama Certificate of Authorization to Practice Architecture

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

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

All Entity Types:

• The majority (two-thirds or more) of the officers, partners, directors, members, or other individuals involved in the entity (depending on its legal structure) must hold valid registrations or licenses as architects and/or engineers in any jurisdiction within the United States. Additionally, they must be voting stockholders or shareholders of the entity.
• Among the stockholding or shareholding officers, partners, directors, or members, there must be at least one architect registered in the State of Alabama. This individual should have the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the entity, and their name and registration seal must appear on all documents prepared under their supervision.
• If the entity is required to be qualified by the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) to conduct business in Alabama, the qualification documents may be submitted concurrently with the application. The submitted SOS documents, indicating the date of submission, should be attached to the application. It is important that the entity name on the application matches the firm entity name filed with the SOS.
• In the event of dissolution, reorganization, or changes in address, email, or the registered architect(s) responsible for the practice of architecture in Alabama, the entity must provide written notification to the Board within thirty (30) days.

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the form Application for a Certificate of Authorization (COA) to Practice Architecture in the State of Alabama. Consider that the filling method is via Email.
• Agency Fee: $75
• Read the official Architect Handbook of instructions. 
• Qualified Representative: A minimum of one shareholding officer or director within the entity must be a registered architect in the State of Alabama. This individual should possess the authority to legally bind the entity through contractual agreements. Furthermore, their name and registration seal must be present on all documents prepared under their supervision and responsibility.
• Notarize is required

Domestic Applicants:

1. Initiate the process by applying for name reservation through the Secretary of State. Note that if your entity’s name includes any variation of the term ‘architect,’ it must be approved by the Board of Architects before proceeding with the name reservation.
2. Establish your business entity by filing the necessary documents with the Secretary of State, and simultaneously submit an application for a firm license to the Board of Architects.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Begin by applying for name reservation through the Secretary of State. Similar to domestic applicants, if your entity’s name includes any form of ‘architect,’ it must receive approval from the Board of Architects prior to reserving the name.
2. If required, fulfill the process of foreign qualification for your business entity through the Secretary of State. Concurrently, submit an application for a firm license to the Board of Architects.

Must-have Attachments

• A duplicate of the entity formation or foreign qualification documents that were previously submitted to the Alabama Secretary of State.
• A comprehensive list of the officers, partners, directors, or members of the entity, along with their respective positions in the firm, addresses, professions (if applicable), home states of registration, and Alabama license numbers (if applicable).
• An inclusive list of the voting stockholders or shareholders of the entity, containing their addresses, professions (if any), Alabama license numbers, and the percentage of shares owned.

Registration Renewal

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

• Due date: annually by April 30.
• Penalties: $75 late fee
• Agency Fee: $75 + $3 online Alabama Gov fee = $78
• Renewal notifications will be sent via mail or email to all firm entities that possess a Certificate of Authorization (CoA).
• Notarize is required

Must-have Attachments

• Prepare a comprehensive list of officers, partners, directors, or members within the entity. Include their respective positions in the firm, addresses, professions (if applicable), home states of registration, and, if applicable, Alabama license numbers.
• Compile a thorough roster of the voting stockholders or shareholders associated with the entity. This should include their addresses, professions (if applicable), Alabama license numbers, and the percentage of shares owned by each individual.

Amendment

• Agency Fee: $0
• Deadline: the change must be reported within 30 days from the effective date.
• Important: notify the board via email with changes to firm information.

Reinstatement

• Agency Fee: the total fee is $460, comprising a $250 renewal fee, a $135 registration renewal fee, and a $75 late penalty. 
• Note that there is no separate reinstatement application. Instead, you should submit a new license application along with the renewal and penalty fees.

Individual Licenses

Alabama Architect License

First-Time Applicants

In order to apply, candidates are required to fulfill the following criteria:

• Attainment of a professional degree in architecture from a college or university accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
• Completion of NCARB’s Architectural Experience Program (AXP) prior to submitting the application.

If you meet this criteria, read on for more information:

• Fill out the form Application and Instructions for Registration by Examination / Intern.
• Agency Fee: $10 application fee (does not include exam fees)

Must-have Attachments

• Official transcript (or have your university forward it directly)
• Citizenship Affidavit and supporting documentation
• Copies of IDP Experience Reports (detailing employer information and hours, not summary reports) demonstrating a minimum of 930 hours completed in the NCARB IDP

Reciprocal Registration

• Fill out the form Uniform Application for Architect Registration
• Agency Fee: $150 + $6 credit card fee
• Notarize is required

Must-have Attachments

• Citizenship Affidavit and supporting documentation
• NCARB Council Record

Registration Renewal

• Due date: annually by December 31.
• Filing Method: the license renewal process can be completed online.
• Penalties: $75 late fee
• Agency Fee: $135
• Renewal notifications will be sent via mail or email to all firm entities that possess a Certificate of Authorization (CoA).

Alabama Interior Designer Registration

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the form Application for Registered Interior Designer
• Agency Fee: $300

Must-have Attachments

• A copy of acceptable proof of citizenship
• A current copy of your resume

Reciprocal Registration

• Fill out the form Application for Registration as an Interior Designer by Reciprocity
• Agency Fee: $300

Must-have Attachments

• Proof of citizenship or legal presence in the United States

Registration Renewal

• Fill out the form at  Application for Renewal as a Registered Interior Designer
• Due date: annually by September 30
• Filing Method: the license renewal process can be completed online.
• Penalties: $75 late fee. Individuals granted initial registration after May 31st are not required to pay the renewal fee.
• Agency Fee: $160

Alabama Landscape Architect Registration

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the form Application for Registration to Practice Landscape Architecture
• Agency Fee: $150 application fee + $50 original certificate fee + $150 license fee
• Notarize is required

Must-have Attachments

• A copy of acceptable proof of citizenship
• A current copy of your resume

Reciprocal Registration

• Fill out the form Application for Registration to Practice Landscape Architecture
• Agency Fee: $500
• Note: If you have a CLARB record, instead:

• Coordinate with CLARB to send the board a copy of your council record.
• Complete Section 1 of the state application and send $500 to ABELA, 2777 Zelda Road, Montgomery, AL 36106. Alternatively you may pay the fee online.
• Send proof with your application that you are (or not) a US citizen. Complete the immigration form located on the Application & Forms page of the board website.
• Send in a copy of your most current CE report.
• Become familiar with the board handbook as the State Supplemental Exam will be based on its contents.

Registration Renewal

• Fill out the form Application for Registration to Practice Landscape Architecture
• Agency Fee: $150
• Due: annually by January 1
• Filing Method: the license renewal process can be completed online or via email.
• Penalties: There is a $50 late fee if filed after January 31.

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Alabama

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

Alabama Interior Design Firm License

Interior design firm licensure is not mandated at the state level in Alabama. Presently, there is no requirement for interior design businesses to obtain a license or register with any specific regulatory body in the state.

Alabama Interior Design Firm License

Landscape architecture firm licensure is not mandatory at the state level in Alabama. The Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects no longer issues certificates of authorization to landscape architecture firms. For more detailed information, it is recommended to refer to the Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects.

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Alabama 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 Alabama 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 Alabama 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 Alabama Board of Architects website.