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

To become a licensed architect in Maryland, you need to complete two main steps. First, you must acquire a professional degree in architecture from an institution accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This typically involves completing a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) or a two-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program. Following your degree, you will need to gain practical experience through an internship or apprenticeship program. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) requires a minimum of 3,740 hours of experience, equivalent to about three years of work.

The next step is to pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). This exam is divided into six divisions that assess your knowledge and skills in various aspects of architecture, including building systems, construction documents, and site planning. You have a five-year timeframe to pass all six divisions. Once you have successfully completed the ARE, you can proceed to apply for licensure with the Maryland Board of Architects. This entails submitting an application, paying the required fee, and providing documentation of your education, experience, and exam scores. Additionally, you will need to pass a state-specific examination that evaluates your understanding of Maryland laws and regulations relevant to the architectural profession. Upon completing these steps and meeting all the requirements, you will be granted a license to practice architecture in Maryland. It’s important to note that architects must renew their licenses every two years and fulfill continuing education obligations to maintain their licensure status.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Maryland?

Company Licenses

Maryland Architectural Firm Permit

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

• Business Corporations:
  • At least 2/3 of the directors must hold licenses to practice architecture, engineering, or landscape architecture in Maryland or another state.
  • It is necessary to have at least one officer or director who is a Maryland licensed architect responsible for the firm’s architectural practice in Maryland.
• Professional Corporations:
  • Similar to business corporations, at least 2/3 of the directors must be licensed in Maryland or another state in the fields of architecture, engineering, or landscape architecture.
  • All officers of a Maryland professional corporation, except the secretary and treasurer, must hold licenses in the specific professional service provided by the firm.
  • Additionally, all shareholders must be licensed in the professional service offered by the firm.
• Limited Liability Companies:
  • In limited liability companies (LLCs), at least 2/3 of the members must be licensed in Maryland or another state to practice architecture, engineering, or landscape architecture.
  • It is required to have at least one member who is a Maryland licensed architect responsible for the firm’s architectural practice in Maryland.
• Partnerships:
  • For partnerships, at least 2/3 of the partners must hold licenses in Maryland or another state to practice architecture, engineering, or landscape architecture.
  • There should be at least one partner who is a Maryland licensed architect responsible for the firm’s architectural practice in Maryland.

These requirements ensure that a licensed architect is actively involved in overseeing and taking responsibility for architectural activities within the respective business entities in compliance with Maryland regulations.

First-Time Applicants

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

• Consider that the filing method is via an application online and then email a managing agent certification form to dloplboardofarchitects-dllr@maryland.gov. 
• Agency Fee: $35 application fee + $100 permit fee.

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Identify a Maryland licensed architect, who is a full-time employee, to be in responsible charge of the firm’s architectural activities in Maryland.
2. Ensure that your business entity meets the ownership requirements specified by the Maryland Board of Architects.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Identify a Maryland licensed architect, who is a full-time employee, to be in responsible charge of the firm’s architectural activities in Maryland.
2. Ensure that your Maryland entity meets the ownership requirements specified by the Maryland Board of Architects.
3. Obtain a certificate of good standing from your business entity’s home state. The certificate should not be more than 60 days old and will need to be filed during the foreign qualification process.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. File entity formation documents with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).
2. Obtain proof of the good standing of your business entity by searching for your entity and taking a screenshot of the View Business Details page. This screenshot will be submitted with the licensee certification in step 4.
3. Complete the online Firm Permit application with the Board of Architects.
4. Email a completed Responsible Member Certification Form to dloplboardofarchitects-dllr@maryland.gov.

Foreign Applicants:

1. File foreign qualification documents with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).
2. Obtain proof of the good standing of your Maryland entity by searching for your entity and taking a screenshot of the View Business Details page. This screenshot will be submitted with the licensee certification in step 4.
3. Complete the online Firm Permit application with the Board of Architects.
4. Email a completed Responsible Member Certification Form to dloplboardofarchitects-dllr@maryland.gov.

Must-have Attachments

All firms, except for partnerships, are required to provide evidence of their business’ good standing status with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). To fulfill this requirement, you can follow these steps:

• Access SDAT’s Maryland Business Express database.
• Conduct a search to locate your business entity.
• Once you find your entity, click on the “View Business Details” link.
• Print the window that appears, which contains the business details.
• Include this printed document when submitting your certification to the Board in step 3.

Registration Renewal

This section pertains to architectural firms that are currently licensed in Maryland and are in the process of renewing their license.

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $100
• Due: Biennially by the registration date.
• Note: Renewal notices are sent about 60 days before the permit expiration.

Must-have Attachments

• Firms must provide their SDAT good standing status during the renewal process.

Individual Licenses

Maryland Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online. 
• Agency Fee: $35 application fee + $76 license fee

Reciprocal Registration

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $50 application fee + $76 license fee

How to Apply:

1. If you have an NCARB record, you can apply for a Reciprocal License online and have your record transmitted to the board by NCARB.

2. If you don’t have an NCARB record, you will need to provide supporting documents for a Reciprocal License application. This includes submitting official grade transcripts from the college(s) you attended, three letters of character reference, and verification of licensure in another jurisdiction. After gathering these documents, you can apply for a Reciprocal License online.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $76
• Due: Biennially by the date of issuance.

Maryland Landscape Architecture Firm Permit (AEC)

First-Time Applicants

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

• Consider that the filing method is via an application online then email a managing agent certification form to dloplboardofexaminersoflandscapearchitects-dllr@maryland.gov.
• Agency Fee: $35 application fee + $100 permit fee.
• Turnaround: Upon registration, licensure information should be provided immediately online.

Must-have Attachments

1. To demonstrate good standing status with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), all firms, except partnerships, must provide evidence. This can be done by printing a results screen from SDAT’s Maryland Business Express database. After locating the business entity through the search, click on the “View Business Details” link and print that window. This printed document should then be submitted to the Board along with the certification in step 3 of the process.

Registration Renewal

This section pertains to architectural firms that are currently licensed in Maryland and are in the process of renewing their license.

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $100
• Due: Approximately 60 days prior to the expiration of the permit, renewal notices will be sent to the permit holders.

Must-have Attachments

1. Upon renewal, firms are required to submit their good standing status with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).

Maryland Interior Designer Certification

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $35 application fee + $76 license fee

Reciprocal Registration

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $50 application fee + $76 license fee

How To Apply:

1. Apply online by accessing the reciprocity application portal.
2. Contact the Board in the state where you are currently licensed or certified and request them to send a verification of your license or certification to the Maryland Board.
3. If applicable, arrange for your college or university to send an official transcript directly to the Maryland Board, verifying your education qualifications.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $76
• Due: Biennially by the date of issuance.

Maryland Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $35 application fee + $76 license fee

Reciprocal Registration

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $50 application fee + $76 license fee

How To Apply

For applicants with a CLARB (Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards) record:

1. Apply online through the reciprocity application portal.
2. Transmit your CLARB Council Record to the Maryland Board.
3. Pay the required application fee.

For applicants without a CLARB record:

1. Apply online via the reciprocity application portal.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Submit a paper application that includes:
   • Licensure and examination verification.
   • Report of Professional Experience form(s).

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $76
• Due: Biennially by the date of issuance.

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Maryland

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

Maryland Interior Design Firm License

Maryland does not have state-level licensure requirements for interior design firms. There is no current licensing or registration process for interior design businesses in Maryland.

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland Department of Labor Website.