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

To qualify for licensure by comity (reciprocity) in Nebraska as an architect, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Graduated from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). If your program is not accredited by NAAB or CACB, you must have your education evaluated by EESA-NCARB to ensure it meets the NCARB Education Standards. Any deficiencies identified must be addressed.
2. Passed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
3. Completed the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), which is the practical experience requirement for licensure. The AXP is now known as the Experience Program and is administered by NCARB.
4. Hold a current license in good standing in at least one other jurisdiction recognized by the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects.

Alternatively, if you do not meet the above criteria, you may still qualify for licensure if you have a minimum of 15 years of licensed experience in good standing.

It’s important to note that the evaluation of education and application for licensure by comity must be submitted to the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Nebraska?

Company Licenses

Nebraska Certificate of Authorization (Architecture/Engineering)

• Business Corporations
• Professional Corporations
• Limited Liability Companies

• Business Corporations: Officers and directors of business corporations in Nebraska are not required to be licensed individuals. However, it is mandatory for the corporation to designate a Nebraska licensed individual who will be responsible for overseeing all professional activities conducted by the firm within the state. This ensures that the firm operates in compliance with Nebraska’s regulations and standards for professional services.
• Limited Liability Companies: Similarly, members and managers of limited liability companies (LLCs) in Nebraska are not required to hold licenses. However, it is necessary for the LLC to appoint a Nebraska licensed individual who will assume the responsibility of overseeing all professional activities performed by the firm in the state. This helps to ensure that the firm adheres to Nebraska’s requirements and maintains the necessary professional standards.
• Partnerships: In partnerships operating in Nebraska, there is no requirement for partners to hold licenses. However, it is essential for the partnership to designate a Nebraska licensed individual who will be responsible for supervising all professional activities conducted by the firm within the state. This ensures that the partnership complies with Nebraska’s regulations and meets the required professional standards.

First-Time Applicants

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

• Fill out the Application for Certificate of Authorization. Consider that the filing method is via mail.
• Agency Fee: Tiered fee structure by number of licensees:
  • 1-5: $100
  • 6-10: $200
  • 11-49: $300
  • 50+: $400
• Turnaround: Please note the fee is based upon the total number of licensed architects and professional engineers regularly performing services for the organization, not simply the number of Nebraska licensees employed.
• Note: Please note that the fee for licensure is determined based on the total number of licensed architects and professional engineers regularly providing services for the organization, rather than just the number of Nebraska licensees employed by the firm.

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Identify a Nebraska licensed engineer and/or architect to serve as the individual in responsible charge of the firm’s professional activities in Nebraska.
2. Ensure that your business entity meets the ownership requirements.
3. Submit an application for domestic qualification to the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Identify a Nebraska licensed engineer and/or architect to act as the individual in responsible charge of the firm’s professional activities in Nebraska.
2. Ensure that your Nebraska entity meets the ownership requirements.
3. Obtain a certificate of good standing from your business entity’s home state, which should be filed during the foreign qualification process. The certificate should not be more than 60 days old at the time of filing the foreign qualification documents.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Complete and submit an Application for a Certificate of Authorization to the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects.
2. File the necessary entity formation documents with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Complete and submit an Application for Certificate of Authorization to the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects.
2. File the necessary entity formation documents with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

Must-have Attachments

• List of officers: Please provide a list of officers for the entity, including their addresses, phone numbers, and Nebraska license numbers.
• List of members of the entity’s governing body: Please provide a list of members of the entity’s governing body, including their addresses, phone numbers, and area of practice (if applicable).

Registration Renewal

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

• Renewal forms are mailed a month prior to expiration.
• Agency Fee: Tiered fee structure by number of licensees:
  • 1-5: $50
  • 6-10: $150
  • 11-49: $250
  • 50+: $350
• Due: Biennially by the date of issuance.
• Original Ink is not required
• Notarize is not required
• Note: A renewal notice will be sent to the organization at least one month before the expiration date. Please be aware that the renewal fee is determined based on the total number of licensed architects and professional engineers who regularly provide services for the organization, not solely the number of Nebraska licensees employed.

Must-have Attachments

• A list of officers and members of the firm, including their addresses and license numbers, should be provided.
• Additionally, a list of licensees who are in responsible charge of the firm’s professional services should also be included.

Amendment

• Fill out the Change to Certification of Authorization. Consider that the filing method is via mail.
• Agency Fee: $0
• Due: Within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

Reinstatement

• Note: Licenses that have expired for less than 1 year can be renewed without incurring any late fees. However, licenses that have expired for more than 1 year cannot be reinstated, and the licensee must instead apply for a new license.

Supplemental Reporting

• Fill out the Application for Electronic Access of Records. Consider that the filing method is via mail.
• Agency: Nebraska Secretary of State 
• Due: Due annually

Individual Licenses

Nebraska Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Application for Initial Licensure of an Architect. Consider that the filing method is via mail.
• Agency Fee: $100

How To Apply

To become a licensed architect in Nebraska, you must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Earn a degree from an accredited program:

• Either a degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited program
• Or meet the NCARB Education Standard
• Complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP):

2. Formerly known as the Intern Development Program (IDP)

• Alternatively, provide equivalent experience as determined and verified by NCARB
• Pass all sections of the NCARB Architect Registration Examination (ARE)

3. Pass an exam on Nebraska statutes and rules:

• This exam will be provided to you upon completion of the ARE

If you have already passed the ARE in another jurisdiction and now seek initial licensure in Nebraska, you will need to submit an Architect Initial License Application once you have met the above requirements.

Reciprocal Registration

This section is relevant to architects who hold a license in another state and are seeking reciprocal licensure in New Jersey.

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $150

How To Apply

To qualify for licensure by comity in Nebraska, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Graduated from an accredited program:

• Graduation from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) accredited program is preferred.
• If your program is not NAAB or CACB-accredited, you must have your education evaluated by EESA-NCARB to determine if it meets the NCARB Education Standards. The evaluation report must be submitted directly to the Nebraska Board.

2. Passed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE):

• Successful completion of the ARE exam is required.

3. Completed the Architectural Experience Program (AXP):

• Completion of the AXP or its equivalent as determined by NCARB is necessary.

4. Licensed in good standing in another jurisdiction:

• You must hold a valid license in good standing in at least one other jurisdiction recognized by the Nebraska Board.

To obtain licensure by comity, you will need to submit an application and provide supporting documentation to the Nebraska Board.

Registration Renewal

• Agency Fee: $80
• Due: Architect licenses in Nebraska are renewed biennially, with different renewal periods based on the licensee’s last name. Here are the renewal periods:
  • Licensees with last names beginning with the letter A-K: Renew in odd-numbered years.
  • Licensees with last names beginning with the letter L-Z: Renew in even-numbered years.

The renewal deadline for all licensees is December 31 of their respective renewal year. It is important to submit the renewal application and required documentation by the specified deadline to maintain an active architect license in Nebraska.

Nebraska Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the General Information and Affidavit Sheet
• Agency Fee: $300 application fee + $170 license fee after board approval.

Registration Renewal

• Agency Fee: $170
• Due: Annually by December 31.
• Note: Renewal notices are sent in the mail and should be returned along with the renewal fee.

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Nebraska

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

Nebraska Interior Design Firm License

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

Nebraska Landscape Architecture Firm License

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

Nebraska Interior Designer License

Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Nebraska.

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska State Board of Landscape Architects.