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

To obtain an architect license in Nevada, you need to follow these steps:

1. Earn a professional degree in architecture from an NAAB-accredited program, which typically involves completing a five-year B.Arch or two-year M.Arch program.
2. Gain practical experience through an internship or apprenticeship program, totaling at least 3,740 hours, under the supervision of a licensed architect.
3. Pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), consisting of six divisions that assess various aspects of architectural knowledge and skills. The exam must be completed within a five-year period.
4. Successfully complete the Nevada Supplemental Exam, which tests your understanding of state-specific architectural laws and regulations.
5. Apply for licensure with the Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design (NSBAIDRD). Submit the required application, fee, and documentation of your education, experience, and exam scores.
6. Undergo a background check as part of the licensure process.
7. Fulfill any additional requirements set by the NSBAIDRD, such as completing continuing education courses to maintain your license.

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines and regulations provided by the NSBAIDRD to ensure a smooth licensure process.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Nevada?

Company Licenses

Nevada Firm Registration

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

• Business Corporations: At least 2/3 of the ownership of the corporation must be held by licensed architects or interior designers in Nevada.
• Professional Corporations: All shareholders, officers, and directors of the corporation must be licensed in a profession practiced by the corporation.
• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): A minimum of 2/3 of the ownership of the LLC must be held by licensed architects or interior designers in Nevada.
• Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs): All members and managers of the PLLC must be licensed in a profession practiced by the PLLC.
• Partnerships: A minimum of 2/3 of the ownership of the partnership must be held by licensed architects or interior designers in Nevada.

First-Time Applicants

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

• Fill out the Firm Registration Application or Firm Name Approval Application. Consider that the filing method is via mail to board@boe.state.nv.us .
• Agency Fee: $300 if filing firm name approval or $300 application fee + $125 certificate of registration fee if applying for name registration.
• Notarize is required
• Note: Before submitting a Firm Registration form in Nevada, it is required that the firm employs a licensed professional who holds a valid license in the state. The licensed professional should be a Nevada-licensed architect or interior designer, depending on the nature of the firm’s services. If the firm’s name includes the term “Architect,” it is necessary to submit the wallet card of the qualified individuals along with the registration to the Secretary of State (SOS). This ensures that the individuals associated with the firm are properly registered with the SOS. These requirements help maintain the professional standards and regulatory compliance for architectural and design firms operating in Nevada.

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Verify that your business entity meets the ownership requirements.
2. Designate a licensed Nevada architect to serve as the licensed managing agent responsible for the firm’s architectural practice in Nevada.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Identify a Nevada licensed design professional who will be a full-time employee and responsible for the firm’s architectural or design activities. If the firm has multiple office locations in Nevada, appoint a separate responsible individual for each location.
2. Ensure that your Nevada entity meets the ownership requirements specified by the Nevada licensing board.
3. If your firm is a corporation, obtain certified copies of your articles of incorporation and all amendments. These documents must be dated within 90 days of submitting your foreign qualification documents.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. If your firm is a PC or PLLC, obtain a certificate from the regulating board of the profession to be practiced. This certificate should show that each director and each stockholder who is a natural person is licensed to practice the profession.
2. File entity formation documents with the Nevada Secretary of State.
3. Obtain a Nevada certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State. This certificate should be filed with the firm registration.
4. File a Firm Registration Application or Firm Name Approval Application with the State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design.

Foreign Applicants:

1. If your firm is a PC, obtain a certificate from the regulating board of the profession to be practiced. This certificate should show that each director and each stockholder who is a natural person is licensed to practice the profession.
2. File foreign qualification documents with the Nevada Secretary of State.
3. Obtain a Nevada certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State. This certificate should be filed with the firm registration.
4. File a Firm Registration Application or Firm Name Approval Application with the State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design.

Must-have Attachments

• Certificate of Existence of Good Standing from the Secretary of State.
• File-stamped copy of the entity’s registration documents filed with the Nevada Secretary of State.
• List of Nevada licensed professionals, including license number and percent ownership.
• Chain of command within the organization, including the role of each individual and their responsibilities.
• List of officers, directors, partners, members, or principals of the business, including the person(s) having “control” over the organization.
• List of persons who own an interest in the business, including their address, telephone number, Nevada registration number, position with the company, percentage of ownership interest, how the ownership interest is held, and the services they provide to the business.
• If an owner is not registered in Nevada, include a list of the other states in which each owner is registered, as well as their NCARB or NCIDQ certificate number.
• Attestation for each ownership interest holder.

Registration Renewal

Firm registrations in Nevada do not require renewal. However, it is important to keep the board informed of any changes to the firm’s information. If there are updates or modifications to the firm’s details, please report them promptly to the board. This ensures that the board has accurate and up-to-date information regarding the firm.

Amendment

• Fill out the Firm Registration Application
• Agency Fee: $0
• Due: Report changes to firm name, ownership, or entity structure within 30 days through a new license application.

Reinstatement

• Fill out the Change of Address Form
• Agency Fee: $0

Individual Licenses

Nevada Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Architectural Registration by Examination Application. Consider that the filing method is via mail.
• Agency Fee: $150 registration + $125 one-time fee to process the wall certificate application fee + $50 exam fee

Must-have Attachments

1. Specify your public address as either your business or home address. If no indication is made, your business address will be used as the public address. Please note that P.O. Boxes cannot be used as the public address.
2. Submit a recent passport-sized photograph (2.5″ x 2.5″) taken within the past 12 months. Digital photographs are acceptable.
3. Include a $50 application processing fee with your application. If paying by credit card, use the credit card authorization form available on the board’s website.
4. Upon processing and review of your application, you will receive an open-book jurisprudence quiz to complete.

Reciprocal Registration

• Fill out the Architectural Registration by Reciprocity Application. Consider that the filing method is via mail.
• Agency Fee: $300
• Note: Reciprocal applicants are required to pass the open-book jurisprudence examination on Nevada laws and regulations.

Must-have Attachments

1. Indicate if your business or home address will be your public address. If no indication is made, your business address will be considered public. Please note that your public address cannot be a P.O. Box.
2. Ensure that your photograph meets the requirements of being 2.5″ x 2.5″ in size and similar to a passport photo. It must be a recent photo taken within the past 12 months. Digital photographs are acceptable.
3. Please include the application processing fee of $300 with your application. If paying with a credit card, use the credit card authorization form available on the board’s website under the “Forms” section.
4. As part of the application process, the applicant will be required to take an open-book jurisprudence quiz.

Registration Renewal

• Agency Fee: $150
• Due: Annually by December 31

Nevada Interior Designer Registration

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Interior Design Registration Application
• Agency Fee: $100 examination fee + $125 certificate fee
• Notarize is required

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $150
• Due: Annually by December 31.

Nevada Landscape Architect Registration

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Application for Professional Registration
• Agency Fee: $175 application fee + $75 Nevada exam fee
• Notarize is required

Registration Renewal

• Fill out the Application for Renewal of Registration
• Agency Fee: $200
• Due: Annually by June 30.

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Nevada

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

Nevada Architecture Firm License

In Nevada, architectural firm licensure is not required at the state level. However, it is important to note that a licensed individual must be responsible for overseeing all architectural work conducted by the firm. Before conducting business, firms should review board rules and state statutes for guidance. Professional Corporations (PCs) are required to submit a copy of their articles of incorporation or certificate of foreign qualification to the board.

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

• Business Corporations: Officers and directors in Nevada architectural firms are not required to be licensed, but the practice of architecture must be carried out by licensed architects.
• Professional Corporations: In a professional corporation, at least 1/2 of the directors and officers (excluding the secretary and treasurer) must be licensed in a professional service performed by the firm. All shareholders must be licensed individuals or qualified entities.
• Limited Liability Companies: Members and managers in Nevada architectural firms are not required to be licensed, but the practice of architecture must be carried out by licensed architects.
• Professional Limited Liability Companies: In a professional limited liability company, at least 1/2 of the managers must be licensed in a professional service performed by the firm. All members must be licensed individuals or qualified entities.
• Partnerships: Partners in Nevada architectural firms are not required to be licensed, but the practice of architecture must be carried out by licensed architects.

Nevada Landscape Architecture Firm License

Landscape architecture firm licensure is not required at the state level in Nevada. For more information, you can contact the Nevada State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects & Interior Designers.

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design.