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

To become a licensed architect in New Jersey, you need to complete an accredited architecture degree, gain practical experience through internships or apprenticeships, and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Afterward, you can apply for licensure with the New Jersey State Board of Architects. Renewing the license every two years and fulfilling continuing education requirements are necessary to stay current in the field.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In New Jersey?

Company Licenses

New Jersey Architectural Firm Permit

• Business Corporations
• Limited Liability Company
• Partnerships
• Limited Liability Partnerships

Business Corporations:

• At least 2/3 of the directors must be licensed architects.
• At least 2/3 of the shares of stock must be held by licensed architects.
• Firms that perform other professional services, like engineering or land surveying, may do so if they meet additional requirements:
  • At least 2/3 of the directors are licensed architects and closely allied professionals.
  • At least one director is a licensed architect.
  • At least 2/3 of the shares of stock are held by licensed architects and closely allied professionals.
  • At least 20% of the shares are held by licensed architects.

Professional Corporations:

• All shareholders of New Jersey architectural professional corporations must be licensed architects or individuals licensed in a closely related profession.

Limited Liability Companies:

• At least 2/3 of the members must be licensed architects.
• At least 2/3 of the ownership interest must be held by licensed architects.
• Firms that perform other professional services, like engineering or land surveying, may do so if they meet additional requirements:
  • At least 2/3 of the members are licensed architects and closely allied professionals.
  • At least one member is a licensed architect.
  • At least 2/3 of the ownership interest is held by licensed architects and closely allied professionals.
  • At least 20% of the ownership interest is held by licensed architects.

Limited Liability Partnerships:

• All of the members of the limited liability partnership must be licensed architects or individuals licensed in a closely related profession.

First-Time Applicants

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

• Fill out the Certificate of Authorization Application
• Agency Fee: $100 application fee + $250 license fee if applying during the second year of the renewal period or $500 if applying during the first year of the renewal period.
• Notarize is required
• Original Ink is not required

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Appoint a New Jersey licensed individual as the architect in responsible charge for each office the firm has in New Jersey.
2. Ensure that your New Jersey entity meets the ownership requirements.
3. Obtain a certified copy of your entity’s formation documents from its home state.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Appoint a New Jersey licensed individual as the architect in responsible charge for each office the firm has in New Jersey.
2. Ensure that your New Jersey entity meets the ownership requirements.
3. Obtain a certified copy of your entity’s formation documents from its home state.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Form your business entity by completing the online form on the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website.
2. Obtain a certified copy of your entity’s certificate of formation or incorporation to file with your firm license application.
3. Obtain a copy of the annual report the entity most recently filed with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services to file with your firm license application.
4. Apply for a Certificate of Authorization through the State Board of Architects.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Foreign qualify your business entity by completing the online form on the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website.
2. Obtain a certified copy of your entity’s certificate of authority (document that grants your business the ability to transact business in New Jersey) and a certified copy of your entity’s certificate of formation or incorporation from its home state to file with your firm license application.
3. Obtain a copy of the annual report the entity most recently filed with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services to file with your firm license application.
4. Apply for a Certificate of Authorization through the State Board of Architects.

Must-have Attachments

• List of the names, addresses, license numbers, and signatures of all officers, board members, directors, principals, and any licensees who shall be in responsible charge of the practice of architecture through the LLC or corporation.
• List of names, addresses, license numbers, amount, and percentage of ownership interest of all stockholders of the LLC or corporation who are licensees of the Board or closely allied professionals.
• List of names, addresses, and amount and percentage of ownership interest of the LLC or corporation who are not licensees of the Board nor closely allied professionals.
• A certified copy of the Certificate of Formation or Incorporation for an LLC or corporation created in this State or, for an LLC or corporation created outside New Jersey, a certified copy of a Certificate of Authority issued by the Division of Revenue in the New Jersey Department of Treasury and a certified copy of the Certificate of Formation or Incorporation, or its equivalent, issued by the home state.
• A copy of the most current annual report filed with the Division of Revenue in the New Jersey Department of Treasury.

Registration Renewal

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

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $500
• Due: By January 31 of even-numbered years.

Must-have Attachments

• List of directors, officers, managers, or members of the firm including their addresses, license numbers, and ownership share information.
• List of licensees in responsible charge of the firm’s professional services.
• List of branch office locations.
• A copy of the business entity’s Department of Treasury annual report.

Amendment

• Agency Fee: $0
• Due: Within 30 business days of changes.
• Note: Notify the board of changes via mail on company letterhead.

Reinstatement

• Fill out the Reinstatement Application for a Certificate of Authorization
• Agency Fee: $0

Individual Licenses

New Jersey Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online. 
• Follow the instructions at Eligibility for Taking the Architect Registration Examination or Architect Registration Exam Application for N.J. Licensed Professional Engineers
• Agency Fee: $50

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
• Follow the instructions at Licensure by Credentials Application
• Agency Fee: $75

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $160
• Due: By July 31 of odd-numbered years.

New Jersey Landscape Architecture Certificate of Authorization

First-Time Applicants

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

• Fill out the Application for a Certificate of Authorization to Provide or Offer to Provide Landscape Architectural Services
• Agency Fee: $100 application fee + $250 license fee if applying during the second year of the renewal period or $500 if applying during the first year of the renewal period.
• Notarize is required

Registration Renewal

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

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $500
• Due: By May 31 of even-numbered years.
• Note: Renewal instructions are emailed 60 days prior to renewal.

New Jersey Interior Designer Certification

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online
• Follow the instructions at Interior Design Examination and Evaluation Committee Application Process Overview
• Agency Fee: $125
• Notarize is not required

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $160
• Due: By September 30 of even-numbered years.

New Jersey Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online
• Follow the instructions at Licensed Landscape Architect Application Process Overview
• Agency Fee: $125
• Notarize is not required

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $160
• Due: By May 31 of even-numbered years.

Reciprocal Registration

• Fill out the Application for Licensure as a Landscape Architect without LARE Examination
• Agency Fee: $125
• Notarize is required

New Jersey Planner-in-Training Certificate

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online
• Follow the instructions at Professional Planners Information Packet
• Agency Fee: $75

Registration Renewal

• Planner-in-training certificates are valid for 10 years and cannot be renewed.

New Jersey Professional Planner License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online
• Follow the instructions at Professional Planners Information Packet
• Agency Fee: $75
• Notarize is not required

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $130
• Due: By May 31 of even-numbered years.
• Penalties: $50 late renewal fee

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in New Jersey

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

New Jersey Interior Design Firm License

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

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.