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

To become a certified architect in New Mexico, one must first complete a professional architecture degree from a NAAB-accredited program. Following this, a minimum of 3,740 hours of hands-on experience, validated by a licensed architect, is needed. The Architect Registration Examination (ARE), administered by NCARB, must then be passed, and an application for licensure submitted to the New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects, accompanied by documentation of education, experience, and exam results. Lastly, a state-specific exam on New Mexico’s architectural regulations and laws must be passed. Licenses must be renewed every two years with completed continuing education requirements.

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

Individual Licenses

New Mexico Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Once the New Mexico Board has received an individual’s NCARB certificate, the person can initiate contact with the Board to proceed further in the licensure process.
• Agency Fee: BEA applicants $1000

How to Apply

• Broadly Experienced Architect (BEA) Pathway – If you’re an architect with significant expertise, not validated by NCARB, but consider yourself eligible for licensure, the Broadly Experienced Architect Program might be your way forward.
  • Firstly, procure the necessary application materials from the New Mexico Board of Examiners. Following this, submit the application along with a $1000 fee and relevant supporting materials. Applicants who have been approved will then be asked to participate in an interview with three board members.
• Exam Candidates – Here are the steps you need to follow to attain your initial licensure in New Mexico.
  • Begin the process by applying for Certification through NCARB. Once your application is submitted, NCARB will inform the New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects about your application. Subsequently, you will receive an email from the New Mexico Board of Examiners containing instructions to access the application portal.
  • Once you receive the email, proceed by logging into the portal and carry on with your application process.

Must-have Attachments

• You must hold a current and valid registration issued by the licensing authority of another NCARB jurisdiction, and this registration must be maintained with no disciplinary action for a minimum of five (5) years.
• It is also crucial to provide sufficient proof of your academic training and work experience that is directly related to architecture. This evidence should demonstrate a minimum level of competence in the practice of Architecture, which includes training and experience in (1) design and construction documents, (2) construction administration, (3) project management, and (4) activities related to architecture.
• Finally, a State of NM Affidavit is required as part of this process.

Reciprocal Registration

• Agency Fee: Out-of-state: $325.00 / In-state: $225.00
• Note: Currently, out of all fifty states, forty-three (43) necessitate a professional degree for initial licensure, and New Mexico is included in this group. When it comes to the possibility of fulfilling the education prerequisites via an alternative method, only seventeen (17) states offer this provision. On the other hand, thirty-three (33) states, including New Mexico, do not permit any exception to the standard educational requirements.

How to Apply

To apply for licensure in New Mexico, you first need to communicate your intention to NCARB. Subsequently, NCARB will send a copy of your certification to the New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects. After this, you will receive an email from the New Mexico Board of Examiners, which will contain details to access the application portal. Once you log into this portal, you can complete your application and remit the associated fees online.

Must-have Attachments

1. Provide an NCARB Evaluation of Record (only the “blue cover” version is acceptable).
2. Submit an NCARB Supplemental Evaluation.
3. Fill out the Notarized Application that the Board will email to you upon receiving your NCARB documents.
4. Successfully pass the jurisprudence exam.

Registration Renewal

• Agency Fee: $225.00 for in-state residency; $325.00 for out-of-state residency.
• Due: By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

New Mexico Interior Designer License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Application for Licensure
• Agency Fee: $100 application fee + $200 licensure fee
• Notarize is required

Registration Renewal

• Fill out the Renewal Application
• Agency Fee: $250
• Due: Annually by October 1.

New Mexico Landscape Architect Registration

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Application for Licensure
• Agency Fee: $75 application fee + $200 licensure fee
• Notarize is required

Registration Renewal

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

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in New Mexico

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

New Mexico Architecture Firm License

In New Mexico, there is no requirement at the state level for architecture firms to obtain licensure.

While firm licenses are not granted at the state level, it’s crucial that a licensed individual supervises all architectural work. It’s recommended that firms review board rules and state statutes prior to conducting business.

For more information, please refer to the New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects.

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

• Business Corporations: If the firm’s main service is architecture, at least one owner and the majority of shareholders must be licensed architects.
• Professional Corporations: Every shareholder and incorporator must be a licensed individual in a professional service provided by the firm, or they must be entities that have similar qualifications.
• Limited Liability Companies: In firms whose primary service is architecture, the majority of the members must hold architecture licenses.
• Partnerships: In case the firm mainly provides architectural services, a majority of the partners must be licensed architects.

New Mexico Interior Design Firm License

New Mexico 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 Mexico.

New Mexico Landscape Architecture Firm License

Landscape architecture firm licensure is not required at the state level in New Mexico. For more information, you can contact the New Mexico Board of Landscape Architects

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in New Mexico 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 Mexico 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 Mexico 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 Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects