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

To become a licensed architect in New York, one needs to first obtain a professional degree in architecture from a NAAB-accredited program, which typically involves a five-year B.Arch or a two-year M.Arch program. Post-degree, a minimum of three years of practical experience under a licensed architect is required.

The next step is to pass the ARE, a comprehensive exam administered by NCARB that tests various facets of architectural knowledge. After clearing the ARE, an application for licensure should be submitted to the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions, along with the relevant fee, documentation of education, experience, and exam scores. Passing a state-specific exam on New York’s building codes and regulations is also a prerequisite.

Upon completion of these steps, a license to practice architecture in New York is granted. It’s crucial to note that license maintenance requires continuous education and adherence to ethical and professional standards.

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

Individual Licenses

New York Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Read the instructions at How do I apply for an initial license and to take the ARE?. Consider that the filing method is Online.
• Agency Fee: $377

Reciprocal Registration

1. The filing method is via mail or Online
2. Agency Fee: $377 for most paths; $587 if applying via practical examination
3. Note: 
4. NCARB Certificate: An architect who is licensed in a US or Canadian jurisdiction, has passed the ARE, and holds an NCARB Certificate can apply.
5. Endorsement for US and Canadian Architects who Passed the ARE: An architect licensed in a US state or Canadian province with five years of professional practice following licensure within the seven years immediately preceding application and who has passed the ARE is eligible.
6. Endorsement for Canadian Architects who did not Pass the ARE: An architect licensed in a Canadian province with five years of professional practice following licensure within the seven years immediately preceding application and who did not pass the ARE is eligible.
7. Endorsement for US Architects who Passed the Professional Examination (PE) before 1983: An architect licensed in a US state with five years of professional practice following licensure within the seven years immediately preceding application and who passed the PE in use prior to 1983 is eligible.
8. Licensure via the practical examination: An architect applying for licensure via the practical examination should have:
   • Been a Principal/shareholder/owner of their own lawful architectural firm for 10 years or more outside of New York
   • Never attempted the ARE or any other licensing examination used by New York prior to the ARE
   • A license in a country where the practice of architecture is regulated and is similar to that of New York
   • A license in a country where the title of “Architect” is regulated
   • A license in a country where there is a system for architects that regulates professional conduct
   • Completed a minimum of three building projects within their 10 years of lawful practice of their own architectural firm, with these projects being completed within the 15 years immediately preceding their application for licensure.

How to Apply

1. Applying via NCARB Certificate:

• Fill out and submit the online Form 1, indicating your application is via NCARB Certification.
• Pay the licensure and first registration fee ($377).
• Request NCARB to transmit your Record to New York State.
• If you’re foreign educated, send Form 2 to your foreign university to complete and return to the Department with all necessary documents. (Note: New York State doesn’t accept EESA evaluations.)

2. Applying via Endorsement for US and Canadian Architects who Passed the ARE:

• Submit Form 1, indicating you’re applying for licensure via endorsement and have passed the ARE.
• Pay the licensure and first registration fee ($377).
• Send Form 3 to all jurisdictions where you’re licensed. Each licensing authority must directly send Form 3 to the Department.
• Send Form 4E to an architect licensed in the same state or province for endorsement of your experience. This form must be submitted directly to the Department by the endorser.

3. Applying via Endorsement for Canadian Architects who did not Pass the ARE:

• Submit Form 1, indicating you’re applying for licensure via endorsement without having passed the ARE.
• Pay the licensure and first registration fee ($377).
• Send Form 3 to all jurisdictions where you’re licensed. Each licensing authority must directly send Form 3 to the Department.
• Send Form 4E to a licensed architect in the same province for endorsement of your experience. The form must be directly submitted by the endorser.
• You will receive an email invitation for a practical examination if you’re found eligible via this pathway.

4. Applying via Endorsement for US Architects who Passed the Professional Examination (PE) before 1983:

• Submit Form 1, indicating you’re applying for licensure by endorsement, PE no QT.
• Pay the licensure and first registration fee ($377).
• Send Form 3 to all jurisdictions where you’re licensed. Each licensing authority must directly send Form 3 to the Department.
• Send Form 4E to a licensed architect in the same state for endorsement of your experience. The form must be directly submitted by the endorser.

5. Applying via Practical Examination:

• Submit the online Form 1, indicating you’re applying for licensure via the practical examination.
• Pay the licensure and first registration fee ($587).
• Send Form 3 to all jurisdictions where you’re licensed. Each licensing authority must directly send Form 3 to the Department.
• Send Form 4P to three licensed and registered architects who can attest to your lawful practice outside of New York State for a minimum of 10 years. These architects must directly send Form 4P to the Department.
• You will receive an email invitation for a practical examination if you’re found eligible via this pathway.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $287
• Due: Triennially by the last day of the month prior to the architect’s birth month..

New York Interior Designer Certification

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method:  online
• Agency Fee: $377
• Notarize is not required

Reciprocal Registration

• Fill out the form 1 and form 3 – Verification of Other Professional Licensure/Certification. Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method:  online
• Agency Fee: $210
• Due: Triennially

New York Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method:  online
• Agency Fee: $294
• Notarize is not required

Reciprocal Registration

• Fill out the form 1 and form 3 – Verification of Other Professional Licensure/Certification. Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Agency Fee: $294

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $224
• Due: Triennially by the end of the month prior to the licensee’s month of birth.

Non-State-Level Architecture Firm Licenses in New York

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

New York Architecture Firm License

In New York, architecture firm licensure is not mandatory at the state level. However, architectural firms are licensed, and they must adhere to procedures set by the Education Department when incorporating or foreign qualifying. For more details, refer to the New York State Education Department – Office of the Professions – State Board for Architecture.

• Professional Corporations
• Professional Limited Liability Companies
• Design Professional Corporations
• Limited Liability Partnerships
• Limited Partnerships
• Partnerships

• Professional Corporations (PCs): For domestic PCs, all shareholders, officers, and directors must be New York licensed architects. For foreign PCs, at least one shareholder must be a New York licensed architect, and all shareholders, officers, and directors must be architects licensed in any state.
• Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs): For domestic PLLCs, all members and managers must be architects licensed in New York. For foreign PLLCs, at least one member or manager must be a New York licensed architect, and all members and managers must be architects licensed in any state.
• Design Professional Corporations (DPCs): Over 75% of the outstanding shares, directors, and officers must be design professionals.The president, chairperson of the board of directors, and the CEO must be design professionals. An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) cannot be part of the over 75% owned by design professionals.
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs): All partners must be architects licensed in New York.
• Limited Partnerships (LPs): All partners must be architects licensed in New York.

New York Interior Design Firm License

New York 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 York.

New York Landscape Architecture Firm License

In New York, while landscape architecture firms themselves are not licensed at the state level, they are required to adhere to certain procedures established by the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions – State Board for Landscape Architecture when incorporating or qualifying from abroad. This ensures that the services provided by these firms meet professional standards.

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in New York 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 York 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 York 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 York Education Deparment