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

To become a licensed architect in Columbus, Ohio, one must start by earning a professional degree in architecture from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited program. This degree can be a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) usually taking five years, or a Master of Architecture (M.Arch), typically a two-year program.

Next, practical experience is required, achieved through an internship or apprenticeship. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) stipulates a minimum of 3,740 hours of such experience, generally spanning about three years, supervised by a licensed architect.

Following this, the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) must be passed. This six-part exam assesses competencies in different areas of architecture, including site planning, building design, and construction documentation.

Upon passing the ARE, an application for licensure must be submitted to the Ohio Architects Board. This includes education and experience records, a background check, and payment of required fees. Once the application is approved, a license to practice architecture in Ohio is granted.

Lastly, Columbus architects must maintain their professional credentials. This involves ongoing education and keeping abreast of industry trends and best practices, ensuring top-notch service and expertise for clients.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Ohio?

Company Licenses

Ohio Architecture Certificate of Authorization

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

• For Business Corporations and Limited Liability Companies:
  • Over half of shareholders, directors, members, and managers must be licensed design professionals.
  • Over half of shares or interests must be owned by actively registered design professionals in any state.
  • Over half of the board of directors (if a corporation) must be active registered design professionals in any state.
  • At least one director (for corporations) or one member or manager (for LLCs) must be an Ohio licensed architect.
  • An architect/landscape architect with an active Ohio registration must be in charge of the professional activities and decisions of the firm.
  • The firm must be actively registered as a domestic or foreign business entity in Ohio with the Ohio Secretary of State.

• For Partnerships:
  • Over half of partners must be licensed design professionals.
  • Over half of shares or interests must be owned by actively registered design professionals in any state.
  • Over half of the board of directors (if a corporation) must be active registered design professionals in any state.
  • At least one partner must be an Ohio licensed architect.
  • An architect/landscape architect with an active Ohio registration must be in charge of the firm’s professional activities and decisions.
  • The firm must be actively registered as a domestic or foreign business entity in Ohio with the Ohio Secretary of State.

• For Professional Associations:
  • All incorporators and officers must be licensed.
  • Over half of shares or interests must be owned by actively registered design professionals in any state.
  • Over half of the board of directors must be active registered design professionals in any state.
  • An architect/landscape architect with an active Ohio registration must be in charge of the firm’s professional activities and decisions.
  • The firm must be actively registered as a domestic or foreign business entity in Ohio with the Ohio Secretary of State.

First-Time Applicants

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

• Firms can apply online but must also submit a Firm Ownership Spreadsheet with the online application.
• Agency Fee: $125
• Notarize is required

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Confirm that your business entity adheres to Ohio’s ownership requirements.
2. Nominate an Ohio licensed architect who will be responsible for managing the firm’s professional activities within Ohio.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Validate that your Ohio entity fulfills the state’s ownership prerequisites.
2. Select an Ohio licensed architect to be in charge of the firm’s professional activities in Ohio.
3. Secure a certificate of good standing from your business entity’s home state. This document, which is crucial during the foreign qualification process, must not be older than 90 days when filing the foreign qualification documents.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. File your business entity’s formation documents with the Ohio Secretary of State.
2. Register your firm online with the Ohio Architects Board, where you’ll need to provide a detailed list of the firm’s owners and a copy of your business’ certificate/registration from the Ohio Secretary of State.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Submit foreign qualification documents to the Ohio Secretary of State.
2. Register your firm through the Ohio Architects Board’s online system. You’ll need to provide a full list of the firm’s owners and a copy of your certificate/registration to do business in Ohio from the Ohio Secretary of State.

Must-have Attachments

• A comprehensive list of all firm owners, including their names and titles.
• A copy of the certificate or registration that validates your firm’s authorization to conduct business in Ohio, obtained from the Ohio Secretary of State.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $100
• Due:  Annually by June 30.
• Note: Firms will be notified via email 60 days prior to the expiration date.

Must-have Attachments

1. A comprehensive list of directors, officers, managers, or members of the firm, including their addresses.
2. An attachment detailing the complete ownership of the firm, accounting for 100%.
3. A list of all licensed individuals who are in responsible charge of the firm’s professional services.

Amendment

• Agency Fee: $0
• Due:  Within 30 days of the effective date of the change.
• Note: Notify the board in writing with any changes. A change of firm name requires that you reapply and pay the $125 fee registration fee

Individual Licenses

Ohio Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online. 
• Agency Fee: $50

How to Apply

1. Complete your exams and Architectural Experience Program (AXP) credit hours.
2. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) will then transmit your record to the Ohio Architects Board.
3. After receiving your NCARB record, the Board will process your application and issue your electronic license, which will be sent to the email address you provided in the eLicense portal.
4. A physical Wall Certificate, signed by all members of the Board, will be mailed to you after the Board’s next regular meeting.

Reciprocal Registration

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $250

How to Apply

1. Apply online through the eLicense portal.
2. Request NCARB to transmit your complete Certificate record to the Ohio Architects Board.
3. Once the Board receives your NCARB record, they will process your application and issue your electronic license, which will be sent to your selected email address in the eLicense system.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $125 renewal fee + $3.50 transaction fee
• Due: By December 31 of odd-numbered years,

Ohio Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $50.

How To Apply

1. Apply online through the eLicense portal.
2. Once you have completed your exams and AXP credit hours, ask CLARB to transmit your record to the Ohio Architects Board.
3. After the Board receives your CLARB record, they will process your application and issue your electronic license, which will be sent to your chosen email address in the eLicense system.
4. Your official Wall Certificate, signed by all members of the Board, will be mailed to you following the next regular Board meeting.

Reciprocal Registration

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $250

How to Apply:

1. Apply online using the eLicense portal.
2. Request CLARB to transmit your record to the Ohio Architects Board.
3. Once the Board receives your CLARB record, they will process your application and send your electronic license to your email address provided in the eLicense system.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $125 renewal fee + $3.50 transaction fee
• Due: By December 31 of even-numbered years.

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Ohio

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

Ohio Interior Design Firm License

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

Ohio Interior Design Firm License

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

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio Architects Board