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

For architectural licensure in Rhode Island (RI), one must first earn a professional architecture degree from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited program. This could be either a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program or a two-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program.

Subsequently, aspirants must garner practical experience via an internship or apprenticeship. As per the Rhode Island Board of Examination and Registration of Architects, a minimum of 3,740 hours of verifiable work experience under a licensed architect is required. Next, aspirants must clear the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), a rigorous assessment of knowledge and skills in multiple aspects of architecture. Comprising six divisions, the ARE can be attempted in any sequence and at a pace comfortable for the candidate. However, to attain licensure, all six divisions must be cleared within a span of five years.

Upon successful completion of the ARE, candidates must apply to the Rhode Island Board of Examination and Registration of Architects for licensure. The application process includes payment of a fee and submission of relevant documents corroborating education, experience, and exam scores. A state-specific examination focusing on Rhode Island’s architectural laws and regulations also needs to be passed.

Once the Board grants approval for licensure, licensees must renew their license biennially. They are also required to fulfil continuing education mandates to maintain and update their knowledge and skills in architecture. This usually necessitates completing a specified number of hours of continuing education coursework or participation in professional seminars and conferences.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Rhode Island?

Company Licenses

Rhode Island Architectural Firm Permit

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

• Business Corporations:
  • At least two-thirds of the directors (or shareholders if there are no directors) and officers need to be licensed architects or engineers.
  • At least one-third of the directors (or shareholders if there are no directors) and officers need to be licensed architects.
  • At least one director (or shareholder if there are no directors) or officer must be a Rhode Island licensed architect.
• Professional Corporations:
  • All officers, directors, and shareholders must hold a license in a professional service carried out by the firm.
• Limited Liability Companies:
  • At least two-thirds of the managers (or members if there are no managers) need to be licensed architects or engineers.
  • At least one-third of the managers (or members if there are no managers) need to be licensed architects.
  • At least one manager (or member if there are no managers) must be a Rhode Island licensed architect.
• Partnerships:
  • At least two-thirds of the partners must be licensed architects or engineers.
  • At least one-third of the partners must be licensed architects.
  • At least one partner must be a Rhode Island licensed architect.
• Limited Liability Partnerships:
  • At least two-thirds of the partners must be licensed architects or engineers.
  • At least one-third of the partners must be licensed architects.
  • At least one partner must be a Rhode Island licensed architect.

First-Time Applicants

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

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $30

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Identify a full-time Rhode Island licensed architect who will take charge of the firm’s architectural activities.
2. Make sure your business entity complies with ownership prerequisites.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Recognize a Rhode Island licensed architect, employed full-time, who will oversee the firm’s architectural activities.
2. Ensure your Rhode Island business entity adheres to ownership requirements.
3. Procure a certificate of good standing from your business entity’s home state (to be submitted during the foreign qualification process). The certificate should not be older than 60 days when filing foreign qualification documents.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Submit entity formation documents to the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
2. Acquire a certificate of good standing (to be submitted with the license application) using the entity search feature on the Secretary of State’s website. Locate your entity then hit the request certificate button to order.
3. Create an online account and finish the Certificate of Authorization application via the Rhode Island Division of Design Professionals.

Foreign Applicants:

1. File foreign qualification documents with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
2. Obtain a certificate of good standing (to be submitted with the license application) using the entity search feature on the Secretary of State’s website. Locate your entity then hit the request certificate button to order.
3. Create an online account and complete the Certificate of Authorization application through the Rhode Island Division of Design Professionals.

Must-have Attachments

• Provide a list of directors, officers, managers, members, partners, and shareholders of the firm, including their addresses.
• Supply a list of licensees in responsible charge of the firm’s professional services.

Registration Renewal

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

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $120 ($0 for firms with no employees)
• Due:  By December 31 of even-numbered years
• Note: Renewal reminders are sent by email prior to the expiration date.

Must-have Attachments

• A directory of the firm’s directors, officers, managers, members, partners, and shareholders along with their addresses.
• A roster of licensed individuals who are in charge of the firm’s professional services.

Amendment

• Fill out the Certificate of Authorization Amended Application Package
• Agency Fee: $0
• Due: Within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

Rhode Island Landscape Architecture Certificate of Authorization

First-Time Applicants

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

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $60

Registration Renewal

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

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $120
• Due: By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Individual Licenses

Rhode Island Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• To apply for reciprocity in Rhode Island, you can either submit a paper application by logging into ‘My Registration’ on the NCARB’s website and following the Rhode Island instructions, or you can apply online directly on the Rhode Island Board’s eLicensing platform
• Agency Fee: $35 application fee + $76 license fee

Reciprocal Registration

• Agency Fee: $60

Registration Renewal

The following information is relevant to architects who are currently licensed in Florida and require license renewal.

• Agency Fee: $120
• Due: By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Rhode Island Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Paper Application by Examination or Reciprocity
• Agency Fee: $36 registration fee + additional fees to be determined by the board

Registration Renewal

• Fill out the Renewal Application for Landscape Architect
• Agency Fee: $80
• Due: By June 30 of odd-numbered years.

Non-State-Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Rhode Island

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

Rhode Island Interior Design Firm License

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

Rhode Island Interior Designer License

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

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Department of Business Regulation of Rhode Island.