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

To become an architect in Vermont, you must have a high school diploma or GED. You also need to obtain a professional college degree from an NAAB accredited school of architecture, which typically involves at least five years of specialized professional study. Additionally, you must complete an internship of at least three years under the supervision of licensed and experienced architects. Alternatively, Vermont allows nine years of qualified experience working for licensed architects as an alternative to the college degree and internship requirements. After meeting these education and experience requirements, you must successfully complete the NCARB series of examinations. Furthermore, architects in Vermont are required to participate in continuing education to maintain and update their professional knowledge. This involves completing 24 hours of approved education in specified topics every two years. AIA membership specifically requires 18 hours of continuing education annually, with 12 hours focused on Life Safety topics.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Vermont?

Individual Licenses

Vermont Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $80 application fee + $100 exam fee
• Original Ink is not required
• Notarize is not required

How to Apply

To apply for an NCARB Certificate, you need to complete the online application and pay the non-refundable application fee. Additionally, you must have the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certificate officially transmitted electronically by NCARB.

For the examination, you need to complete the online application and pay the non-refundable application fee. You must also provide a scanned copy of the Employer Reference Form signed by your supervisor(s) in addition to the AXP record. The official complete AXP record must be submitted by NCARB. Furthermore, you need to submit an official school transcript directly from your institution to verify your education.

There are two options for eligibility to take the A.R.E. exam. Option 1 requires holding a NAAB accredited professional degree and having documented at least 2/3 of the required AXP requirement with NCARB. Option 2 allows admittance to take the A.R.E. exam without an NAAB accredited professional degree if your years of education and experience acceptable to the Board total 9 years. Applicants may begin taking the A.R.E. exam with at least 8 years of experience and with at least 2/3 of the AXP requirement documented with NCARB.

Must-have Attachments

1. Examination 
   • Employer Reference Form 
   • AXP Record
   • Offical transcript

Reciprocal Registration

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $80

How to Apply

To apply for endorsement or reciprocity in Vermont, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete the online application and pay the non-refundable application fee.
2. Provide information about all states where you are currently or have been licensed.
3. Submit verification of your licensure from your original state of licensure and from your most recent state of licensure if different.
4. Submit an official school transcript directly from your institution to verify your education.
5. Provide a scanned copy of the Employer Reference Form signed by your supervisor(s). This is in addition to the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) record.
6. Ensure that the official complete AXP record is submitted by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Additionally, if you have participated in the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) program, it is accepted as long as all other Vermont licensure qualifications have been met.

Must-have Attachments

1. Employer Reference Form 
2. Transcript 
3. AXP Record
4. Verification of original licensure

Registration Renewal

• Agency Fee: $155
• Due: By January 31 of odd-numbered years.

Vermont Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $100

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $100
• Due: Biennially by the date of issuance.

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Vermont

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

Vermont Architecture Firm License

In Vermont, there is no requirement for architecture firm licensure at the state level. However, it is necessary to have a licensed individual who will oversee all architectural work conducted by the firm. It is important for firms to review the board rules and state statutes before engaging in architectural business activities.

For more detailed information, it is advisable to consult the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, specifically the Board of Architects.

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

• Business Corporations: officers and directors are not required to be licensed, but the corporation must employ at least one Vermont licensed architect who is responsible for the firm’s architectural practice in Vermont
• Professional Corporations: all shareholders, at least half of the directors, and all officers (excluding the secretary and treasurer) must be licensed in a professional service provided by the firm.
• Limited Liability Companies: members and managers are not required to be licensed, but the LLC must employ at least one Vermont licensed architect who is responsible for the firm’s architectural practice in Vermont.
• Professional Limited Liability Companies: at least half of the managers and all members (excluding the secretary and treasurer) must be licensed in a professional service provided by the firm.
• Partnerships: partners are not required to be licensed, but the partnership must employ at least one Vermont licensed architect who is responsible for the firm’s architectural practice in Vermont.

Vermont Interior Design Firm License

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

Vermont Landscape Architecture Firm License

Landscape architecture firm licensure is not required at the state level in Vermont. For more information, you can contact the Vermont State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects & Interior Designers.

Vermont Landscape Architecture Firm License

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

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont Secretary Of State – Office of Professional Regulation Website