Architecture

License Requirements

General Requirements

Any use of the title "Architect" within New York State requires licensure. To use that license to practice, you must also be registered in New York State.

To be licensed as an architect in New York State you must:

• be of good moral character
• be at least 21 years of age;
• meet education requirements;
• meet experience requirements; and
• meet examination requirements.

You must submit an application for licensure and the other forms indicated, along with the appropriate fee, to the Office of the Professions at the address specified on each form. It is your responsibility to follow up with anyone you have asked to send us material.

The specific requirements for licensure are contained in Title 8, Article 147, Section 7304 of New York's Education Law and Part 69 of the Commissioner's Regulations.

You should also read the general licensing information applicable for all professions.

Fees

The fee depends on which approach you select:

Fees are subject to change. The fee due is the one in law when your application is received (unless fees are increased retroactively). You will be billed for the difference if fees have been increased.

• Do not send cash.
• Make your personal check or money order payable to the New York State Education Department. Your cancelled check is your receipt.
• Mail your application and fee to:

NYS Education Department
Office of the Professions
PO Box 22063
Albany, New York 12201

Partial Refunds

Individuals who withdraw their licensure application may be entitled to a partial refund.

• For the procedure to withdraw your application, contact the Architecture Unit by e-mailing opunit1@mail.nysed.gov or by calling 518-474-3817 ext. 250 or by faxing 518-402-5354.
• The State Education Department is not responsible for any fees paid to an outside testing or credentials verification agency.

If you withdraw your application, obtain a refund, and then decide to seek New York State licensure at a later date, you will be considered a new applicant, and you will be required to pay the licensure and registration fees and meet the licensure requirements in place at the time you reapply.

Education Requirements

Eligibility for licensure is based on a combination of education and experience for which units of credit are awarded. The credit awarded for education determines the required number of units of experience, where one unit of experience is equal to one year. Your combination of education and experience must total at least 12 units, as determined by the Department.

Units assigned to each educational category below are the maximum which the Department may grant. After evaluating the degree or courses successfully completed, the Department may grant fewer units. With the exception of Category F, credit in the different categories may not be combined; the highest professional education level attained determines the credit

Category A:

First professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
Maximum credit granted: 9 units

Category B:

First professional degree from a program not NAAB-accredited
Maximum credit granted: 8 units

Category C:

Partial completion of an NAAB-accredited program or a four-year preprofessional degree in architecture (or equivalent in course credit): two units of credit for each year completed up to a maximum of 7 credits
Maximum credits granted: 7 units
If full curriculum of an NAAB-accredited program was completed but no degree was granted, a maximum of 8 units may be allowed.

Note: In this and following categories, "one year" means the equivalent of one academic year's full-time attendance.

Category D:

Successful completion of courses in architecturally-related professions: The Board will compare content and quality of successfully completed courses with courses required in an NAAB-accredited program
Maximum credit granted: 5 units

Category E:

Master's degree in architecturally-related profession following a non-NAAB accredited degree, depending on the category of the first degree
Maximum Credit Granted: 1 unit

Category F:

Second professional degree in architecture or planning
Maximum credit granted: 1 unit

Category G:

Successful completion of courses in a non-architectural college program: One unit for each year (or the equivalent in course credits)
Maximum credit granted: 2 units

Category H:

Successful completion of postsecondary architecturally-related technical education: One unit for each year successfully completed (or the equivalent in course credits)
Maximum credit granted: 4 units

Experience Requirements

Documentation of completion of the Intern Development Program (IDP) is required as part of the experience component. The professional degree is NOT required.

Applicants seeking licensure in New York State through endorsement must also complete the IDP training criteria if the date of initial licensure is on or after September 1, 1999.

Except for those in Education Category A, applicants should submit a detailed resume to the Board office so the date from which they may begin to earn credit toward satisfying the IDP criteria may be determined. Please e-mail the following information to archbd@mail.nysed.gov for an IDP memo:

1. name
2. full mailing address
3. beginning and ending dates (mm/yyyy) of your education, name of the university, location, degrees earned, dates awarded (mm/yyyy).
4. beginning and ending dates (mm/yyyy) of your experience, name(s) of the firm(s), location(s) of the firm(s), nature of the firm(s), name and title of each supervisor (indicate whether a registered architect if applicable), and brief description of your job duties.

Experience obtained concurrent with full-time education, including vacation time, nights, and weekends, will not be considered for credit. However, some credit may be awarded if the time taken to complete the program was extended because you were working at a job which meets the descriptions in categories I and J below.

All experience must be of a scope and nature satisfactory to the Board. The Board determines the amount of credit to be awarded. In determining credit for experience gained in Category J, the quality and nature of experience will be compared to that gained in an architectural office engaged in diversified practice. The Board will award prorated credit for part-time work.

Category I:

One unit of credit for each year of diversified experience in appropriate architectural work under the direct supervision of a lawfully practicing architect
Maximum credit granted: 12 units

This may include work in the following:

• an architectural office
• a government agency
• a corporation

Notes:
- For applicants in Category A, a total of at least eight years of education and experience is required in order to obtain 12 units of credit.
- Applicants in Category A who document 1.5 units in Category I may meet requirements if they document 1.5 additional units of acceptable experience with a licensed professional engineer.
- Applicants with credit in Categories A and F must document at least two units of experience in Category I.
- Applicants in Category C must have at least four units of experience in Category I.
- Applicants in Categories D, G, and H must have the majority of experience in Category I.

Category J:

One unit of credit for each year of diversified experience in appropriate work related to architecture
Maximum credit granted: 5 units

This may include work in the following:

• an engineer's office
• a government agency related to architectural practice
• a contractor's office (or field)
• a related design discipline, e.g., landscape architecture
• teaching required courses in an NAAB-accredited architectural program (credit is based on the proportion of a full teaching load).
• conducting or participating in structured research on architectural problems, culminating in a report, subject to Board approval. Supplementary documentation required.

Examination Requirements

Architectural interns may begin taking the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) if an intern has received a degree (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture) from a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited program, OR has a combination of education and experience equaling a degree from an NAAB accredited program, typically totaling 9 of the 12 required units for licensure.

Please note that the documentation supplied to the State Education Department for the purpose of early admission to the ARE may be unofficial or in summary form. The Department will make final determinations related to the granting of an architectural license upon submission of official documentation, including, but not limited to, education, experience, and examination documentation.

NCARB also requires that a candidate be enrolled in the IDP prior to taking the ARE.

For candidates WITH a degree from an NAAB accredited program (BArch or MArch only)

Candidates must submit a New York State Application for Licensure (Form 1) and the appropriate fee for licensure and first registration to the New York State Education Department. Please indicate on your Form 1 that you wish to take the ARE concurrent with IDP.

Additionally, candidates must be enrolled in the IDP with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and request that NCARB transmit a Record Summary to the New York State Board for Architecture. To enroll in the IDP, visit NCARBs' Web site at www.ncarb.org/.

For candidates WITHOUT a degree from an NAAB accredited program, AND who have attended a US college/university

• If you graduated, please see the following:

  If an intern does not have a degree from a NAAB accredited program, graduated from a US college/university, and would like to begin taking the ARE concurrent with the IDP, submit a Application for Licensure (Form 1) and the appropriate fee for licensure and first registration to the New York State Education Department. Please indicate on your Form 1 that you wish to take the ARE concurrent with IDP.

  Additionally, candidates must be enrolled in the IDP with NCARB and request that NCARB transmit a Record Summary to the New York State Board for Architecture. To enroll in the IDP, the Department will draft an IDP memo for you to submit to NCARB. See the "Experience Requirements" section for more details.

  Finally, candidates will have to document acceptable supervised experience following their education. The amount of experience required is dependent upon the nature of the education. Candidates should have their supervisor submit a fully executed Applicant Experience Form (Form 4) for each period of experience they wish the Board to consider. Please note that a certain proportion of the overall experience required must have been obtained under the direct supervision of a lawfully practicing architect in a diversified setting.

• If you DID NOT graduate, please see the following:

  If an intern does not have a degree from a NAAB accredited program, ATTENDED BUT DID NOT graduate from a US college/university, and would like to begin taking the ARE concurrent with the IDP, submit a Application for Licensure (Form 1) and the appropriate fee for licensure and first registration to the New York State Education Department. Please indicate on your Form 1 that you wish to take the ARE concurrent with IDP.

  Additionally, candidates must be enrolled in the IDP with NCARB and request that NCARB transmit a Record Summary to the New York State Board for Architecture. To enroll in the IDP, the Department will draft an IDP memo for you to submit to NCARB. See the "Experience Requirements" section for more details.

  Candidates must submit a transcript for an informal and preliminary review of their educational credentials in order to determine their eligibility for the ARE. Please note that this review is not official, and is only to establish a candidate's entry to the ARE.

  Finally, candidates will have to document acceptable supervised experience following their education. The amount of experience required is dependent upon the nature of the education. Candidates should have their supervisor submit a fully executed Applicant Experience Form (Form 4) for each period of experience they wish the Board to consider. Please note that a certain proportion of the overall experience required must have been obtained under the direct supervision of a lawfully practicing architect in a diversified setting.

For candidates WITHOUT a degree from an NAAB accredited program, AND who have graduated from a FOREIGN college/university

If an intern does not have a degree from a NAAB accredited program, graduated from a foreign college/university, and would like to begin taking the ARE concurrent with the IDP, submit a Application for Licensure (Form 1) and the appropriate fee for licensure and first registration to the New York State Education Department. Please indicate on your Form 1 that you wish to take the ARE concurrent with IDP.

Additionally, candidates must be enrolled in the IDP with NCARB and request that NCARB transmit a Record Summary to the New York State Board for Architecture. To enroll in the IDP, the Department will draft an IDP memo for you to submit to NCARB. See the "Experience Requirements" section for more details.

Non-US candidates must submit a transcript, diploma, and translated copies of both for an informal and preliminary review of their educational credentials in order to determine their eligibility for the ARE. Please note that this review is not official, and is only to establish a candidate's entry to the ARE. Foreign candidates will undergo a formal review by the Department's Bureau of Comparative Education at a later date. All foreign candidates are encouraged to begin the process of education review with our Bureau of Comparative Education as soon as possible.

Finally, candidates will have to document acceptable supervised experience following their education. The amount of experience required is dependent upon the nature of the education. Candidates should have their supervisor submit a fully executed Applicant Experience Form (Form 4) for each period of experience they wish the Board to consider. Please note that a certain proportion of the overall experience required must have been obtained under the direct supervision of a lawfully practicing architect in a diversified setting.

The New York State Education Department determines your eligibility based on the education and experience guidelines listed above. You will be notified in writing of your eligibility by the State Board for Architecture. If eligible, the company that administers the examination will be notified and you should receive a package of information from them which will enable you to schedule the various divisions of the examination. If not eligible, you will be notified as to the outstanding requirements.

You do not have to schedule all divisions of the examination at the same time. You will pay for the divisions you wish to attempt at the time you schedule them.

For information on current examination fees contact NCARB at:

NCARB
Suite 700K
1801 K. Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-783-6500
Fax: 202-783-0290
E-Mail: customerservice@ncarb.org
Web: www.ncarb.org

The State Board will notify you of the exam results. If you fail a division, you must wait six months before attempting it again. NCARB will automatically notify you when you are again eligible to take that division.

Important Information for Candidates for Licensure as an Architect

ARE 4.0 was launched in July, 2008. The new exam will integrate multiple-choice questions with graphic vignettes and will have seven divisions instead of nine. However, to ease candidates through the transition there will be a one year period when both ARE 3.1 and ARE 4.0 will be administered. Current candidates have until June, 2009 to complete any remaining divisions of ARE 3.1.

If you have passed at least one division of ARE 3.1 before May, 2008, you will have until June, 2009 to pass all remaining divisions of ARE 3.1. If you pass all divisions before the end of the one year overlap, you will not have to take any division of ARE 4.0.

If you do not pass ARE 3.1 before June 30, 2009, you will be transitioned to ARE 4.0. Refer to the transition chart at www.ncarb.org/are/40/transition_chart.html to see which divisions you will need to take should you not pass ARE 3.1.

Please note, you may encounter content in ARE 4.0 for which you have previously tested in ARE 3.1. For example: If you do not pass ARE 3.1's Building Technology division, you will have to take four divisions under ARE 4.0: Structural Systems, Building Systems, Building Design & Construction Systems, and Construction Documents & Services.

For more information go to www.ncarb.org/ARE/40/whats_different.html

Reasonable Testing Accommodations

If you have a disability and may require reasonable testing accommodations for the examination, mark the appropriate box in item 16 of the Application for Licensure Form (Form 1) to indicate whether you:

• need the Request for Reasonable Testing Accommodations form
• have already received a Request for Reasonable Testing Accommodations form from the Office of the Professions
• have already sent in your Request for Reasonable Testing Accommodations form and required supporting documentation to the Office of the Professions

Approval of your request for reasonable testing accommodations is a joint process between the Office of the Professions and NCARB, and the timely submission of your supporting documentation will help to avoid delays in the review of your request.

If you have the Request for Reasonable Testing Accommodations form and the appropriate supporting documentation, send it directly to:

The Office of the Professions, Bureau of Professional Examinations
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12234-1000.

Documentation for reasonable accommodations usually includes a letter from an appropriate health care provider who has diagnosed and/or treated you, indicating the nature and extent of the disability, the proposed accommodations, the rationale behind the reasonable accommodations, and, if applicable, the types of accommodations made for you in the past. For more information regarding reasonable accommodations, contact the Bureau of Professional Examinations at opexams@mail.nysed.gov or call 518-474-3817 ext. 290 or fax 518-473-8577.

Documentation Required for Licensure or Limited Permit (Based on Approach)

All applicants must submit Form 1 - Application for Licensure (Form 1) and the appropriate fee for licensure and first registration.

The following forms must also be submitted if:

1. You are not licensed and have taken the ARE:
   
   
   • Upon successful completion of the IDP, have NCARB submit your IDP Council Record for evaluation by the New York State Board for Architecture.
   
   Additionally, the following forms may be required:
   
   
   • Form 2 - Certification of Professional Education -required for all foreign education and may be required for others
   • Form 3 - Verification of Out-of-State Licensure, Registration and/or Examination - ONLY if any divisions of the exam were passed in some other jurisdiction
   • Form 4 - Applicant Experience Record, so that a determination can be made if the education/experience requirements for licensure have been met
   
   OR
   
   
2. You are licensed in another jurisdiction and meet the endorsement requirements:
   
   
   • Form 2 - Certification of Professional Education
   • Form 3 - Verification of Out-of-State Licensure, Registration and/or Examination
   • Form 4 - Applicant Experience Record (if an NCARB/IDP Council Record will not be submitted)
   • IDP Council Record (if licensed initially on or after 9/1/99)
   • 3 letters of reference, 1 each from 3 currently licensed and registered architects, attesting to the fact that you've been lawfully practicing as an architect for at least 5 of the past 7 years - ONLY if you passed just the Professional Examination in use before 1983
   
   OR
   
   
3. You have NCARB Certification (licensed in another jurisdiction):
   
   
   • Contact NCARB directly at 202-783-6500 or www.ncarb.org and request that your Council Record be sent to the New York State Board for Architecture
   
   OR
   
   
4. You have 10 Years of Lawful Practice:
   
   
   • 3 letters of reference - one each from 3 architects substantiating lawful practice outside of New York for the required minimum of 10 years as a Principal of your own firm
   • Form 3 - Verification of Out-of-State Licensure, Registration and/or Examination - For certification from the initial licensing authority
   
   If eligible, a practical examination is required.
   
   OR
   
   
5. You are applying for a Limited Permit:
   
   
   • 3 letters of reference - one each from 3 architects substantiating lawful practice
   • Form 3 - Verification of Out-of-State Licensure, Registration and/or Examination - For certification from the licensing authority
   • Specific description of the project including:
     
     
     • scope
     • approximate size
     • location, including address
     • name and address of client