New York does not have direct reciprocity with any other US State or territory. However, an applicant who can demonstrate having been in lawful practice as a Principal/shareholder/owner of their own firm outside of New York for a period of 10 years may, upon successful completion of a practical examination satisfactory to the State Board, be granted licensure as an architect. Generally, only those architects licensed in a foreign country are eligible to apply via this pathway.
Who is eligible to apply for licensure via the practical examination?
An applicant applying for licensure via the practical examination must be:
- An architect who has been Principal/shareholder/owner of their own lawful architectural firm for 10 years or more outside of New York
- An architect who has never attempted the ARE® or any other licensing examination in use by New York prior to the ARE®
- An architect who is licensed in a country where the practice of architecture is regulated and is similar to that of New York.
- An architect who is licensed in a country where the title of “Architect” is regulated
- An architect who is licensed in a country where there is an enforcement system for architects that regulates professional conduct
How do I apply for license via this practical examination pathway?
- Submit Form 1, New York’s Application for Licensure. Please indicate on your Form 1 that you are applying for a license via the practical examination
- Pay the licensure and first registration fee of $587.00
- Send Form 3 to the licensing authority in the foreign country that issued your license. Form 3 must be mailed directly by the licensing authority to the Department.
- Send Form 4P to three licensed and registered architects who will attest to your lawful practice outside of New York for the requirement minimum period of 10 years. These architects MUST mail in the Form 4P directly to the Department. The form WILL NOT be accepted if mailed by you.