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Reciprocity

Reciprocity in Another Jurisdiction

Requirements vary from state to state and are continually changing. The individual state's licensing board should be contacted directly to obtain their current requirements for reciprocal licensure. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has a list of jurisdictions with their licensure requirements.

Reciprocity in California

To receive reciprocal licensure in California a candidate must meet the following requirements:

  1. Hold a current and valid license or registration in another U.S. jurisdiction
  2. Provide verification of eight years of experience pre- or post-licensure through either work experience or a combination of work experience and education
  3. Provide evidence of completion of the NCARB Intern Development Program (if licensed less than three years)
  4. Successfully complete the California Supplemental Examination (CSE)

Licensees of Foreign Countries

California does not have reciprocity with foreign countries (with the exception of Canada and the United Kingdom under the limited conditions below). Subsequently, individuals licensed in a foreign country that have not successfully completed the Architect Registration Examination, cannot receive a license in California through reciprocity.

Canadian Licensees

An architect registered in a Canadian province must hold a current and valid Certification issued by NCARB to be eligible for reciprocity in California.

United Kingdom Licensees

An architect registered in the United Kingdom must hold a current and valid Certification issued on or before December 31, 1996, by NCARB to be eligible for reciprocity in California.

California Supplemental Examination

Successful completion of the CSE is required of all candidates prior to licensure.

CSE application materials and detailed information on the examination are sent only at the time a reciprocity candidate is determined to be eligible.

The "Application for California Supplemental Examination" lists the available upcoming examination dates. Candidates are only scheduled when they have established their eligibility, submitted a completed "Application for California Supplemental Examination", and paid the $100 examination application fee.

Administrations of the CSE are scheduled on a first-served basis until full. Upon receipt and processing of the Application for California Supplemental Examination, a confirmation postcard is typically mailed within three to fours weeks typically. Scheduling letters are mailed 30 days before the examination date.

How to Apply

There are two methods listed below used to apply for reciprocal licensure in California. The choice of which method is dependent on whether a candidate possesses NCARB Certification.