California Architects Board
The California Architects Board (Board) was created in 1901 by the California Legislature to fulfill the mission of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public through the regulation of the practice of architecture in California. It is one of numerous entities within the Department of Consumer Affairs responsible for consumer protection and the regulation of licensed professionals. The Board establishes regulations for examination and licensing of the profession of architecture in California, which today numbers over 21,000 licensed architects and approximately 10,000 candidates who are in the process of meeting examination and licensure requirements.
Latest News
Retired Architect Licenses Are Now Being Issued
The Board is now able to issue retired architect licenses. The application fee for a retired license is $40. Architects interested in retiring their eligible (a license capable of being renewed) license should submit the Application for Retired License and the application fee to the Board’s mailing address. Nonrenewal licenses (licenses that have been expired for more than five years) are not eligible for retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions on Zero Net Carbon Design Continuing Education Requirements
Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1010 into law on September 16, 2021. It requires California architects to complete five (5) hours of continuing education (CE) coursework regarding zero net carbon design (ZNCD) for all license renewals on or after January 1, 2023. The Board has created frequently asked questions regarding this new requirement.
The new Licensing 101 video is available.
If you are a candidate or know someone who would like to become a licensed architect in California, please watch our Licensing 101 video in English or Spanish at https://youtu.be/IBSIN-_cg-Q
Internships
If you are an architect or a candidate for licensure, you may have been an intern or may accept an internship in the future.
Board Transitioning to New Licensing and Enforcement Platform
The California Architects Board is in the process of transitioning to a new licensing and enforcement platform. Working under the guidance of DCA, the Board expects a new system to come online in early 2023. It is anticipated that while a new system will bring benefits for consumers and licensees, there will be a potential impact on workload as the Board transitions throughout the project.
Plan, Design, and Build the Future of Architecture
The Board is seeking licensees interested in giving back to the profession by serving as subject matter experts (SMEs) and participating in California Supplemental Examination development. Two-day workshops are held throughout the year in Sacramento. SMEs receive a $200 stipend for each day they attend the workshops and are reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with state guidelines. If you are interested, please review the information on workshop recruitment by selecting the “Workshop Recruitment” button from the list to the right.
Expedited Licensure for Refugees, Asylees, and Holders of Special Immigrant Visas
Starting January 1, 2021, individuals in the following categories who apply for licensure by the California Architects Board may seek an expedited licensure process.
- Refugees pursuant to section 1157 of title 8 of the United States Code;
- Those granted asylum by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General of the United States pursuant to section 1158 of title 8 of the United States Code; or,
- Individuals with a special immigrant visa that have been granted a status pursuant to section 1244 of Public Law 110-181, Public Law 109-163, or section 602(b) of title VI of division F of Public Law 111-8.
In order to receive the expedited licensure process, individuals must provide documentation of their refugee, asylee, or special immigrant visa status when submitting their application package. Please note that this does not mean a license must be issued, but simply that the process will be expedited.
