Becoming a Licensed Architect

A candidate may become an architect in California through various pathways. CAB considers three separate aspects of an individual's architectural development, education, experience, and examination, when assessing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to competently perform the services required of an architect.

A candidate who provides evidence of completing the following requirements is eligible for a license to practice architecture:

• Be at least 18 years of age or the equivalent of a graduate from high school.
• Complete all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
• Complete the California Supplemental Examination (CSE).
• Complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) or the Canadian Provincial Internship in Architecture Program (IAP).
• Document eight (8) years of architectural training and educational experience to fulfill the licensure experience requirement by doing one of the following:
  • Document five (5) years of architectural educational experience or the equivalent as specified in the California Code of Regulations section 117 OR
  • Document additional AXP hours for a total of at least eight (8) years of training in architectural work.

When combined, a total of eight years of architectural training and education experience is required for licensure (Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5552).