Becoming a Licensed Architect
Requirements for Eligibility
A candidate may use the form below to view how much credit they may receive for their education and/or experience. Please note, if multiple degrees are earned, the degree that provides the candidate with the most credit will be applied as experience earned. Eligible experience is evaluated at the equivalent of 40 hours per week. Credit may be given for overtime. All candidates are required to complete the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) prior to becoming eligible for the California Supplemental Examination (CSE).
Completion of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)’s Architectural Experience Program (AXP) or Canadian Provincial Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) satisfies the work experience required to take the CSE. Candidates can start earning AXP credit after they graduate from high school (or established equivalent).
Professional and/or Post Professional Degree in Architecture from a NAAB-Accredited Program along with Completion of the AXP Requirement
The Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) program combines a professional (B. Arch.) and/or post professional (M. Arch. or D. Arch.) degree in architecture that has been accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) along with completion of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP).
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Years | 0 Years | 0 Years |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-1 | ||
Post Professional Degree in Architecture from a NAAB or CACB Accredited Program along with a Bachelors Degree from a NAAB Accredited Program
A post professional degree (M. Arch. or D. Arch.) and professional degree (B. Arch.) in architecture, where the programs have been accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Years | 0 Years | 2 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-1 | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Post Professional Degree in Architecture from a NAAB or CACB Accredited Program along with a Bachelors Degree from a Non-Accredited Program
A post professional degree in architecture (M. Arch. or D. Arch.), where the program has been accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Years | 0 Years | 3 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-1 | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Professional Degree in Architecture Where the Program is Accredited by NAAB
A professional degree in architecture (B. Arch.), where the program has been accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Years | 0 Years | 3 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-1 | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Professional Degree in Architecture
A professional degree in architecture, where the program has not been accredited by NAAB or CACB and the program consists of at least a five-year curriculum, or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Years | 1 Year | 3 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-2 | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Bachelors Degree in Architecture
A bachelors degree (Baccalaureus Atrium [BA], Atrium Baccalaureus [AB], Bachelor of Science [BS]) in architecture, where the program has not been accredited by NAAB or CACB and the program consists of at least a four-year curriculum, or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 3½ Years | 1½ Years | 3 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-3 | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Associates Degree in Architecture
An associates degree in architecture or technical school certificate in architecture, where the program has not been accredited by NAAB or CACB and the program consists of at least a two-year curriculum, or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 4 Years | 3 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-7B | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Professional Degree in a Field Related to Architecture
A degree which consists of at least a five-year curriculum in a field related to architecture or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-5 | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Bachelors Degree in a Field Related to Architecture
A degree which consists of at least a four-year curriculum in a field related to architecture or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-5 | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Associates Degree in a Field Related to Architecture
An city/community college degree or technical school certificate in a field related to architecture or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 4 Years | 3 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-7B | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Professional Degree
Any university or college degree which consists of at least a five-year curriculum or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 4 Years | 3 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-6 | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Bachelors Degree
Any university or college degree which consists of at least a four-year curriculum or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 4 Years | 3 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-6 | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Associates Degree
Any city/community college degree which consists of at least a two-year curriculum or units toward such a degree.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| ½ Year | 4½ Years | 3 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-7A | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Foreign Degree (Approved NAAB EESA)
An approved National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) will grant a candidate the maximum credit. Any cost of evaluation is the responsibility of the candidate. A degree from a program accredited by the CACB is accepted by the Board and is not required to be evaluated by NAAB or NACES.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 0 Years | *3 Years |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-1 | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Foreign Degree (Approved NACES)
Foreign college or university degree(s) will be granted credit based on a comparable US degree. Certified transcript(s) must be evaluated from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) approved educational evaluation service. Any cost of evaluation is the responsibility of the candidate. A degree from a program accredited by the CACB is accepted by the Board and is not required to be evaluated by NAAB or NACES.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 4 years | At least 1 Year (Varies) | *Varies |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6, A-7A, A-7B, A-14A, A-14B | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Licensed/Registered Architect in an US Jurisdiction (Work Experience Under/As)
Experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed in an United States jurisdiction shall be granted 100% credit. In addition, a candidate must submit all of the following:
- Proof of completion of the AXP or Canadian IAP requirement (a candidate who holds a current and valid NCARB Certificate is exempt from the AXP or Canadian IAP requirement)
- If licensed, proof of current and valid license/registration in another US jurisdiction
- Employment Verification Form on their own behalf documenting three years of architectural practice as a licensed/registered architect in another US jurisdiction
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Years | 0 Years | 0 Years |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-8 or A-13 | ||
Licensed/Registered Foreign Architect in a Qualifying Foreign Country (Work Experience Under/As)
Experience as a foreign architect licensed/registered in a qualifying foreign country with a verified record of substantial architectural practice will be granted 50% credit.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Years | 0 Years | 1 Year* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-15A or A-15B | ||
*Note: A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit. The term "qualifying foreign country" means a foreign country whose standards and qualifications for issuing a license to practice architecture are equivalent to those required in California.
Licensed/Registered Civil or Structural Engineer in an US Jurisdiction (Work Experience Under/As)
Experience as, or experience obtained under the direct supervision of, a licensed/registered civil or structural engineer, and/or a landscape architect licensed/registered in an United States jurisdiction will be granted 50% credit.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years | 5 Years | 1 Year* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-12A | ||
*Note: A candidate will not receive more than two years maximum credit in any combination under a licensed/registered civil or structural engineer, licensed/registered landscape architect, California licensed general building contractor, and/or certified California building official. A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Licensed/Registered Landscape Architect in an US Jurisdiction (Work Experience Under/As)
Experience as, or experience obtained under the direct supervision of, a landscape architect licensed/registered in an United States jurisdiction will be granted 50% credit.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years | 5 Years | 1 Year* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-12A | ||
*Note: A candidate will not receive more than two years maximum credit in any combination under a licensed/registered civil or structural engineer, licensed/registered landscape architect, California licensed general building contractor, and/or certified California building official. A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
California Licensed General Building Contractor (Work Experience Under/As)
Experience as, or experience obtained under the direct supervision of, a California licensed general building contractor shall be granted 50% credit. Experience under the supervision of a "responsible managing officer" operating under a corporate contractor license will qualify as experience under a California Licensed Building Contractor and will be verified by the responsible managing officer of that corporation.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 5 Years | 2 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-12B | ||
*Note: A candidate will not receive more than two years maximum credit in any combination under a licensed/registered civil or structural engineer, licensed/registered landscape architect, California licensed general building contractor, and/or certified California building official. A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.
Certified California Building Official (Work Experience Under/As)
Experience as, or experience obtained under the direct supervision of, a certified California building official as defined in subsection shall be granted 50% credit.
| Max. Credit Granted | Additional Work Experience [Under an Architect] Required to Take the ARE | Additional Work Experience Required to Take the CSE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | 5 Years | 2 Years* |
| Total Time Required: | 5 Years | 8 Years |
| Reference: A-12C | ||
*Note: A candidate will not receive more than two years maximum credit in any combination under a licensed/registered civil or structural engineer, licensed/registered landscape architect, California licensed general building contractor, and/or certified California building official. A minimum of one year must be under the direct supervision of an architect(s) licensed/registered in an US jurisdiction granted at 100% credit or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect(s) registered in a Canadian province granted at 50% credit.