People with the right education, internships and other relevant credentials have a few different paths to licensure. The process that you’ll take depends on your situation.
There’s an application for first time architects, people coming from out of state and those with education and credentials but no license. There’s also a path for reinstatement of a null-and-void and activation of one that’s inactive.
Wherever you fit on the spectrum, Florida makes licensure a straightforward process.
Florida Resident First Time License
If you’re a Florida resident, have the necessary education and have never been licensed, you need the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Initial Licensure by Examination form. The fee is $60, payable to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Requirements and qualifications, according to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation:
- Graduate from a National Architectural Accrediting Board program or one approved by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board
- Complete the NCARB internship program
- Pass the Architectural Registration Exam no more than 5 years prior to applying for licensure
How to apply: Contact the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards http://www.ncarb.org/ and ask them to transfer or post your education, internship and exam information or NCARB “Green Cover” Council Record to the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design. For foreign applicants other than Canadian, you must have an equivalent education and documentation that certifies the same credentials as the Green Cover Council Record.
If you’re thinking about moving to Florida, you’re in good company.
Licensed Architect Transferring From Another State
Licensed architects from another state should use the Certified Endorsement Applicant process outlined at the Florida Board of Business and Professional Regulation. You’ll need a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards certification, a passing grade on the Architectural Registration Exam or an earlier version and an active license from another state.
How to apply: Have your NCARB Council Record sent from the state where you’re currently licensed to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Ask the NCARB to send your “Blue Cover” certification to Florida, including your passing scores on the Architectural Registration Exam or earlier version. Submit the application form with the related fee to the Department.
Non-Licensed Architect With Credentials
Licensure by endorsement has a slightly different process than initial licensing and license transfers. Florida may issue a license to practice architecture through the Direct Endorsement Applicant form to anyone who meets the following requirements:
- Be unlicensed, either because you’ve never held a license or because you once held a license that is now null and void
- Have passed the Architecture Registration Exam
- Have completed the NCARB internship or equivalent
- Hold a minimum 5-year Bachelor’s or Master’s NAAB-accredited degree
- Have credentials that prove completion of the NCARB internship
How to apply: New licensees and people who need to reinstate a null and void license should provide proof meeting each of the requirements, such as certifications, degrees, and exam scores. Use the Direct Endorsement Applicant form and submit the application fee.
New architects and those who need to transfer or reactivate a previous license come to Florida from different circumstances. Maybe you’ve recently completed your internship and are ready to take the next step. Maybe you’re moving to Florida and want to get right to work. Or perhaps your license lapsed for any number of reasons. The State offers different applications for licensure, and one of them is designed for you.
When it’s time for professional development hours to keep your license active, PDH Academy makes the process a breeze. Check out our courses for architects to see what’s available.