Arizona Architecture License Overview
Understand the intricacies of obtaining an Arizona architecture license for individuals and firms. Learn how Harbor Compliance manages end-to-end licensing.
Arizona Architecture License—Requirements and Application Process Explained
Becoming a licensed architect in Arizona is a significant achievement and a lengthy journey. The process requires applicants to meet specific educational, experience, and examination requirements, ensuring they are skilled and knowledgeable in the industry.
This article outlines the steps involved in obtaining an Arizona architecture license, from education requirements to application submission. We’ll also discuss how Harbor Compliance can streamline your firm’s architecture licensing process.
Arizona Architecture License Requirements
The Arizona Board of Technical Registration requires both architecture firms and individual applicants to apply for licensure and maintain it periodically.
For firms, the key requirement is to designate a registrant, who is also a principal, to take full responsibility for the professional services in each category offered by the firm.
Both domestic and foreign firms are required to assign an Arizona-licensed registrant as the principal for each office in Arizona. However, foreign applicants must submit a copy of good standing and certified copies of formation documents dated within 60 days of application.
To appoint an architect with the right expertise and professional standards for your firm, ensure the applicants fulfill the ’Three Es’ components:
Education
To be eligible, the applicant must hold a NAAB-accredited degree—either a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture. Visit the NAAB website to verify accreditation.
If the candidate lacks an NAAB-accredited degree, they must have approval from the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration to take the NCARB exam.
Experience
The applicant must have completed the NCARB professional experience requirement, the Architectural Experience Program (AXP). Gather proof of AXP completion for your application.
Examination
Finally, the applicant must have passed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). The exam tests candidates on various aspects of architectural knowledge and practice.
Arizona Architecture License Application Process
The licensing process differs for individual practitioners and architecture firms. Below are the specific pathways:
- Obtaining an architecture license for individuals
- Obtaining an architecture license for firms
Obtaining an Arizona Architect License for Individuals
The application packet involves multiple steps and documentation:
- Provide answers, sign, and date the Arizona Architect Registration Application.
- Include a signed and dated Arizona Statement of Citizenship form with evidence.
- Enclose support documents: proof of education, Certificate of Experience forms, Military Status forms, and any disciplinary or criminal documents.
- Include an initial registration fee of $325.
Applicants with an NCARB record may transmit it to the Board to expedite verification. Those with an NAAB-accredited degree can apply directly with NCARB for exam authorization.
In certain cases, applicants may qualify for an Architect Exam Waiver Packet if registered as an architect in another jurisdiction for 10 of the last 15 years.
Required documents:
- Proof of registration/licensure in another jurisdiction
- NCARB experience documentation (IDP/AXP)
- Official transcripts (if applicable)
- Three Certificate of Experience forms
- Completed Arizona Statement of Citizenship and military status forms
Obtaining an Arizona Architect License for Firms
After designating a registrant, follow these steps:
- For corporations/LLCs, create an eCorp account and register via the eCorp portal. For partnerships, submit a Certificate of Partnership to the Arizona secretary of state.
- Determine if foreign qualification is needed; register with the Arizona Corporation Commission or secretary of state as required.
- Ensure ownership requirements: at least one officer, member, or partner must be licensed.
- Submit a Firm Registration Application to the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration.
Why You Should Outsource Architecture Licensing
The process is structured but complex, involving coordination with multiple agencies, document compliance, and qualification rules. Outsourcing to Harbor Compliance reduces complexity and ensures accuracy.
Minimize Your Licensing Workload by Partnering With Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions support firms with end-to-end licensing. Our expert team manages applications through renewals, and our License Manager module helps you store details, track deadlines, and set reminders.
Choose your service model:
- Self-managed—Use our software independently.
- Fully managed—Our team handles filings and renewals.
- Hybrid—Combine professional support with software tools.
How To Order Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Services
- Visit our Solutions page.
- Click Contact Us.
- Fill in your personal and business details.
- Submit the form.
Additional Services by Harbor Compliance
| Service Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Nonprofit formation | We help you set up your nonprofit with incorporation, 501(c) tax exemption, and charitable registration. |
| Registered agent service | Enjoy seamless registered agent support and easy agent changes. |
| Tax registration | Simplify compliance with payroll tax, EIN, and sales & use tax. |
| General business licensing | We offer a general business licensing service for seamless registration. |
| BOI reporting | Streamline beneficial ownership reporting with our reporting service. |
| Document filing & retrieval | Access documents like good standing certificates or use our drop-off filing. |
| Entity lifecycle management | Manage name reservations, annual reports, and amendments with our full-service support. |
Arizona Architecture Licensing FAQs
Arizona does not offer registration by reciprocity. Applicants must meet the Arizona Practice Act requirements by submitting an Architect Registration Application, supporting documents, and the required fee. NCARB record holders should have records sent directly to the Arizona Board.
After submitting all required documents, the process typically takes 8–12 weeks. Timelines may vary based on document quality and evaluator availability. NCARB record holders may see expedited processing.
Your architect registration is valid for three years, with renewal due during the calendar quarter of issuance. While the Board sends courtesy reminders, it is your responsibility to renew on time.
Company Licenses
Arizona Architecture Company Licenses
Arizona Annual Branch Registration
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $50 |
| Notes: | Applicants must list one professional in responsible charge for each of the professional services offered by the firm. |
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $50 |
| Due: | Annually by the initial registration anniversary date. Renewals can be filed as early as 30 days prior to the expiration date. |
| Notes: | Licensees must list one professional in responsible charge for each of the professional services offered by the firm. |
Amendment
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Due: | Notify the board within 30 days of the effective date of the change. |
Arizona Annual Firm Registration
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: |
|
| Turnaround: | 8-12 weeks |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
| Notes: |
|
| Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
| How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online |
| Agency Fee: | $50 + $4 bank fee (if paying online) |
| Due: | Annually by the initial registration anniversary date. Renewals can be filed as early as 90 days prior to the expiration date. |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
| Required Attachments: |
|
Amendment
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or email to addchange@azbtr.gov |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Due: | Within 30 days of the effective date of the change. |
| Notes: | An amendment should be filed for changes to:
|
Reinstatement
Not required
A firm whose registration has been expired for less than one year can reinstate their status through the standard renewal process. If their registration has been expired for over one year, they must go through the initial registration process again.
Arizona Interior Design Firm License
Not required
Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Arizona.
Arizona does not currently license or register interior design businesses.
Individual Licenses
Arizona Individual Architecture Licenses
Arizona Architect License
| Agency: | Arizona State Board of Technical Registration |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Arizona for the first time.
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 application fee + $225 registration fee |
| Required Attachments: |
|
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Arizona.
| Notes: | Arizona currently does not grant registration by endorsement (reciprocity/comity). Applicants must demonstrate they meet registration requirements pursuant to the Arizona Practice Act by submitting an Architect Registration Application and supporting documents, with the applicable fee. If the applicant is applying with a national council record, they should request to have it transmitted to the Arizona Board as the supporting document. |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Arizona and need to renew their license.
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $225 |
| Due: | Triennially during the quarter when the registration was first filed.
|
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
Arizona Interior Designer License
Not required
Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Arizona.
Arizona Professional Landscape Architect Registration
| Agency: | Arizona State Board of Technical Registration |
Exam Application
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 |
| Notes: | There are separate fees for the exams. |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 application fee + $225 registration fee |
Reciprocal Registration
| Notes: | Arizona currently does not grant registration by endorsement (reciprocity/comity). Applicants must demonstrate they meet registration requirements pursuant to the Arizona Practice Act by submitting a Landscape Architect Registration Application and supporting documents, with the applicable fee. If the applicant is applying with a national council record, they should request to have it transmitted to the Arizona Board as the supporting document. |
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $225 |
| Due: | Triennially during the quarter when the registration was first filed.
|
Learn about architecture licensing in other states:
ARE (Architect Registration Examination) - Assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required to be a practicing architect.
AXP (Architectural Experience Program) - NCARB program for architectural internship, a requirement for licensure that occurs after filling the educational requirements.
BEFA (Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect) - An alternative NCARB certification that allows foreign architects to independently practice architecture.
COA (Certificate of Authorization) - The most common name of the registration required for firms to practice architecture in a given state.
Design Firm - Architectural firm registration is sometimes grouped with engineering and land surveying on a single “design firm” application form.
NCARB Certification - Licensed architects have the option to become Certificate holders to signify that they have met national standards established by U.S. licensing boards for protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Certification also facilitates reciprocal registration in all 54 jurisdictions, 11 Canadian jurisdictions, and can be used to support an application for licensure in other countries.
Reciprocity - This is when a licensed architect in one state can provide documentation (often a NCARB certificate) to more easily apply for licensure in another jurisdiction.
State Board - Often referred to as the State Architects Licensure Board or Board of Architects, an individual state’s board serves as the regulatory authority for architects. The board qualifies and licenses individuals seeking architectural licensure. The board is responsible for preserving the public health, safety, and welfare of individuals who occupy built environments.
National Architecture Accrediting Board
NAAB establishes criteria for and accredits professional architecture degree programs in the United States.
The American Institute of
Architecture Students (AIAS)
AIAS is an independent, student-run group that promotes excellence in architecture education, training, and practice.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
AIA is a voluntary professional organization for architects providing advocacy, information, and community.
The Association of Collegiate
Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
ACSA represents architectural education programs across the globe.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
NCARB is the national organization representing the state registration boards.
