California Architecture License Overview

Learn how to secure an architecture license in California and discover how Harbor Compliance simplifies licensure for entities—from application to renewal.

Before offering architectural services to the public in California, practitioners must meet specific requirements and obtain a state-issued license called the California architect license. For individuals, this process involves earning a formal degree in architecture or a similar field, gaining experience under the direct supervision of a licensed architect, and passing required examinations.

While the state does not issue a separate license for firms, there are strict requirements regarding ownership structure, and entities must ensure their practitioners maintain active licenses. Additionally, an architecture license in California must be renewed periodically to retain the legal authority to practice.

This article will explain how to obtain and renew the California architecture license and discuss how Harbor Compliance simplifies the licensure process from initial application to renewal.

California Architect License for Firms

The architect license in California allows qualified practitioners to provide architectural services to the public within the state. Before this license can be issued, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the California Architects Board (CAB) , the regulatory authority overseeing and issuing licenses in the state.

While entities are not required to apply for a separate architecture license in California, the state enforces strict rules regarding ownership structures and naming. These requirements vary depending on the business type.

The most common types of domestic and foreign entities authorized to practice architecture in California include:

1. General stock corporation
2. Professional corporation
3. Registered limited liability partnership

Limited liability corporations (LLCs) are not permitted to offer architectural services in California.

General Stock Corporation

The California State Architect License Board does not impose ownership restrictions on S-corporations or C-corporations. This means that the owners of such entities do not necessarily have to be licensed architects. However, if a firm intends to advertise architectural services, a licensed architect must have management control of the professional services.

Additionally, general stock corporations can use “architect” or similar words in their business names.

Professional Corporation

Unlike general stock corporations, professional corporations in California have ownership restrictions. Shareholders, officers, employees, and directors in these firms who offer professional services must all be California-licensed architects.

Additionally, the firm’s name must adhere to specific rules. It must incorporate the names or last names of present, former, or prospective shareholders or a predecessor who was part of the previous organization. The name must also include one of the following:

• The word “architect” or “architects” with appropriate corporate wording or abbreviations
• The phrase “architectural corporation”

Professional corporations are permitted to advertise their architectural services.

Registered Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) intending to offer architectural services in California are also subject to ownership restrictions. All owners must be licensed architects, and at least one must hold a California architect license.

LLPs are prohibited from using the word “architect” or a similar term in their business name. These firms can only advertise architectural services if a licensed architect is an owner, officer, or employer responsible for overseeing professional services and controlling all design work.

California Architect License Requirements for Individual Practitioners

There are multiple pathways for individual practitioners to obtain a California state architect license. However, all applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify for licensure. When evaluating applications, the CAB considers three key criteria:

Education

To meet the education requirement for a California architect license, applicants are generally required to have one of the following:

• A degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)
• A degree from a non-NAAB or non-CACB program

Applicants with a degree from a NAAB- or CACB-accredited program automatically receive the full educational experience credit. However, those with non-NAAB or non-CACB degrees must supplement their education with work experience. The amount of additional experience required depends on the type of degree earned or the number of postsecondary units completed.

Examination

To be eligible for licensure, applicants are expected to pass:

• All divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
• The California Supplemental Examination (CSE)

These exams are designed to evaluate competency, skill, and other specific architectural knowledge required to practice safely in California.

Experience

California requires applicants to gain work experience as part of the eligibility criteria for an architect license. This is typically achieved through the completion of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) or the Canadian Provincial Internship in Architectural Program (IAP).

Practitioners must accumulate eight years of combined education and experience to qualify for licensure, typically through the AXP or IAP.

Other California Architect Licensure Pathways

In addition to the standard pathway of combining education, examination, and experience credits to qualify for licensure, California offers alternative pathways for individuals with different qualifications. These include:

• Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) Program—The IPAL program speeds up the process of becoming a licensed architect by integrating the experience and examination components with a degree from an NAAB-accredited program. Here, candidates complete the AXP and take divisions of the ARE before graduating. After earning their degree, they can take the CSE and be eligible for licensure.
• Work experience—The work experience-only pathway provides an alternate route to licensure for candidates who have not earned a degree. To qualify, applicants must complete at least five years of full-time work under the direct supervision of a U.S.-licensed architect. This pathway does not require additional education, and candidates receive full credit for their years of practical, hands-on experience.
• California architect license reciprocity—California provides licensure by reciprocity pathway for individuals already licensed in other U.S. jurisdictions or have foreign licenses. To qualify, applicants must provide their NCARB certification and proof of AXP completion. Reciprocity applicants are also required to pass the CSE to obtain licensure in the state.

How To Get an Architecture License in California

You can file a licensure application with the state once you have fulfilled the California architecture license requirements. The application process for a license varies slightly depending on whether you are applying for the first time or through the reciprocity pathway. However, regardless of the path, you’ll typically need to provide the following documentation during registration:

• Your NCARB record and details of your current jurisdiction
• Proof of completing all divisions of the ARE
• Documentation of the AXP or IAP
• Proof of passing the CSE

Additionally, all candidates are required to submit a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check. Out-of-state applicants must request hard cards to complete their fingerprint submission.

Maintaining Your California Architect License

Once you’ve received your California architecture license, maintaining it in good standing requires adherence to state requirements. The key responsibilities of licensed architects include:

1. Filing the California Business Entity Report
2. Renewing your California architect license

Filing the California Business Entity Report

California requires all licensed architects to report the name and address of the entity through which they provide architectural services. This requirement applies regardless of whether the licensee is a sole proprietor, part-owner, employee, or owner of the entity.

This requirement enables the state to verify that every business providing architectural services has an architect in responsible control.

If the entity’s name or address changes, the licensee must file an updated Business Entity Report Form within 30 days of the change.

Renewing Your California Architect License

In California, architecture licenses expire on the last day of the licensee’s birth month in odd-numbered years and must be renewed every two years. Before starting the California architecture license renewal process, licensees must complete 10 hours of continuing education (CE) coursework, which includes:

• Five hours on zero net carbon design (ZNCD)
• Five hours on disability access requirements

This coursework must be completed before the license expiration date. Renewal notices are sent approximately 90 days before expiration. If a licensee doesn’t receive one during this timeframe, they can still renew their license by mailing a completed California architect license renewal application.

The renewal fee is $400, and the state recommends allowing up to eight weeks for processing. Architects who submit a completed application before their license expires can legally continue practicing until their renewed license is issued as any delay is not their fault.

Outsourcing Your California Architecture License Management to Harbor Compliance

California’s licensure process is demanding, especially when running an architecture firm. While entities are not required to apply for a separate architecture license, they must still ensure that a licensed architect is in responsible control of their services and that all employees maintain an active license.

Additionally, all of the firm’s practitioners must adhere to CE requirements and submit the Business Entity Report Form to help the state track businesses offering architectural services.

Handling these responsibilities independently can be challenging, especially as firms must also focus on offering architectural services. This is why many choose to partner with service providers like Harbo r Compliance, who can streamline the licensing process.

As experts in navigating licensure, we ensure the entire process is managed seamlessly, saving you time and effort.

To get started, use our free Harbor Compliance Score™ to evaluate your regulatory standing and schedule a demo session to explore our services. Afterward, you can order our Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions, and we’ll take care of the rest on your behalf.

For more information on licensure across the U.S., explore our collection of articles outlined below:

• Jump To:
• California Architecture Company Licenses
• California Individual Architecture Licenses

Learn about architecture licensing in other states: