Colorado Architecture License Overview

Learn about the Colorado architect license requirements for individuals and firms and discover how Harbor Compliance manages your firm’s licensure workload.

Colorado Architect License: Requirements, Application, and Renewal Process

Architecture in Colorado, like in most U.S. states, is a highly regulated profession. Before offering architectural services, individuals and firms must meet specific requirements and secure the appropriate licenses.

While there is no separate Colorado architecture license for firms, businesses cannot use the term “architect” in their name or provide architectural services without employing a licensed practitioner.

On the other hand, individuals must obtain a license from the state by meeting certain requirements. This can be achieved by endorsement, transfer of grades, or other qualification pathways. Even after receiving the license, it must be renewed by the due date to maintain the legal right to practice in Colorado.

State of Colorado Architect License for Firms

The Colorado architect license grants practitioners the legal authority to offer architectural services in the state. This licensing system protects lives and property, upholds professional standards, and prevents unlawful or unqualified practice in Colorado.

The Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Land Surveyors is responsible for issuing the architecture license and ensuring that only qualified individuals are authorized to practice in the state.

In Colorado, no separate license is required for firms to practice architecture. However, the state board mandates that firms employ licensed architects to oversee their operations. The qualifying individual requirements vary based on the entity type:

• Business Corporations and Professional Corporations (PCs)—At least one officer of the corporation or PC must be a Colorado-licensed architect.
• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs)—At least one member of the LLC or PLLC must be a Colorado-licensed architect.
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) and Professional Limited Liability Partnerships (PLLPs)—At least one partner of the LLP or PLLP must be a Colorado-licensed architect.

Additionally, businesses that do not offer architectural services are prohibited from using the term “architect” in their company name as this could mislead the public.

Overall, firms must ensure their licensed architects keep track of their renewal deadlines to remain in good standing.

Colorado Architecture License Requirements for Individuals

Obtaining an architecture license in Colorado is a mandatory requirement for individuals. As such, the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Land Surveyors enforces strict criteria for individuals intending to become licensed.

To secure this license, practitioners must fulfill one of the following requirements:

1. Licensure by graduation, experience, and examination
2. Licensure by experience and examination
3. Licensure by transfer of grades
4. Licensure by endorsement

Licensure by Graduation, Experience, and Examination

This licensure pathway requires individuals to fulfill three major criteria: graduation, experience, and examination. To meet the graduation requirement, individuals have two main options:

1. Complete a bachelor in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
2. Complete a four-year architecture or environmental design degree or other equivalent education. Some of the degrees accepted include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
• Bachelor of Architecture from a non-NAAB accredited program
• Bachelor of Science in Design
• Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture)

The experience level required varies based on the educational degree completed. Applicants who fulfill the first education criteria require a minimum of three years of practical experience. Those who meet the second graduation criteria must have a minimum of five years of practical experience under the supervision of a U.S. licensed architect.

Finally, candidates must pass all the divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to be eligible for licensure. Only after an applicant has fulfilled these three requirements can they qualify for an architecture license in Colorado through this pathway.

Licensure by Experience and Examination

Licensure by this pathway is designed for individuals who do not have a formal degree in architecture or an equivalent degree. To qualify for licensure by experience and examination, applicants must meet two requirements:

1. Pass the ARE to demonstrate professional knowledge and competency.
2. Accumulate a minimum of 10 years of practical work experience, including at least 18,800 hours of experience under the direct supervision of a U.S. licensed architect.

Licensure by Transfer of Grades

The licensure by transfer of grades pathway is for individuals who have successfully passed all divisions of the ARE but are not yet licensed in any jurisdiction. To qualify for licensure by this pathway, applicants must:

• Transfer their exam grades to Colorado, which involves providing official verification of passing all divisions of the ARE from the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) or another jurisdiction.
• Meet Colorado’s other licensing requirements, which include a combination of graduation and experience or solely experience, as outlined in the state’s licensing criteria above.

Licensure by Endorsement

Licensure by endorsement, also known as Colorado architecture license reciprocity, is designed for individuals already licensed in another jurisdiction. To qualify for this licensure pathway, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Hold an active license and be in good standing in their current jurisdiction.
• Possess qualifications substantially equivalent to Colorado’s requirements, ensuring they meet the current standards set for new applicants.

Applicants seeking licensure can apply directly to Colorado or use the streamlined verification process offered by NCARB.

Applying for an Architecture License in Colorado

Once you meet the requirements for any of the Colorado licensure pathways, you can proceed to apply for licensure online through the state’s application portal. The process begins by creating a new account. Afterward, you will need to provide important details, such as:

• Registration type—Applicants who hold a degree from a NAAB-accredited program are expected to choose the direct registration process, while others are expected to select the non-direct option.
• Relevant licenses—Candidates must list all relevant licenses they hold in other jurisdictions.
• Name change documentation—Candidates whose legal names differ from the one of their documents must provide legal proof supporting this change.

You must also submit supporting documents based on the general and criminal history screening questions to show your qualifications.

After submitting your application, the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Land Surveyors will review it to verify that you meet all requirements. Once your qualifications have been confirmed, you will be issued a license, giving you the legal authority to practice architecture in Colorado.

Colorado Architecture License Renewal

After obtaining an architecture license in Colorado, individual practitioners are expected to renew their licenses periodically to maintain the legal authority to practice in the state. Architects must meet continuing education requirements to renew, reinstate, or reactivate a license.

To qualify for a renewal, licensed architects must complete a minimum of 12 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) each calendar year. This is an annual requirement within the two-year license cycle, meaning licensees must complete 12 hours in the first calendar year and another 12 in the second year, totaling 24 CEHs. It’s important to note that—except for CEHs obtained as part of a disciplinary action or settlement with the Board—excess CEHs beyond the required 12 cannot be credited to past or future license periods.

In Colorado, all architecture licenses expire on October 31 of odd-numbered years. New licensees issued a license within 120 days of an upcoming expiration date will be given a renewal date that aligns with the next period’s expiration date.

Navigating the architectural licensing process in Colorado can be challenging. Firms must ensure their architects keep track of continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines to remain in good standing. As such, it is often advisable to receive professional aid from experts like Harbor Compliance to streamline the licensure journey.

Ensure a Seamless Colorado Architecture License Application Process With Harbor Compliance

Although Colorado firms are not required to obtain a separate license, they are still responsible for ensuring that all architects keep their licenses active. Failure to do so could result in penalties and the inability to offer services in the state.

Furthermore, the licensure process becomes even more complicated when operating in multiple states, expanding into regions, or moving to another jurisdiction.

This is where Harbor Compliance steps in. We are experts who understand the complexities of the licensure process and offer streamlined services to make it as seamless as possible. With our Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions, we take the burden off your shoulders by managing the entire process, from registration to renewal.

Benefits of Partnering With Harbor Compliance To Oversee Your Colorado Architecture License Process

• Worry-free licensure—As experts in the field, we handle the complexities of the licensure process with precision. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that the details of your application and renewals are in the hands of professionals.
• It saves time and effort—Managing licensing requirements can be time-consuming, and keeping track of due dates and continuing education requirements can easily become a burden. By partnering with us, you free up time and resources that would have been spent on administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on growing and running your business.
• Access to Compliance Core™—You can gain access to our nationwide search engine, Compliance Core™, which helps you find licensing across different states in the U.S.

Ordering Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions

At Harbor Compliance, we understand that every client has unique needs when managing licensing requirements. To accommodate this, we offer three distinct service options tailored to your preferences:

1. Self-managed—This option is for clients who prefer hands-on management. We provide access to our Software Suite, which enables you to track your licenses and monitor renewal due dates.
2. Fully managed—With this option, clients can outsource most of their licensure workload to us, and we handle everything from initial registration to renewals.
3. Hybrid—This flexible approach gives clients access to our Software Suite to handle some licensure workload independently while our team of experts handles the rest.

Colorado Architect License FAQs

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• Colorado Architecture Company Licenses
• Colorado Individual Architecture Licenses

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