Illinois Architecture License Overview

Practicing architecture in Illinois requires more than skill and creativity—it requires a valid license to operate legally in the state. Understanding the licensing requirements and process is the first step toward building a successful practice while maintaining compliance with the state.

A Complete Guide to Securing and Maintaining Illinois Architecture License

This guide breaks down the process of securing an Illinois architecture license and details the prerequisites, application steps, and ongoing compliance requirements for both individual practitioners and firms. We’ll also introduce Harbor Compliance and explain how this reliable service provider simplifies the process by managing end-to-end licensing for architecture firms.

Illinois Architect License Requirements

Before starting the licensing process, you must meet the prerequisites set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Under the IDFPR, individual architects and design firms are classified as the architecture profession they regulate. Based on this classification, this guide breaks down the licensing requirements into two categories:

1. Individual license requirements—for individual architects seeking to practice in Illinois
2. Company license requirements—for design firms operating within the state

Individual License Requirements

Individual architects in Illinois are required to review and complete the ’Three E’ requirements as a key prerequisite for applying for a license. The ’Three Es’ stand for:

Education Requirements

To apply for an initial license, you must hold a professional degree from an NAAB-accredited course. Alternatively, a CACB-accredited degree or an EESA evaluation may be accepted as equivalent qualifications by the regulatory agency. For endorsement of your current license, you must hold a NAAB- or CACB-accredited degree, an NCARB Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), or an NCARB evaluation. If you studied in a foreign state, you must provide an EESA evaluation that meets NCARB standards or complete the NCARB Foreign Architect (FA) program. Proof of passing the TOEFL-iBT is also required unless exempt under Section 1150.30 of the Administrative Rules. The TOEFL requirement is waived for applicants with a post-graduate degree in architecture from an accredited U.S. university.

Examination Requirements

The NCARB Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is a mandatory step for licensure. The following exam divisions must be completed through NCARB:

1. Practice Management
2. Project Management
3. Programming and Analysis
4. Project Planning and Design
5. Project Development and Documentation
6. Construction and Evaluation

Experience Requirements

To meet the experience requirements for the initial registration, applicants must complete the NCARB Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and document their experience through NCARB. The AXP requires documenting 3,740 hours of experience across the six key areas of practice. Applicants are required to submit detailed reports regularly through the NCARB record within eight months of gaining the experience to receive full credit.

Company License Requirements

As mentioned, the IDFPR classifies design firms as part of the architecture profession that requires a separate license, distinct from the one for individual practitioners. The requirements are broken down into three categories:

1. Ownership requirements
2. Qualifying individual requirements
3. Special requirements for the practice of architecture

Ownership Requirements

The requirements for design firms in Illinois vary depending on the type of entity. Specific licensing requirements for different business structures include:

1. Business corporations—At least one Illinois-licensed professional who is a full-time employee and director must be designated as the managing agent. Additionally, two-thirds of the board must hold licenses in architecture.
2. Professional corporations—All directors, officers, and shareholders must be licensed in architecture.
3. Professional LLCs—All managers and members must be licensed in architecture.
4. Partnerships—At least one Illinois-licensed professional who is a full-time employee and partner must be designated as the managing agent, and two-thirds of partners must hold licenses.
5. Sole proprietors—While sole proprietors are not required to register for a license, they must be registered as professional design firms to legally offer services to the public.

Qualifying Individual Requirements

When appointing managing agents to represent your design firm, ensure they meet the following criteria:

• Being an Illinois-licensed professional and a full-time employee of the firm
• Being a director, partner, or PLLC/LLP member and stated as such in a formal board resolution
• Representing only one firm at a time (multiple agents may be appointed if needed)

Special Requirements for the Practice of Architecture

The IDFPR requires that two-thirds of your firm’s board of directors, members, or partners be licensed in one of the design professions offered by the firm (architecture, structural engineering, professional engineering, or land surveying). Additionally, one of these individuals must be an Illinois-licensed architect serving as the firm’s managing agent.

Applying for an Illinois Architecture License

The application process for becoming a licensed architect in Illinois follows four pathways, depending on an applicant’s licensing status, qualifications, and state of licensure:

1. Initial registration
2. Licensure via reciprocity
3. License reinstatement

Initial Registration

The initial registration pathway applies to professionals and firms applying for an architecture license for the first time. For design firms, the application steps are:

1. Gather necessary documentation, including a certificate of good standing and articles of incorporation with a purpose clause.
2. Submit a filed copy of your most recent annual report to the Illinois secretary of state, listing current directors, members, and partners.
3. Complete the Professional Design Firm Registration Application.
4. Pay the $75 registration fee.
5. Mail the application and supporting documents to the IDFPR.

The initial licensure process for individual practitioners can be completed with or without an NCARB record, as outlined in the table below:

Licensure via Reciprocity

If you already hold a valid license in another state and wish to practice in Illinois, you must apply for licensure via reciprocity. Foreign design firms must file foreign qualification documents and submit a Certificate of Good Standing and an annual report to the Business Services Department before completing the Professional Design Firm Registration Application. Individual practitioners must have NCARB records sent to the Illinois Board to apply online; non-NCARB record holders must mail their applications.

License Reinstatement

If you miss the renewal window and the online portal no longer allows renewals, you must request a Reinstatement Application from IDFPR to reinstate your license.

Illinois Architect License Renewal

For design firms, the license renewal deadline is April 30 of odd-numbered years. You can start filing up to three months before expiration. To apply, submit the online form along with:

• A list of directors, officers, managers, or members with addresses
• A list of licensees overseeing professional services
• A list of branch office locations with the licensee in charge of each
• A Limited Power of Attorney (Form F2523), if applicable

To renew individual licenses, submit an online application and pay the $60 renewal fee. The deadline is November 30 of even-numbered years.

Typical Challenges in Illinois Architecture Licensing

The path to obtaining an architecture license in Illinois can present several challenges. One common roadblock is meeting the state’s education and experience requirements, especially for applicants with foreign degrees or seeking licensure by endorsement. The IDFPR may reject applications if necessary documents are missing or incomplete. Firms must also navigate specific regulations such as appointing a managing agent and ensuring the majority of directors or partners are licensed professionals. Managing these requirements independently can be a hassle.

Turn to Harbor Compliance for Architecture License Management

Harbor Compliance manages your architecture licensing process, helping you save time and reduce workload. As specialists in professional licensing, we simplify each step, from application preparation to renewal management, through our Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions.

Our exclusive License Management module—part of our proprietary Software Suite—lets you securely store license details, track renewal deadlines, and stay compliant effortlessly.

We offer flexible service models to meet your specific needs:

1. Self-managed—Use our Software Suite to track and manage licenses independently.
2. Fully managed—Let our team handle every aspect of licensing, from registration to renewals.
3. Hybrid—Combine professional support for certain tasks with access to our software.

Ordering Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions page.
2. Select Contact Us.
3. Input your personal and business details.
4. Submit the form.

Illinois Architecture Licensing FAQs

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• Illinois Architecture Company Licenses
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