50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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Iowa Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Iowa.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Iowa for individuals and firms. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

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Company Licenses

Iowa Architecture Company Licenses

Iowa Architecture Firm License

Not required



Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Iowa.

As of July 1, 2014, the Iowa Architectural Examining Board no longer registers firms. The board only registers individual architects.

More information: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Licensing Division - Architectural Examining Board
Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Professional Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Professional Limited Liability Companies
  • Partnerships
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • Officers and directors need not be licensed, but the corporation must appoint an Iowa licensed individual to be responsible for all professional activities undertaken by the firm.

Professional Corporations:

  • Each of the officers, shareholders, and directors must be licensed individuals.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • Members need not be licensed, but the LLC must appoint an Iowa licensed individual to be responsible for all professional activities undertaken by the firm.

Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • Each of the members and managers must be licensed individuals.

Partnerships:

  • Partners need not be licensed, but the partnership must appoint an Iowa licensed individual to be responsible for all professional activities undertaken by the firm.

Iowa Interior Design Firm License

Not required



Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Iowa.

Iowa does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

Iowa Landscape Architecture Firm License

Not required



Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Iowa.

More information: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Licensing Division - Landscape Architectural Examining Board

Individual Licenses

Iowa Individual Architecture Licenses

Iowa Architect License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Licensing Division - Architectural Examining Board
Exam Required?Yes

Initial Registration

This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Iowa for the first time.

Instructions:
  • Before your application for licensure with the Iowa Board will be approved, you must:
    • Establish an NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) Council Record that includes a professional architecture degree from a college or university accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
    • Complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) administered by NCARB
    • Pass all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) administered by NCARB
  • Once you have completed the items above, contact NCARB to have your transmittal sent to the Iowa Board.
  • You will receive an e-mail from the Iowa Board when it has received the transmittal.
  • Complete and submit the Iowa application online
  • Create a new user or log into your existing account.
    • Complete the application and submit for review.
    • Once staff has reviewed and approved your application, you will receive an e-mail letting alerting you to log into your account to pay the fees.
    • Please do not submit your application until you have received notice from the Iowa Board that your NCARB transmittal has been received. Please note that we must receive your completed application within three (3) months of receiving your NCARB transmittal.
  • Note: Iowa does not have a residency requirement.
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

No exam fee. But registration fee of $50, plus $5/month to renewal date.

Reciprocal Registration

This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Iowa.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$200

Notes:

If you have a license in another state and have an active NCARB certificate, you may be eligible for a reciprocal license. Applicants must have a current NCARB Certificate.

Registration Renewal

This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Iowa and need to renew their license.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$200 for active registration; $100 for inactive; free for retired status

Due:

Licenses expire biennially on June 30 but must be renewed by May 31. Licensees whose last name begins with the letter A-K renew during even-numbered years and licensees whose last name begins with the letter L-Z renew during odd-numbered years.

Iowa Interior Designer Registration

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Licensing Division - Interior Design Examining Board

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$275

Reciprocal Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$275

Required Attachments:
  • Official transcript from an accredited education provider
  • Letter(s) of good standing from state licensing boards in which you hold an active certificate or license. It should confirm passing the NCIDQ exam.
  • Documentation showing a current NCIDQ certificate number, including the certification and expiration dates.
  • Work verification forms from all work experiences

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$275

Due:

Biennially by June 30. Certificates issued to registrants with last names beginning with A through K expire during even-numbered years and certificates issued to registrants with last names beginning with L through Z expire during odd-numbered years.

Iowa Landscape Architect License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Licensing Division - Landscape Architectural Examining Board

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$15 per month remaining before renewal.

Reciprocal Registration

Instructions:

License by Exemption

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$300

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$350

Due:

Biennially by June 30.

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.