Massachusetts Architecture License Overview
Establishing an architecture firm in Massachusetts comes with unique regulatory considerations. While the state doesn’t issue licenses specifically for architecture firms, offering services requires oversight by licensed architects.
Obtaining a Massachusetts Architecture License—Requirements and Process Explained
This article outlines the step-by-step process for securing a Massachusetts architecture license, including key requirements, application procedures, and renewal guidelines. We’ll also explore how Harbor Compliance simplifies your firm’s licensing workload.
Massachusetts Architect License Requirements
The Board of Registration of Architects sets qualifications for registration, exam eligibility, and disciplinary actions.
Licensing Requirements for Architecture Firms
- At least one officer must be a licensed Massachusetts architect.
- Professional corporations: Incorporators, shareholders, president, vice presidents, and most directors must hold relevant licenses.
- LLCs/PLLCs: One manager or member must be a Massachusetts-licensed architect.
- Partnerships/LLPs: One partner must be a Massachusetts-licensed architect.
- Joint ventures: One member must be a licensed architect or qualified organization.
Licensing Requirements for Individual Practitioners
- Request transmittal of NCARB records: NAAB-accredited degree, AXP hours, ARE scores.
- Submit notarized CORI form with disciplinary history.
- Retain original supporting documents for Board review.
How To Apply for a Massachusetts Architecture License
- Create an account on the ePlace portal and complete the application.
- Pay application and licensure fees: $135 and $125; optional wall certificate $27.
Massachusetts Architecture License Reciprocity
- Prepare CORI form and certificate of standing from each jurisdiction.
- Authorize NCARB to transfer records or mail authorization to NCARB.
- Upload reciprocity application and documents via ePlace portal.
- Pay the $338 license fee; optional wall certificate $27.
Massachusetts Architect License Renewal
- Complete CORI form and attest to CE completion (no record upload needed).
- Update address in eLicensing system.
- Submit renewal application via ePlace portal and pay $125; additional $57 if late.
Massachusetts Architect License Reinstatement
- Expired < 3 years: proof of 24 HSW CE hours and $113 fee.
- Expired 3–10 years: three current projects, references, CE, $113 fee (waived with NCARB).
- Expired > 10 years: same as 3–10 years; may require interview or ARE if no NCARB file.
Barriers to Obtaining an Architecture License
Gathering documentation and meeting state requirements can be complex and time-consuming. Partnering with Harbor Compliance can streamline the process.
Delegate Your Architecture Licensing Needs to Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions support every stage of licensing from application to renewal.
How To Order Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Services
- Visit the Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions page.
- Open the Contact Us form and provide your details.
- Select Architecture and submit.
Additional Harbor Compliance Services
| Service Category | Services |
|---|---|
| Nonprofit formation | Nonprofit incorporation, 501(c) tax exemption, Charitable registration |
| Document filing and retrieval | Initial report, Annual report, Certified copies, Certificate of good standing, Drop-off filing |
| Business licensing support | General business licenses |
| Entity lifecycle management | LLC Formation, Incorporation, Amendment, Name reservation, Dissolution & withdrawal, Reinstatement, Foreign qualification |
Massachusetts Architecture Licensing FAQs
Yes. Licensed in another state? Apply via the ePlace portal with NCARB records or mail authorization for reciprocity.
Licenses expire on August 31 each year and must be renewed by that date.
Complete an NAAB-accredited degree, NCARB IDP, and request NCARB review for exam eligibility.
Company Licenses
Massachusetts Architecture Company Licenses
Massachusetts Architecture Firm License
Not required
Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Massachusetts.
Firm licenses are not issued at the state level, however, a licensed individual must oversee all architectural work. Firms should consult board rules and state statutes before doing business.
More information: Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure - Board of Registration of Architects| Law: | |
| Eligible Entity Types: |
|
| Ownership Requirements: | Business Corporations:
Professional Corporations:
Limited Liability Companies:
Professional Limited Liability Companies:
Partnerships:
Limited Liability Partnerships:
Joint Ventures:
|
Massachusetts Interior Design Firm License
Not required
Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts does not currently license or register interior design businesses.
Individual Licenses
Massachusetts Individual Architecture Licenses
Massachusetts Architect License
| Agency: | Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure - Board of Registration of Architects |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Massachusetts for the first time.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $135 application fee + $125 licensure fee application fee = $260 |
| Required Attachments: |
|
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Massachusetts.
| Instructions: | Massachusetts Architect Reciprocity Registration Application Instructions |
| Filing Method: |
|
| Agency Fee: | $365 |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Massachusetts and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Due: | Annually by August 31. |
Reinstatement
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | Varies based on amount of time in "expired" status and what current board renewal fees are. |
Massachusetts Interior Designer License
Not required
Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Landscape Architect License
| Agency: | Massachusetts Board of Registration for Landscape Architects |
Initial Registration
| Form: | First-Time Licensure Application for Examination or Reciprocity for Landscape Architects |
| Agency Fee: | $45 application fee + $66 licensure fee |
Reciprocal Registration
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $66 |
| Due: | Annually by Janurary 31. |
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.
