New Jersey Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in New Jersey.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in New Jersey 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.
Company Licenses
New Jersey Architecture Company Licenses
New Jersey Certificate of Authorization (Architecture)
Automatic Exemption
| Exemption Eligible Organizations: |
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| Law: | NJ Rev Stat § 45:3-18 |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in New Jersey for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 application fee + $250 license fee if applying during the second year of the renewal period or $500 if applying during the first year of the renewal period. |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarize: | Required |
| Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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| How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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| Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
This section applies to architectural firms that are already licensed in New Jersey and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $500 |
| Due: | By January 31 of even-numbered years. |
| Required Attachments: |
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Amendment
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Due: | Within 30 business days of changes. |
| Notes: | Notify the board of changes via mail on company letterhead. |
Reinstatement
| Form: | Reinstatement Application for a Certificate of Authorization |
| Agency Fee: | $800 |
New Jersey Interior Design Firm License
Not required
Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in New Jersey.
New Jersey does not currently license or register interior design businesses.
New Jersey Landscape Architecture Certificate of Authorization
| Agency: | New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Architects |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Automatic Exemption
| Exemption Eligible Organizations: | Professional Service Corporations established pursuant to NJ Rev Stat § 14A:17-1 et seq. are not required to obtain a Certificate of Authorization. |
| Law: | NJ Rev Stat § 45:3A-16 |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 application fee + $250 license fee if applying during the second year of the renewal period or $500 if applying during the first year of the renewal period. |
| Notarize: | Required |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $500 |
| Due: | By May 31 of even-numbered years. |
| Notes: | Renewal instructions are emailed 60 days prior to renewal. |
Individual Licenses
New Jersey Individual Architecture Licenses
New Jersey Architect License
| Agency: | New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Architects |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in New Jersey for the first time.
| Instructions: | Eligibility for Taking the Architect Registration Examination or Architect Registration Exam Application for N.J. Licensed Professional Engineers |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $50 |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in New Jersey.
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $75 |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in New Jersey and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $160 |
| Due: | By July 31 of odd-numbered years. |
New Jersey Interior Designer Certification
Initial Registration
| Instructions: | Interior Design Examination and Evaluation Committee Application Process Overview |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Notarize: | Not required |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $160 |
| Due: | By September 30 of even-numbered years. |
New Jersey Landscape Architect License
| Agency: | New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Architects |
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Not Set |
| Exam Required? | Not Set |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | Not Set |
Initial Registration
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Notarize: | Not required |
Reciprocal Registration
| Form: | Application for Licensure as a Landscape Architect without LARE Examination |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Notarize: | Required |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $160 |
| Due: | By May 31 of even-numbered years. |
New Jersey Planner-in-Training Certificate
Initial Registration
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $75 |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
Planner-in-training certificates are valid for 10 years and cannot be renewed.
New Jersey Professional Planner License
Initial Registration
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $75 |
| Notarize: | Not required |
Reciprocal Registration
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $130 |
| Due: | By May 31 of even-numbered years. |
| Penalties: | $50 late renewal fee |
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.
