Texas Architecture License Overview

Learn about Texas architecture license requirements for practicing legally in the state. Discover how Harbor Compliance streamlines licensing management.

Understanding Texas Architecture License Requirements

To get the green light for practicing architecture in Texas, you need to obtain a valid license from the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) by completing a detailed licensure process. Whether you’re an aspiring architect or planning to launch an architecture firm, understanding Texas architecture license requirements is essential to meeting the state’s regulations and maintaining good standing.

Texas Architecture License Requirements

In Texas, all architecture firms must adhere to specific licensing and registration requirements established by the TBAE. Each entity type has distinct ownership and management requirements related to licensure:

• Business corporations—Officers and directors are not required to be licensed architects. However, the corporation must designate a Texas-licensed architect to be responsible for each professional service offered by the firm.
• Professional corporations—All shareholders, officers, and directors must hold a license in a professional service offered by the firm.
• Limited liability companies (LLCs)—Members and managers are not required to hold licenses. However, the firm must appoint a Texas-licensed architect responsible for professional services.
• Professional LLCs—All members and managers must be licensed in a professional service performed by the firm.
• Partnerships—Partners are not required to be licensed, but the partnership must appoint a Texas-licensed architect responsible for each professional service.

Initial Registration Requirements and Application Process

Starting an architecture firm in Texas involves more than just forming a business entity. You must also obtain an initial architect license, irrespective of whether you’re starting anew or expanding your architectural business from another state.

1. Appoint a Texas-licensed architect to handle all architectural services provided by the firm. This individual must be employed full-time to ensure consistent oversight and accountability.
2. Complete the entity formation and registration process. Domestic firms must file entity formation documents with the Texas secretary of state—Corporations Section.
3. Complete the firm registration online through the TBAE portal and pay a $45 registration fee to submit the licensure application. Meanwhile, foreign entities are required to submit foreign qualification documents to the Texas secretary of state and then register with TBAE.

How To Become a Licensed Architect in Texas

Texas architecture firms are required to appoint a qualifying individual—a licensed architect—to oversee the firm’s operations. The appointed architect must have completed all the Texas architect license requirements and passed the suitable examination to be eligible to work in the firm.

Becoming an architect in Texas is a multi-step process designed to ensure that individuals possess the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary to uphold the highest standards of the profession. To achieve licensure, aspiring architects must meet the ‘Three E’ requirements:

Education

The education requirement involves completing a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the organization overseeing architecture programs that prepare graduates with the skills needed for successful careers.

The NAAB recognizes three types of professional degrees:

1. Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch)
2. Master of Architecture (M. Arch)
3. Doctor of Architecture (D. Arch)

To qualify under Texas standards, the educational program you go for must meet one of the following conditions:

• NAAB accreditation at the time of your graduation
• NAAB accreditation within two years of your graduation
• Candidacy status and NAAB accreditation within three years of the applicant’s graduation
• Substantial equivalence to a NAAB-accredited program within three years of your graduation determined through an evaluation by the NAAB or another organization recognized by the TBAE

Experience

After graduating with a degree that meets the Texas standards, the next step is to gain relevant experience through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP).

The program is administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and requires documenting 3,740 hours across six experience areas, focusing on 96 essential tasks. Alternatively, professionals can demonstrate competency through an AXP Portfolio.

Moreover, you don’t need to graduate to start with AXP—all you need is a high school diploma and an NCARB record.

Examination

The Architect Registration Examination (ARE), developed by the NCARB, is the standard licensing exam for U.S. jurisdictions and is also accepted by select Canadian provinces.

To begin the exam process in Texas, applicants must:

1. Complete the education requirement
2. Gain six months of full-time experience under a licensed architect
3. Enroll in the AXP
4. Apply for the exam through the TBAE

Applying for a Texas Architecture License

After completing the three E requirements to become an architect in Texas, there are two pathways to apply for a license. The choice depends on the architect’s qualifications, licensure status, home state, and other factors:

1. Initial registration by examination—Applicants pursuing an architecture license for the first time, with a completed or in-progress NAAB-accredited degree, qualify for registration by examination. The process requires creating a TBAE online account, submitting Proof of Legal Status, and paying a $100 registration fee.
2. Initial registration by reciprocal transfer—Licensure by reciprocal transfer is available for architects holding a valid license in another jurisdiction. Eligibility includes completion of an education program equivalent to a NAAB-accredited professional degree in architecture, along with fulfillment of experience and examination requirements. The process involves creating a TBAE online account, submitting Proof of Legal Status, completing a background check, and paying a $150 registration fee.

The licensing process for architecture in Texas firms can be challenging due to its detailed steps and strict compliance standards. The appointed architects must have completed the three E’s and submit precise documentation. Additionally, firms must manage entity-specific requirements like ownership rules, designation of a licensed architect for oversight, and annual registration.

Outsource Architecture License Management to Harbor Compliance

Partnering with Harbor Compliance saves you time and eliminates licensing stress. As experts in professional licensing, we simplify the entire process with our Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions—from preparing applications to managing renewals.

With our exclusive License Management module—part of our proprietary Software Suite—you can securely store license information, track renewal deadlines, and stay effortlessly ahead of compliance requirements.

Ordering Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions

1. Visit the Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions page.
2. Open the Contact Us form.
3. Enter your details, including name, email, and phone number.
4. Select Architecture from the drop-down menu.
5. Submit the form.

Texas Architecture Licensing FAQs

Outsource Your Architecture Licensing Tasks to Harbor Compliance

License management can be complex and requires careful attention to a detailed and in-depth understanding of Texas legal regulations. Handling it independently can divert valuable time and resources from your core responsibilities. Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions simplify this process, ensuring your licenses are secured and maintained without stress or delays.

Our team of licensing specialists will assist you with the filing and renewal process. Alternatively, you can opt to manage your licensing independently through our Software Suite, which enables you to easily track and manage all your licenses—schedule a demo to see how it works.

To explore all our offerings, you can send an inquiry to us, and we’ll address your queries quickly. You can also use our FREE Harbor Compliance Score™ to check your regulatory standing with the state.

For more information on licensure requirements across the U.S., check out our collection of articles listed below:

• Jump To:
• Texas Architecture Company Licenses
• Texas Individual Architecture Licenses

Learn about architecture licensing in other states: