50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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Utah Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Utah.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Utah 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

Utah Architecture Company Licenses

Utah Architecture Firm License

Not required



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

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: Utah Department of Commerce - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Law:

Utah Code Ann § 58-3a-101 et seq.

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 firm's practice of architecture in Utah must be overseen by a principal who is a licensed architect.

Professional Corporations:

  • All shareholders, officers, and directors must be licensed in a professional service performed by the firm.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • Members and managers need not be licensed, but the firm's practice of architecture in Utah must be overseen by a principal who is a licensed architect.

Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • All members and managers must be licensed in a professional service performed by the firm.

Partnerships:

  • Partners need not be licensed, but the firm's practice of architecture in Utah must be overseen by a principal who is a licensed architect.

Utah Interior Design Firm License

Not required



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

Utah does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

Utah Landscape Architecture Firm License

Not required



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

More information: Utah Board of Landscape Architects

Individual Licenses

Utah Individual Architecture Licenses

Utah Architect License

Agency:Utah Department of Commerce - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Exam Required?Yes
Qualifying Individual Requirements:
  • Current NCARB Certification (contact NCARB to request transmittal to Utah), OR
  • Graduation from accredited NAAB or CACB program.
  • Passed all divisions of the Architect Registration Exam (ARE)
  • Completion of AXP experience hours (tracked by NCARB)

Initial Registration

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

Filing Method:

Online or mail

Agency Fee:

$121 Non-refundable application-processing fee, made payable to DOPL application fee. No exam fee.

Required Attachments:
  • All applicants 
    • $121.00 non-refundable application processing fee, made payable to “DOPL”. 
    • Supporting documentation for any “yes” answers provided on the “Qualifying Questionnaire”. 
  • Applicants with a current NCARB Council record
    • Request that NCARB submit your current Council Record to Utah. To obtain an NCARB Council Record contact NCARB by calling (202) 879-0520 or visit their website.
  • Applicants without a NCARB Council record 
    • Verify meeting licensure education requirements through one of the methods below:
      • Accredited Graduation: If you completed an NAAB or CACB accredited program, have official transcripts sent directly from the school to DOPL.
      • Foreign Education: If you completed an architectural education program in a foreign country, you must contact EESA for a “Comprehensive Evaluation” and have it sent directly to DOPL. EESA can be reached by calling (202) 783-2007 or visit their website.
      • Licensed Practice as a Principal: If you have been licensed as an architect and practiced as a principal for 5 of the last 7 years in another state, submit the “Verification of Architectural Experience as a Principal” form located in this application. You must also have the state(s) you are verifying principal experience from submit verification of your license to Utah. Please contact the state you are
        licensed in on how to request verification.
  • Provide verification of meeting licensure exam requirements through one of the methods below:
    • Passed all divisions of the ARE in Utah.
    • Passed all division of the ARE in a state other than Utah and request the state to send verification of
      your scores to Utah.
  • Provide one of the items below:
    • Verification of licensure in another state.
    • Verification of completing AXP (Formally IDP). 

Reciprocal Registration

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

Filing Method:

Online or mail 

Agency Fee:

$121 Non-refundable application-processing fee, made payable to DOPL

Required Attachments:
  • $121.00 non-refundable application processing fee, made payable to “DOPL”. 
  • Supporting documentation for any “yes” answers provided on the “Qualifying Questionnaire”
  • Official verification, showing active licensure in good standing for at least one year, from a jurisdiction designated by the Division as equivalent to Utah. Please see our website for additional information regarding approved states.
    • If your state is not deemed equivalent for purposes of endorsement, you may be able to use experience gained outside of this state to document meeting the requirements for initial licensure.  

Registration Renewal

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

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$74

Due:

By May 31 of even-numbered years.

Utah Commercial Interior Designer Certification

Agency:Utah Department of Commerce - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Initial Registration

Form:

Certified Interior Designer Application

Agency Fee:

$70

Reciprocal Registration

Registration Renewal

Form:

Certified Commercial Interior Design Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$47

Due:

By March 31 of odd-numbered years.

Utah Landscape Architect License

Agency:Utah Board of Landscape Architects

Initial Registration

Form:

Landscape Architect Application

Agency Fee:

$120

Reciprocal Registration

Registration Renewal

Form:

Landscape Architect Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$73

Due:

By May 31 of even-numbered years.

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.