Washington Architecture License Overview

Securing an architecture license is crucial for practicing architecture in Washington. The process requires passing the national Architect Registration Examination (ARE), developed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and verifying education and practical work experience.

This guide discusses the process of obtaining a Washington state architect license—from meeting state requirements to navigating the registration process. We’ll also introduce Harbor Compliance, a reliable service provider that makes the path to architect licensure more manageable for businesses.

Washington State Architect Licensing

In the State of Washington, any firm offering architectural services must obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the Washington State Department of Licensing. This certification allows the firm to practice architecture in the state legally. While the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service handles general business licenses, the specific licensing for architectural firms is managed by the Department of Licensing – State Board of Architects.

In addition to the COA, individual architects must hold a valid professional license issued by the Department of Licensing to provide architectural services. The process ensures that both firms and individual architects meet the state’s regulatory standards for the practice of architecture.

Washington State Architecture License Requirements for Firms

To apply for the COA, firms must appoint a designated architect who meets all of the requirements. They need to be:

• Licensed to practice architecture in Washington
• Authorized to make architectural decisions on behalf of the firm
• Regularly employed to oversee the firm’s work within the state
• Designated as the governing person of the business, based on its structure (e.g., a general partner in a partnership or a director in a corporation)

Applying for an Architecture License for Your Firm

To apply for a Certificate of Authorization, architectural firms must submit an application to the Washington Department of Licensing. You must provide the required documentation, including information about licensed architects in the firm, and pay the application fee. If the firm is a corporation or LLC, it must also be registered with the Washington Secretary of State before applying for the COA. Once you have completed these steps, you can submit your application online through the Department of Licensing’s website and pay the necessary fee.

How To Become a Licensed Architect in Washington State

To legally practice architecture in Washington, individuals need a valid architect license before they can start offering architectural services and oversee construction projects in architecture firms. There are three pathways to licensure for individuals:

1. Professional registration with NCARB
2. Licensure by examination
3. Licensure by reciprocity

Professional Registration With NCARB

You’re eligible for direct registration with NCARB if you have never been licensed and hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture from a NAAB-accredited university.

1. Complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) through NCARB and pass all divisions of the ARE. Make sure all divisions are passed within five years of completing the first.
2. Once you’ve completed the AXP and ARE, request NCARB to send your record to the state department of licensing.
3. Take the Architect Law Review Exam, which requires a 100% score to pass.
4. Fill out the Initial Registration Application and submit it via mail or apply online.

Licensure by Exam

Individuals who wish to work as architects in Washington but lack a professional degree from a NAAB-accredited university can get their license through practical experience and passing an exam.

1. Make sure you meet the below requirements to apply by exam:
   1. A high school diploma or equivalent
   2. At least eight years of practical architecture experience, including completion of the AXP
   3. Successful completion of the ARE
2. Once you’ve completed all the above requirements and passed all of the AREs, you’re eligible to take the Architect Law Review Exam.
3. Send your official transcripts, records, and experience verification to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
4. Fill out the Initial Registration Application and send it via mail, along with Architect Law Review Exam, and Architect Applicant Employment and Experience Summary. When applying online, create a document stating that you will take the Law Review Exam after passing all ARE divisions. Once you’ve passed the ARE and completed the Law Review Exam, email the exam results to architects@dol.wa.gov.

Licensure by Reciprocity

If you’re licensed in another state and wish to work in Washington as an architect, you must apply by reciprocity by following the below steps:

1. Make sure you meet the below requirements before applying:
   1. Holding a valid architect license in your home state in good standing from a jurisdiction that is a member of the NCARB.
   2. Having qualifications and experience equivalent to those listed in the Certificate of registration—Application—Qualifications.
   3. Meeting the NCARB seismic exam requirements and have the proof of completion.
2. Take the Architect Law Review Exam with a passing score of 100%.
3. If you have an NCARB record, send it to the state Department of Licensing. However, if you do not have an NCARB record, you will need to request a current state certification and a certification of written examination from the NCARB-recognized jurisdiction where you were originally registered.
4. If you’ve had a license for less than nine years, follow these steps:
   1. Request an official college transcript showing your degree and have it sent to the address below.
   2. Complete and have the verifier return the Architect Applicant Employment and Experience Summary form for each work experience.
   3. Send proof of completion for the AXP directly from NCARB or your home state. Jump to this step if you’ve been licensed for at least or more than nine years.
5. Fill out the Initial Registration Application and send it via mail or apply online, along with your completed Architect Law Review Exam.

Washington State Architect License Renewal

Both architecture firms and individual practitioners need to renew their licenses at a set interval:

• Individual architects must renew their licenses every two years, up to 120 days before expiration. To renew your license, make sure your professional development requirements are completed, and update your contact information online if necessary. You can renew online or by mail by providing your license number, renewal fee, and any required documents for legal background questions.
• For architecture firms, the license expires annually and can be renewed up to 120 days before expiration. To renew, update your contact information online if needed and pay the renewal fee. You can renew online through your SecureAccess Washington account or send your application via mail.

Partner With Harbor Compliance for Architecture Licensing

At Harbor Compliance, we specialize in simplifying licensing for industries like architecture, engineering, and construction with customized solutions. Our team of professionals is well-versed in state-specific requirements and processes, to help you save time and effort on administrative tasks.

Our Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions cover everything from initial applications to renewals, allowing you to focus on growing your business. With our License Manager module—available separately as part of our Software Suite—you can securely store all your license details, track deadlines, and stay on top of compliance.

Choose the service option that works best for you:

1. Self-managed—Use our software to manage your licenses independently.
2. Fully managed—Let our team handle the entire process, including filings and renewals.
3. Hybrid—Combine expert support with software access for internal management.

How To Get Started With Harbor Compliance

1. Visit our Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions page.
2. Click Contact Us.
3. Fill out your personal and business details.
4. Submit the form to connect with our team.

Explore Other Harbor Compliance’s Services

In addition to architecture licensing, we offer a wide range of other services to help you maintain good standing with the state. Explore the services from the table below:

Washington State Architect Licensing FAQs

Effortless Architecture Licensing Starts With Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions simplifies licensing for architecture and engineering professionals with tailored solutions for every client. Our licensing experts provide personalized support and guide you through filings, renewals, and compliance updates with precision and care.

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, our Software Suite offers an all-in-one platform for efficiently managing and tracking licenses across multiple jurisdictions.

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

Learn about architecture licensing in other states: