50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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West Virginia Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in West Virginia.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in West Virginia 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

West Virginia Architecture Company Licenses

West Virginia Architecture Firm License

Not required



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

  • 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.
  • Architectural firms register with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office or the West Virginia Tax Department.  
    • In order to be eligible to register a firm with the Tax Department, the firm should have a minimum of one architect registered in the State of West Virginia.
  •  Firms can demonstrate their authority to register with the West Virginia Secretary of State by completing the Secretary of State's "Verification of Eligibility" form​ and sending it to the Board of Architects for verification.
    • Once verified, it should be submitted to the Secretary of State's office.  
More information: West Virginia Board of Architects
Law:

WV Code § 30-12-1 et seq.

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Professional Limited Liability Companies
  • Limited Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Partnerships
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • Officers and directors need not be licensed, but the firm's practice of architecture in West Virginia must be carried out by licensed architects.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • Members and managers need not be licensed, but the firm's practice of architecture in West Virginia must be carried out by licensed architects.

Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • All members of a PLLC 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 West Virginia must be carried out by licensed architects.

West Virginia Interior Design Firm License

Not required



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

West Virginia does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

West Virginia Landscape Architecture Firm License

Agency:West Virginia Board of Landscape Architects
Law:

WV Code § 30-22-19

Notes:

Sole proprietors may obtain a certificate of authorization but it is optional.

Initial Registration

Agency Fee:

$150 for firms with two or more licensed landscape architects; $20 for sole proprietorships

Notarization Required?:Required
Notes:

Contact the board for a Certificate of Authorization application.

Required Attachments:
  • List of officers including title, address, and West Virginia license number (if applicable)

Registration Renewal

Form:

COA Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$150 for firms with two or more licensed landscape architects; $15 for sole proprietorships

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Individual Licenses

West Virginia Individual Architecture Licenses

West Virginia Architect License

Agency:West Virginia Board of Architects
Exam Required?Yes

Initial Registration

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

Form:From our web site if by reciprocal registration with a0ther state or from the NCARB web site if using the NCARB Blue Cover Transmittal.
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$400 application fee if going through NCARB. No exam fee.

Reciprocal Registration

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

Instructions:

Architects with a NCARB Certificate

1. Request NCARB certificate be transmitted to West Virginia.
 
 
2. Complete the online steps for Reciprocal Registration with a NCARB Certificate. 


3. Pay applicable fees through the online system to the West Virginia Board of Architects.  Reciprocal Registration is $400. 
    ​                   
4. Review West Virginia’s rules and laws governing the practice of architecture in West Virginia at Rules and Laws.
 

Architects with Another Jurisdiction’s Certificate

1. Complete the online Reciprocal Application with a State License and submit it with an application fee for $100.00 payable to the West Virginia Board of
    Architects.
   
 2. Request that the Board of Architects in the architect’s jurisdiction forward to the West Virginia Board a verification of the architect’s
    state license including confirmation of passage of the Architect Registration Exam (ARE).           
 
3. Request through the online registration portal three other architects familiar with the architect’s work but not from within his or her firm submit letters of        
    reference directly to the West Virginia Board of Architects.
 
4. All applicants should review West Virginia’s rules and laws governing the practice of architecture in West Virginia to determine their
   eligibility at Rules and Laws.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100 filing fee initially when approved by the board they would pay the rest of the fee $300

Registration Renewal

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

Form:

Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Penalties:

$150 if received within 6 months of annual renewal date.

West Virginia Interior Designer License

Not required



Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in West Virginia.

West Virginia Landscape Architect Registration

Agency:West Virginia Board of Landscape Architects

Reciprocal Registration

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by June 30.

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.