Wisconsin Architecture License Overview
Renewing your architect license in Wisconsin is essential to maintaining your professional credentials. Beyond being one of the ways of fulfilling state-mandated obligations, the process ensures that licensed architects adhere to updated educational and legal standards critical to their practice.
Wisconsin Architect License Renewal—A Complete Guide
This guide provides a detailed overview of the Wisconsin architect license renewal process, including the steps for initial licensure, renewal timelines, and reinstatement procedures. You'll also learn about Harbor Compliance, a professional service that can simplify license management and allow you to focus on what matters most—your work and growth in the field of architecture.
Wisconsin Architecture License Requirements and Application Process
In Wisconsin, the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) regulates licensing for architecture firms and individual practitioners. To practice legally, firms must obtain a certificate of authorization (COA), and individuals must meet education, experience, and examination standards.
Architecture Firm Requirements
To legally practice architecture in Wisconsin, firms must obtain a certificate of authorization (COA) from the DSPS. The requirements include:
- Employing at least one registered architect licensed under Wisconsin law
- Ensuring that architectural services are performed by licensed professionals or under their direct supervision
- Maintaining a list of key personnel, including officers, directors, and registered architects responsible for projects
Once your firm meets these requirements, follow these steps to apply for a COA:
- Complete the COA application form online via the LicensE portal.
- Pay the $56 credentialing fee during the application submission.
- Upload the names and credentials of registered architects and key personnel.
- Submit any additional documentation requested by DSPS to verify adherence to Chapter 443.
Individual Practitioner Requirements
To become a licensed architect in Wisconsin, individuals must meet qualifications, including:
- Education and experience—Complete an accredited architectural degree and at least two years’ practical experience
- Experience only—Seven years of satisfactory architectural experience may substitute for the educational requirement
- Examination—Pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
After meeting these, complete your application by:
- Creating an account on the LicensE portal.
- Submitting the Architect Registration application form through the portal.
- Paying the $55 credentialing fee online.
- Requesting transcripts and NCARB ARE results be sent to DSPS.
- Providing a detailed work record via Form 463 and five references via Form 472.
Licensure by Reciprocity
For architects already licensed elsewhere, Wisconsin offers licensure by reciprocity if you:
- Hold an active U.S. license in good standing
- Demonstrate equivalency to Wisconsin standards under Chapter 443
- Provide evidence of seven years of architectural experience
Then apply by:
- Completing the Architect Registration application online.
- Paying the $55 credentialing fee.
- Requesting NCARB to send your Council Record or submitting Form 475.
- Providing a detailed work record if not using the NCARB record.
- Submitting proof of CE per Wis. Admin. Code § A-E 12.09.
- Requesting a temporary permit if needed, with fee.
Wisconsin Architect License Renewal
To continue practicing, firms and individuals must renew at these intervals:
Renewal for Architecture Firms
- Renew every even-numbered year by January 31 via the LicensE portal.
- Verify and update firm information.
- Submit revised Articles of Incorporation if applicable.
- Pay the $55 renewal fee (plus $25 late fee if overdue).
Renewal for Individual Practitioners
- Renew by July 31 of every even-numbered year.
- Complete 24 hours of CE (16 HSW) in the current biennium.
- Log in, affirm CE completion, and pay the renewal fee online.
Credential Retired Status
- Available if you’re age 65+ or have held a license 20+ years
- Requires Form R443 and a prorated $27.50 fee
Wisconsin Architect License Renewal FAQs
Yes, AIA-approved CE courses meeting HSW criteria are accepted.
The renewal fee is $55; a $25 late fee applies if submitted after the deadline.
You must apply for reinstatement by completing any outstanding CE and paying required fees.
Company Licenses
Wisconsin Architecture Company Licenses
Wisconsin Certificate of Authorization
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $56 |
| Turnaround: | 8-12 weeks depending on processing. Applicants will be notified by mail and/or email. |
| Notes: | You may file with the Board and the Department of Financial Institutions concurrently. |
| 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
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $56 |
| Due: | By January 31 of even-numbered years. |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
| Penalties: | $25 late fee if the COA has been expired for more than 5 years |
| Required Attachments: |
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Amendment
Address Amendment
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Due: | Within 30 days of the effective date of the change |
Wisconsin Landscape Architecture Firm License
Individual Licenses
Wisconsin Individual Architecture Licenses
Wisconsin Architect License
| Agency: | Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Registered Interior Designers |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Wisconsin for the first time.
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Wisconsin.
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
| Notes: | An applicant may apply for registration if he or she holds an unexpired registration in another state in which registration requirements are not lower than those in Wisconsin. The applicant must have passed the NCARB exam and have 7 years of architectural experience (education included). Applicants may apply using the NCARB Council Record or application by examination. |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Wisconsin and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
| Due: | By July 31 of even-numbered years. |
Wisconsin Interior Designer Registration
| Agency: | Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Registered Interior Designers |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $59 |
Reciprocal Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $59 |
| Notes: | Applicants must enclose a certificate of licensure or a letter from the proper authority in any state or U.S. territory or in any country in which the requirements for registration of Interior Designers are of a standard not lower than those specified in Wis. Stat. ch. 440, Subchapter IX, showing that they have an unexpired certificate of similar registration issued by that licensing authority. |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $59 |
| Due: | By July 31 of even-numbered years. |
Wisconsin Landscape Architect Registration
| Agency: | Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Registered Interior Designers |
Initial Registration
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
Reciprocal Registration
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
| Notes: | An applicant may apply for registration if he or she holds an unexpired registration in another state in which registration requirements are not lower than those in Wisconsin. The registration must remain active until the Wisconsin credentialing process is complete. The applicant must have passed the exams. Applicants may apply using a CLARB record or application by examination. |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
| Due: | By July 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.
