There is no reciprocal registration between foreign countries and United States except for Canada. You cannot practice architecture in a U.S. jurisdiction without acquiring a license to practice in that jurisdiction. Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands has an architectural registration board that regulates the profession in their jurisdiction.
Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program
NCARB offers an alternative for certification through our Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) Program. At a minimum, this program requires:
- A professional degree in architecture from an accredited/ validated/officially recognized architecture program
- An architect credential in a country other than the United States and Canada (NCARB provides certification for architects registered in Canada) that:
- Has a formal record-keeping method for disciplinary actions for architects; and
- Provides reasonable reciprocal credentialing opportunities for U.S. architects
- A minimum of seven years of comprehensive, unlimited practice as a credentialed architect over which the applicant exercised responsible control in the foreign country where the applicant is credentialed
Please note: Arkansas, Florida, Guam, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, and Washington do not accept NCARB Certificates through the BEFA program. NCARB does advocate for acceptance of the Certificate based on this program, but licensure is solely decided by individual boards. This list is subject to change without notice.
Standard Path
If you do not qualify for the BEFA or choose to pursue the traditional path toward licensure, the three main requirements you must fulfill to be licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction include education, experience, and examination.
Recognize that not all jurisdictions have adopted NCARB's education and experience standards. All questions regarding your eligibility must be directed to your jurisdiction’s registration board.
Your first step will be to apply for an NCARB Record.
If applying as a BEFA candidate, please select the “Foreign Architect” option. If applying for the traditional path of EESA/IDP/ARE, please select the “Intern” option.
Education
Many registration boards require applicants to have a professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Foreign-educated individuals who do not hold such a degree should have their education evaluated by NAAB through their Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) program.
Applications for an EESA must be requested from:
National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
1735 New York Avenue, NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 783-2007
Fees for this service will be billed to you directly by NAAB, which is not affiliated with any architectural registration board. The application for an EESA can be accessed online here.
*Please note that New York does not accept an EESA. While the majority of registration boards have identified that they will accept this credential to satisfy the education requirement, this is subject to change and is at the sole discretion of each registration board.
Training
Most registration boards have adopted the training requirements established for the Intern Development Program (IDP). The rules of IDP are explained in Experience Through Internship.
Five years of full-time, verified foreign experience as a principal in an organization that encompasses the comprehensive practice of architecture is an alternative to the IDP training requirement, which may be recognized by the jurisdiction(s) where you seek registration.
Examination
Every registration board requires interns to pass the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) to qualify for registration in the United States. All Canadian provinces also accept the ARE to become licensed.
If you have any questions, please contact NCARB Customer Service.