Architecture
Get Licensed in Minnesota
Seeking initial licensure as an architect?
Find below information on the education, examination, experience requirements, as well as application details .
Already licensed in another state?
See the sidebar "Licensure by Comity (Reciprocal Licensure)."
For general application information relevant to all professions, see Get Licensed.
Initial Licensure
Education Overview
Applicants must be graduates of an architectural curriculum accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Find an NAAB Accredited Degree ProgramIf your degree is a) not NAAB-accredited or b) from a foreign institution, you must have Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA), a fee-based service available from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), evalute your education to determine if it meets licensure requirements.
For details on all the above, see MN Rule 1800.1000 Subp. 5.
Examination Overview
Applicants must pass all six divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). The exam is administered by the National Council of Architect Registration Boards (NCARB).
You can apply directly with NCARB to sit for the ARE if:
- You meet the education requirements in MN Rule 1800.1000 Subp. 5 (see above), and
- You have enrolled in the Architecture Experience Program (AXP), as required in MN Rule 1800.1000 Subp. 6 (see "Experience Overview" below)
Your first step will be to establish an NCARB Record. Specify Minnesota as your jurisdiction, and follow the instructions regarding supplying transcripts/verifying your education with NCARB. Then, under the "Exam" tab, "Request Eligibility."
Establish an NCARB RecordNCARB offers the ARE year round at testing centers across the country. Once NCARB determines you are eligible, you can schedule the particular division(s) of the exam you wish to take on any available date and at any available location. Seats are "first come, first served."
See the NCARB website for more information on dates, deadlines and fees, as well as how to retake exam divisions. Exam fees are set by and paid to NCARB.
How to Register for the ARE Exam
Experience Overview
Applicants must successfully complete the experience defined in NCARB's Architectural Experience Program (AXP) before they can be licensed. The program consists of 3,740 hours spread over six experience areas. You will document your experience in your NCARB Record.
Start the AXP
Licensure Overview
Initial License Application
After passing all sections of the ARE exam, use the online architecture license application to obtain your license.
If you did not specify Minnesota as your jurisdiction when you first established your NCARB Record, you must do so prior to applying to the Board for licensure. Your NCARB Record includes your official transcripts (or, if applicable, your education evaluation) and your examination and experience information. It is a required part of the application process.
See the Instructions Overview for more information on how to apply online.
ONLINE Architect License Application
License Application Deadline
You may apply for licensure at any time after you have completed the education, experience and examination requirements summarized above. Applications are reviewed no later than 60 days from the date the Board receives all required documentation to complete the application.
License Application Cost
Licensure applicants must pay a $75 application fee to the Board to review your qualifications.
If your application is approved, the Board will inform you by letter. You must return a copy of that letter and the licensing fee in order to obtain your professional license. The license fee is $120.
Note: You are not licensed and cannot practice or hold out as licensed until the Board processes your license and issues your license number.
Regardless of when obtained, your license expires June 30th of every even-numbered year.
Additional Resources
Application / Exam Resources
From the Board
MN Rules Examination of Architect ApplicantsFAQs Change Name/Address
From NCARB
AXP Guidelines ARE 5.0 Overview ARE 5.0 Handbook ARE 5.0 Guidelines
Relevant Links
Create NCARB Record Exam Registration NCARB NOMA Local Professional Organizations Other State Boards
Professional News
ARE Test Exams Available from NCARB
Licensure by Comity (Reciprocity)
If you already hold a license in another jurisdiction, use the form below to apply for a reciprocal license in Minnesota.
Comity applications are reviewed based on the education, examination and experience requirements that were in place in Minnesota at the time of your original licensure. (For example: If you were originally licensed in 1998, your credentials will be evaluated based on the education, examination and experience requirements that were in place in Minnesota in 1998). If you do not have an NCARB Record, the application packet includes forms for providing experience, examination, and your existing licensure information.
Architect Licensure by Comity Application
The comity application fee is $75. If your application is approved, you will be instructed by mail how to apply for your license. The license fee is $120.
Note: You are not licensed and cannot practice or hold out as licensed in Minnesota until the Board processes your license.
Regardless of when obtained, your license expires June 30th of every even-numbered year.
Stay Connected
Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design (AELSLAGID)
85 E. 7th Place Suite 160, St. Paul MN 55101 USA
8:00 am–4:30 pm, Monday-Friday
(651) 296-2388
TTY (800) 627-3529
aelslagid@state.mn.us
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