If you are not licensed in another jurisdiction, your combination of education and experience will determine what you need to do to get your license (see the chart below). To become licensed, register through NCARB and they will guide you through both the AXP and the ARE.
Part-time work will accrue on a prorated basis.
Architect - Draft rule changes
Education type | Accredited professional degree (B.Arch or M.Arch) Or Enrolled in IPAL | An equivalent degree, awarded by EESA (education evaluation services for architects) for candidates from a nonaccredited U.S. architectural school or a foreign architectural school | A preprofessional degree in architecture (typically four-years) from a program offering an accredited degree | Postsecondary study in architecture or related fields, with passing grades, in increments of one year, will receive up to three years credit | A degree in architectural technology (typically a two-year community college or trade school degree) | High school diploma or equivalent |
Practical architectural work experience | Gained during AXP | AXP PLUS Two additional years under the direct supervision of an architect | AXP PLUS Three or more additional years depending on your education credit | AXP PLUS Four additional years | AXP PLUS Six additional years | |
Three of these additional years must be under the direct supervision of an architect | ||||||
AXP | After graduating high school, contact NCARB to enroll in AXP and begin reporting experience | |||||
When to apply to take the ARE | You can start taking the ARE through NCARB while enrolled in AXP or actively participating in an NCARB-accepted Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) option within a NAAB-accredited professional degree program in architecture while enrolled in AXP | After completing and submitting the board's official application form with payment contact NCARB to register for the ARE | ||||
When can you get your license | Apply to the board after you have completed your AXP and ARE | Apply to the board after you have met the education and/or experience requirements and have completed the AXP and ARE | ||||
Additional materials | All candidates must complete the Washington law review |
Wash. Admin. Code § 308-12-025
Statutory Authority: RCW 18.08.340 and 43.24.086. 11-11-019, § 308-12-025, filed 5/9/11, effective 7/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.96.060. 07-05-040, § 308-12-025, filed 2/15/07, effective 3/18/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.08.340. 98-20-061, § 308-12-025, filed 10/2/98, effective 11/2/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.08.350(2). 97-03-121, § 308-12-025, filed 1/21/97, effective 2/21/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.08.340. 95-04-080, § 308-12-025, filed 1/31/95, effective 3/3/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.08.360. 89-17-038 (Order PM 857), § 308-12-025, filed 8/10/89, effective 9/10/89. Statutory Authority: 1985 c 37 § 5. 85-21-065 (Order PL 560), § 308-12-025, filed 10/17/85.