Becoming a Licensed Architect

Becoming an architect in California can be achieved using various paths. The Board considers three separate aspects of an individual’s architectural development including education, experience, and examination—when assessing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to competently perform the services required of an architect.

A candidate who provides evidence of completing the following requirements is eligible to receive a license to practice architecture:

• Be at least 18 years of age or the equivalent of a graduate from high school
• Five years of architectural educational experience or the equivalent as specified in the Board’s regulations
• Architectural Experience Program (AXP) or the Canadian Provincial Internship in Architecture Program (IAP)
• All divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
• California Supplemental Examination (CSE)

When combined, a total of eight years of architectural training and education experience is required for licensure (Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5552).