Frequently Asked Questions: Board of Registration of Architects

General Licensing FAQs.

What are the requirements to become a Registered Architect?

Obtaining an NAAB accredited degree, mandatory completion of Internship Development Program (IDP) green/blue cover through the NCARB and submitting an online application to the DOL through the ePlace Portal. Contact the NCARB to begin proper review, but feel free to submit the online application at any time during the registration with the NCARB process.

How does a Corporation register with the Board?

The Massachusetts Board only licenses individual Architects. Corporations and Businesses alike must comply with the Secretary of State’s Office to do business within the Commonwealth. A ‘Certificate by Regulatory Board’ form will need to be completed for the business to do so.

What is the process to file a Certificate by Regulatory Board form?

Corporations must contact the Secretary of States’ Office (SEC) to obtain this form. After completing the top portion of the form, listing only the Massachusetts licensed Architects working for the Corporation, the form is submitted to the Board for completion along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and $15.00, per person listed on the form, processing fee. The completed form is returned to the Corporation for filing with any additional documentation required by the SEC.

Companies may also see: Request A Certificate by Regulatory Board.

How can I obtain an architectural application for the examination?

Contact:

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) 1401 H Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005 Ph: 202/879-0520
www.ncarb.org

How often are the examinations administered?

Monthly (Monday through Saturday). Contact the NCARB for up-to-date information.

What type of examination is administered?

A Computerized examination, (A.R.E.) Contact the NCARB for up-to-date information.

How can I obtain a copy of the Massachusetts General Laws for this Board?

Please visit the General Laws of Massachusetts web pages.

You may also view Board Policies, Regulations and Statutes (Architects) here.

Does Massachusetts have reciprocity?

Yes, obtaining NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) certification and submitting an online application through the ePlace Portal is required.

How do I obtain a Massachusetts reciprocity application?

Please contact the NCARB:

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards 1401 H Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005 Ph: 202/879-0520
www.ncarb.org

Then visit the Architect Licensure page.

When does my Architectural license expire?

August 31st (annually).

How do I obtain a Wall Certificate?

A written request for a Wall Certificate, along with a $27.00 processing fee, should be submitted to the DOL. A request for a Wall Certificate may also be completed online through the ePlace Portal. Once the online request is completed, the email confirmation should be forwarded to the [e-mail].

The completed Wall Certificate will be signed by three members of the Board during the next scheduled meeting.

How do I obtain a copy of my license card?

Duplicate license cards may be requested by submitting the Name/Address change form on this webpage or by submitting an online request through the ePlace Portal.

When are Architectural renewals mailed?

On or about May 1 of each year, the Board shall mail to every architect registered in the Commonwealth, a notification for online renewal.

Note: Address/Email addresses must be current in our system. Any changes should be submitted when they occur, and prior to the next renewal cycle.

What if I have an architectural degree in a foreign country?

Commencing with the June 1989 administration of the Architect Registration Examination and for all administration thereafter … to be considered eligible for the examination in Massachusetts, along with meeting all other requirements and qualifications, an applicant must hold a professional degree in architecture where the degree program has been accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) no later than two years after termination of enrollment or has satisfied NCARB's education requirements as otherwise specified in the Circular of Information No. 3.

Any candidate holding an architectural degree from a foreign country must have his or her education evaluated, as it relates to the NCARB education requirements, prior to any eligibility determination by the board. An evaluation of an architectural degree from a foreign country can be accomplished by contacting the NAAB.

1735 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

All cost associated with the evaluation are the responsibility of the applicant.

A copy of Circular of Information No # 3 may be obtained by contacting the NCARB.

104 K Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005 Ph: 202/879-0520
www.ncarb.org