FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
An exam score is valid for 5 years from the date of passing each division.
No, if you have a NAAB accredited degree, you only have to be enrolled in AXP to begin testing.
Yes, completion of AXP is a requirement for licensure in Louisiana.
The ARE is developed and administered by NCARB. General information on the Exam can be found here.
You can retake a failed ARE division as soon as 60 days after your previous test date. Keep in mind that you can only take the same division three times within any 12 month period.
Results for all divisions are typically processed within one week of your test date. You’ll receive an email notification once your score has been processed and is available for viewing in your NCARB Record.
Examinations are administered across the United States. You can find an updated list of test centers here.
After earning your degree from a school whose curriculum has been accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and being enrolled in the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) administered by NCARB.
Additional eligibility information may be found on the NCARB website here.
Yes, there is. All architects are required to complete 12 Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) continuing education units each calendar year.
Documentation of reported continuing education hours shall be maintained by the architect for six years from the date of award.
You will not need to submit any documents unless your record has been selected for audit.
HSW subjects are technical and professional subjects that the Board has deemed appropriate to safeguard the public. A detailed list of those subjects can be found HERE.
An Architect is not subject to the annual continuing education requirement if any of the following conditions apply:
- A newly registered architect during their initial year of registration
- Emeritus
- Individuals called to active military service
- A serious medical condition
- Individual can demonstrate some other hardship to the Board
- Acceptable supporting documentation includes a copy of an architect’s AIA transcript or
- Copies of the Certificate of Attendance for HSW Approved programs that indicate the date of the program and the number of CEUs earned
If a complaint progresses to a formal hearing, that hearing would be open to the public.
The Board will communicate with both the Complainant and the Respondent when a case has been closed.
Upon receipt of a complaint, a preliminary evaluation of the issue will be conducted within 30 days to determine whether allegations described in the complaint are within the Board’s jurisdiction. Resolution of cases can be difficult to predict given the complexities involved in each case and because due process allows each party certain participation throughout the lifecycle of the complaint.
The Board welcomes discussion on topics that are of concern to the public or licensees. You should feel free to contact the Board office and speak with staff to discuss the issue.
Yes, respondents will receive copies of all Complaint documents, so that they can fully respond to the allegations presented against them.
Your complaint should include any substantial documentation or evidence that can support your claim of a violation of the architects licensing law.
Yes, all complaints submitted to the Board should be submitted on the Sworn Affidavit Complaining of Violation of Law or Rules and Regulations.
- Yes, If you are practicing in your name with an established business structure, (ex., John Q. Architect, LLC, Inc., LLP, etc.) that is required to be registered to conduct business in Louisiana or any other state, then you need to register your firm
- No, If you are practicing in your name only and do not have any business structure or entity affiliated with your practice you do not need to obtain firm registration.
For purposes of registration, all firms practicing architecture in Louisiana which are identified as a legal business entity (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.) are required to register with the LSBAE within thirty days following registration with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
Yes. The board rules do provide for the use of fictitious names. However, please call our office to discuss your specific situation.
Yes, all firms conducting business in Louisiana must register with the Board. Depending upon the structure of your firm, there are four categories from which to choose for firm registration. A complete set of the LSBAE rules surrounding firm registration can be found here. It is the responsibility of the firm owner to meet requirements for operating a business in the state of Louisiana by registering with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
Limited Liability Companies and partnerships used to have their own designation in the Architects Licensing Rules. They have now been merged into a new category called “Architectural Firm”. Effective July 1, 2019, all LLCs or LLPs should register as an “Architectural Firm”.
- If you are practicing in your name only and do not have any business structure or entity affiliated with your practice, then NO, you would not need to obtain firm registration.
- If you are practicing as John Q. Architect, LLC or any other business structure that is required to be registered to do business in Louisiana or any other state, then you need to register your firm
For purposes of registration, all firms practicing architecture in Louisiana which are identified as a legal business entity (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.) are required to register with the LSBAE and receive a Certificate of Authority within thirty days following registration with the Secretary of State.
See here for information on Initial and Reciprocal Registration.
An exam score is valid for 5 years from the date of passing each division.
No, if you have a NAAB accredited degree, you only have to be enrolled in AXP to begin testing.
Yes, completion of AXP is a requirement for licensure in Louisiana.
Not at this time.
Wall certificates are signed by members of LSBAE. The Board meets every 60 – 90 days. (Click here for a list of Board meeting dates). Signed certificates are typically mailed a week later.
9625 Fenway Avenue, Suite B
Baton Rouge, LA 70809-1592
Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wall certificates are signed by members of LSBAE. The Board meets every 60 – 90 days. (Click here for a list of Board meeting dates). Signed certificates are typically mailed a week later.
Applications are not reviewed until a complete application, along with payment and the NCARB record are received in our office.
It is our goal to review license applications within 10-15 business days of receipt.
Individuals wishing to obtain reciprocal licensure in Louisiana must be NCARB Certified and request that NCARB transmit their record to Louisiana.
You will receive a notification once the NCARB record has been received and will be instructed to complete the Reciprocal Application form and submit payment.
Individuals licensed in another jurisdiction must hold a current and valid license to practice architecture in a U.S. jurisdiction or territory and an NCARB Certificate.
- Applicants who have not completed a NAAB degree in architecture or the AXP (or IDP) are offered alternate paths to NCARB Certification. You should contact NCARB for further details.
Please have the jurisdiction in which you are applying forward a request to our office (bd@lsbae.com) for completion of the verification form.
Yes, you can.
A replacement license will be issued to a registrant to replace one lost or destroyed, provided the current annual registration renewal is in effect, the registrant makes proper request and submits an acceptable explanation of the loss or destruction of the original license, and the registrant pays a
fee of $30.
Please submit the request and payment via check or money order to the office at 9625 Fenway Avenue, Suite B, Baton Rouge, LA 70809-1592.
First time licensees in Louisiana will receive a license certificate in the mail and a PDF of your printable certificate and wallet card.
If you are renewing or reinstating your license, you will receive an e-mail with a PDF of your updated printable renewal certificate and wallet card.
You will receive a confirmation e-mail when your renewal application and payment are processed which will contain payment information. Please hold on to this for your records.
A license for an individual architect shall expire and become invalid on December 31 of each year.
An architectural firm holding a certificate of authority and desiring to continue offering architectural services in Louisiana shall make application for renewal each year on or prior to June 30.
Firms and individuals must complete the online Reinstatement Application via our Licensing Portal.
Licensees can update their contact information by logging into the Licensing Portal, clicking the three dots on the right side of each information card, clicking “Edit” and entering the new information.
*Note: Email addresses may not be changed via the Licensing Portal. Please email these requests to Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com.
Licensees may renew their license online beginning November 1 via our Licensing Portal.
- There are two ways to become a licensed architect in Louisiana:
- Initial Registration – non-licensed individuals who are obtaining a license to practice architecture for the first time. Those individuals must meet the following qualifications:
- NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) Accredited degree in Architecture
- Completion of the Architect Experience Program (AXP) (formerly called Intern Development Program (IDP))
- Completion of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
- Initial Registration – non-licensed individuals who are obtaining a license to practice architecture for the first time. Those individuals must meet the following qualifications:
- Reciprocal Registration – individuals who are licensed in another jurisdiction. To obtain a reciprocal license, applicants must hold a current and valid NCARB Certificate.
- Applicants who have not completed a NAAB degree in architecture or the AXP or IDP are offered have alternate paths to NCARB Certification
To use the title “architect” in Louisiana, an individual must be licensed and registered by the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners.
An architect provides services related to the design and construction of buildings and the spaces around them, where the safeguarding of life, health, property and public welfare is concerned.
These design and construction services typically include the following:
Consultation, evaluation, planning, preliminary studies, designs, construction documents and management, administration of construction contracts
- Work with your architect. Make your requirements known as clearly and as thoroughly as possible, so your architect can design to meet both your budget and your needs. If you are uncertain about anything, ask questions.
- Make sure you have a written contract that accurately reflects the following:
- Description of the work to be done
- A project schedule
- Amount and terms of payment of the architect’s fees
- Responsibilities of the people who are signing the contract
- Description of the project deliverable’s including plans and specifications; and
- Description of the architect’s involvement with filing a project with building officials and other authorities having jurisdiction
You should expect to be provided with proof of the architect’s qualification, including proof of licensure in Louisiana, names of former clients as references; a clear and complete description of the services to be provided and the work that will be done; a project schedule and the related fees; and final plans and specification that contain the seal of the architect.
There are two ways to become a licensed architect in Louisiana:
- Initial Registration – non-licensed individuals who are obtaining a license to practice architecture for the first time. Those individuals must meet the following qualifications:
- NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) Accredited degree in Architecture
- Completion of the Architect Experience Program (AXP) (formerly called Intern Development Program (IDP))
- Completion of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
- Reciprocal Registration – individuals who are licensed in another jurisdiction. To obtain a reciprocal license, applicants must hold a current and valid NCARB Certificate.
- Applicants who have not completed a NAAB degree in architecture or the AXP or IDP are offered have alternate paths to NCARB Certification
To use the title “architect” in Louisiana, an individual must be licensed and registered by the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners.
An architect provides services related to the design and construction of buildings and the spaces around them, where the safeguarding of life, health, property and public welfare is concerned. These design and construction services typically include the following:
- Consultation, evaluation, planning, preliminary studies, designs, construction documents and management, administration of construction contracts