Texas Architect FAQs

Renewing Your License:

How do I renew my Texas architect license?

1. Complete 12-hours of continuing education
2. Renew your license online or by mail and pay the appropriate renewal fee
   $108 for residents | $200 for non-residents

What are the Texas continuing education requirements for architects?

Texas architects must complete a minimum of 12 HSW continuing education hours including 1 hour of Sustainable Design and 1 hour of Accessibility Standards each calendar year (January 1 through December 31). Licenses must be renewed by the last day of the licensee’s birth month annually.

I have extra Texas architect continuing education hours, can I apply them to the next renewal cycle?

Up to 12 hours not used for the current period may be carried over to the next period.  Hours may not be carried forward more than one year.

Can I take the same course that I took last year for this year’s CEPH requirement? What about self-directed study?

No. You cannot repeat anything you have taken in the last 3 years except for the Texas Accessibility Academy or another similar course offered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

Who notifies Texas of my completed architect continuing education?

Texas does not require architects or continuing education providers notify the state of continuing education unless they perform an audit. Architects must maintain continuing education records for 5-years in case of an audit. Architects Training Institute will store your continuing education records for 6-years at no extra cost.

Other documentation of continuing education includes but are not limited to: AIA transcripts, certificates of completion issued by the course provider, “sign-in” log provided directly by the course provider, and other correspondence or documentation provided directly by the course provider.

Do I need to complete continuing education requirements for my AIA membership?

Yes, as an Architect member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), 18 learning unit hours are required per calendar-year for membership renewal. Of these 18 hours, at least 12 hours must be in subjects designated as Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW).

Are AIA approved classes accepted to renew my Texas architect license?

Yes.

My Texas architect registration has lapsed, how do I reinstate it?

You may renew your license normally by paying a late fee. 

• 1-90 days late: Residents-$160 | Non-residents-$300
• 91 days-2 years late: Residents-$213 | Non-residents-$400
• More than 2 years late: You must reapply for licensure

Getting a License:

How do I obtain a Texas architect license?

Architects may apply for licensure through examination or reciprocity

Does Texas offer architect reciprocity?

Yes, an individual who is a registered architect in another state and holds an NCARB certificate may become registered in Texas. Follow this link to proceed:  http://www.tbae.state.tx.us/HowToApply/Architects_RegByReciprocity

State Contact Info:

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Physical Address:
333 Guadalupe Street
Suite 2-350
Austin, TX 78701-3942

Mailing Address:
PO Box 12337-2337
Austin, TX 78711-2337

Phone:  512-305-9000
Fax:  512-305-8900
https://www.tbae.texas.gov/