Washington Architect FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Washington architect licensing and continuing education.
Washington Architect Renewal
Renewal Deadline: Licensee’s Birthday
Renewal Cycle: Biennial
State Required Continuing Education: 24 hrs, including 16 hrs in HSW subjects
AIA Membership Continuing Education: 18 hrs annually, including 12 HSW
Renewing Your License:
How do I renew my Washington architect license?
- Complete 24 HSW hours of continuing education
- Renew your license online & pay the $105.50 renewal fee.
What are the Washington continuing education requirements for architects?
Architects in Washington are required to complete 24-hours of continuing education including 16-hours in HSW subjects every two years by the licensee’s birthday.
I have extra Washington architect continuing education hours, can I apply them to the next renewal cycle?
Yes,if you earn more than 24 PDH in the 2nd half of your license period, up to 12 of the extra hours can be carried over to the following 2-year license period.
Who notifies Washington of my completed architect continuing education?
Licensees will not be required to send in proof of continuing education activities to the Department of Licensing when renewing a license. However, a licensee must maintain records of continuing education hours earned for 5 consecutive years for audit purposes. Architects Training Institute will store your continuing education records for 6-years at no additional cost.
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 Washington architect license?
Yes.
My Washington architect registration has lapsed, how do I reinstate it?
You may renew your license normally but you will have to pay an additional $33 late fee.
Getting a License:
How do I obtain a Washington architect license?
You may become a Washington architect by direct registration with NCARB, examination, or reciprocity. Find more information here: https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/architects/architectgetalicense.html
Does Washington offer architect reciprocity?
Yes, an individual who is a registered architect in another state and holds an NCARB certificate may become registered in Washington.
State Contact Info:
Washington State Board for Architects
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9012
Olympia, WA 98507-9012
Phone: (360) 664-1388
architects@dol.wa.gov
https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/architects/
Once I order the course, how long before I can start?
You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you’ve entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!
Once I start an online course, will I be able to start and stop at anytime?
Our courses are available online 24/7 and you are able to log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10-15 minutes, simply log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.
How long do your continuing education courses take to complete?
Continuing education requirements vary by state. Each course lists a minimum number of credit hours required to complete the course.
How long do I have access to the courses?
We allow up to 6 months for you to complete the courses. During the six months you have unlimited, 24/7 access. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).
Are there tests or quizzes in the courses?
Some states do require quizzes, these will be found at the end of lessons. You cannot fail a quiz, though, as you may take it as many times as required to pass!
Once I complete a course, can I still go back and review the lessons?
You are able to review the lessons at any time during the six months you’ll have access to the courses.