Arkansas Architect FAQs

Renewing Your License:

How do I renew my Arkansas architect license?

Licensure renewal notices will be sent to the e-mail address on file with the board office in July. This notice will provide links to both the paper renewal application and online renewal system.

What are the Arkansas continuing education requirements for architects?

Arkansas registered architects must complete a minimum of 12 continuing education hours each calendar year by December 31st. A continuing education hour (CEH) must consist of 50-60 minutes of instructional time and must cover HSW subjects.

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

No carryover of continuing education hours from the previous calendar year is permitted.

Who notifies Arkansas of my completed architect continuing education?

Submission of completed CEHs with renewal is not required. Each registrant is responsible for maintaining a list of their CE activities. All records of attendance and completion of CE should be maintained for six years for audit purposes. Architects Training Institute will maintain your records for 6 years at no extra charge.

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 Arkansas architect license?

Yes.

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

1. An individual whose license has lapsed for any reason may be reinstated at any time within three (3) years from the date of cancellation of the registration.
   1. Prior to reinstatement, the individual must demonstrate compliance with the Act and the current Rules and Regulations. 
   2. The applicant must pay all fees that have accrued since the time of cancellation as well as the amount of penalties due.
2. Registrants who hold an NCARB certification and have allowed their registrations to lapse for a period of three (3) or more years must reapply through reciprocity. 
3. Registrants without NCARB certification and who were initially registered in Arkansas may re-apply without retaking the ARE®. 
4. The board may reissue a certificate of registration to any person whose certificate has lapsed or has been suspended or revoked, provided there are no pending charges of violations of this Act. 

Getting a License:

How do I obtain an Arkansas architect license?

To be granted initial registration, an applicant must meet the following requirements.

1.  An applicant must be of good moral character, as verified by employers and other references. 
2. An applicant must hold a professional degree in architecture from a degree program accredited by the NAAB or otherwise satisfy the education requirements established from time to time by NCARB for certification by NCARB. 
3. An applicant must have completed the IDP requirements in accordance with current NCARB standards. 
4. An applicant must have passed the ARE® in accordance with current NCARB standards. 
5. An applicant must complete an affidavit supplied by the board attesting that he or she has read and understood the Arkansas Architectural Act and Rules and Regulations.

Does Arkansas offer architect reciprocity?

An applicant who holds a current and valid certification issued by NCARB and who submits satisfactory evidence of such certification to the board can be registered, provided the applicant meets the following requirements.

1. The applicant holds a valid registration as an architect issued by a registration authority recognized by NCARB and submits satisfactory evidence of such registration to the board. 
2. An applicant files his or her application in a form prescribed by the board and pays the applicable fees established by the board. 
3. Before registration, the board may, at its discretion, require individual applicants to appear before the board when an NCARB record does not clearly indicate that the applicant is qualified for registration in Arkansas.

State Contact Info:

Arkansas Board of Architects, Landscape Architects & Interior Designers
900 W. Capitol Ave,
Little Rock, AR 72201-3108
Phone: (501) 682-3171
Fax: (501) 682-3172
asbalaid@arkansas.gov
https://www.asbalaid.arkansas.gov/