Architect Licensing

• Initial Registration Standards
• Reciprocal Registration Standards
• Practice Permitted without Certificate of Registration
• Emeritus Status Registration Standards
• Registration Prohibited 
• Annual Licensure Renewal
• Online Renewal
• Renewal By Mail
• Continuing Education
• Reinstatement of Lapsed License
• Application Fees
• Annual Renewal Fees
• Reinstatement / Late Fees
• Miscellaneous Fees
• Seal Design and Use Requirements

Registration of Architects

A person shall not perform or offer to perform, either directly or indirectly, architectural services, or assume or use the title or designation of  “Architect,” unless the person has secured from the Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers a license as a architect as required under Arkansas law.

Initial Registration Standards

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.

When evaluating qualifications, the board may require that the applicant substantiate his or her qualifications.

Reciprocal Registration Standards

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.

Practice Permitted without Certificate of Registration

1. A non-resident architect who holds an NCARB certificate may offer to practice architecture in Arkansas for an individual project, provided he or she notifies the board in writing of the following:

   1. That he or she holds an NCARB certificate and is not currently registered in Arkansas but will be present in Arkansas for the purpose of offering to render architectural services for a single project; 
   2. That he or she will deliver a copy of the notice referred to above to every person conducting an architectural design competition and promise to apply to the board within thirty (30) days for registration if selected for the project. 

2. A non-resident architect who holds an NCARB certificate may offer to seek an architectural commission in Arkansas by participating in a single architectural design competition, provided that he or she notifies the board in writing of the following:

   1. That he or she holds an NCARB certificate and is not currently registered in Arkansas but will be present in Arkansas for the purpose of offering to render architectural services for a single project; 
   2. That he or she will deliver a copy of the notice referred to above to every potential client to whom he or she offers to render services; and 
   3. That he or she promises to apply to the board for registration within thirty (30) days if selected for the project. 

3. A non-resident architect may provide uncompensated professional services at the scene of an emergency at the request of a public officer, public safety officer, or municipal or county building inspector acting in an official capacity. 

Emeritus Status Registration Standards

1. Registrants who are retired from the active practice of architecture who are 65 years of age or older may request emeritus status by filling out the proper application. 
2. Emeritus status licensees are exempt from continuing education requirements unless the architect reactivates his or her license to active status. 
3. Registrants who have been on emeritus status for more than one (1) year may be readmitted to active practice upon proper application and completion of twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education. Registrants who have been on emeritus status for one (1) year or less may be readmitted to active practice upon proper application and completion of twelve (12) hours of continuing education. 
4. An emeritus architect seeking readmission to active practice shall pay all applicable fees, not to exceed the current license fees.

Registration Prohibited

One or more of the following acts shall be sufficient to prevent the applicant from being considered for registration and license:

1. Practicing architecture without registration in Arkansas or any other state, territory, district, or zone of the United States in violation of a law governing such a practice; 
2. Conviction of a felony; 
3. Submitting a misstatement or misrepresentation of fact in connection with an application for examination, registration, application for reciprocal registration, or any other official communication with the board; 
4. Committing an act prohibited by a provision of the Arkansas Architectural Act or the Rules and Regulations of this board in effect at that time.

Annual Licensure Renewal

Licensure renewal notices will be sent to the e-mail address on file with the board office in July 2015. This notice will provide links to both the paper renewal application and online renewal system.

The board automatically sends electronic renewal notices to the address on file approximately 30 and 15 days before licensure expiration. Notices regarding licensure status are sent only as a courtesy of the board. The ultimate responsibility for licensure renewal rests with the licensed professional.

1. Certificate of registration for individual architects shall expire on July 31 of each year and shall become invalid on August 1, unless renewed. 
2. All renewals must be either received in the board office by the close of business on the last day of the renewal period or postmarked by the last day of the renewal period. 
3. Only renewal forms that contain the completed renewal application, annual continuing education affidavit attesting to compliance with continuing education requirements, and the required renewal fees will be processed. 
4. A registrant who does not properly renew his or her license may not practice after the expiration of the license. A registrant who continues to practice using an expired license will be subject to such disciplinary action as the board deems appropriate. 

Online Renewal

To renew your registration online, click the “Architect – Online Renewal” link located on the Home page to be redirected to the online renewal system. Enter your individual license/registration number in the field provided to access the system. You are required to complete the questions and tender your $100 annual renewal using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express. The total amount will be adjusted to allow for electronic processing of the transaction.

This online service is provided by a third party that is working in partnership with the state of Arkansas. The price of the item purchased through the service includes funds used to develop, maintain, and enhance the state’s official web portal, Arkansas.gov. Upon completion of the online renewal process, you will be presented with a receipt screen that should be printed and retained as proof of payment.

All online renewals are transmitted to the board office as they are received by the service provider. Please note that it can take up to 72 hours for your updated licensure status to be reflected in the board’s licensure verification system. Current licensure certificates may be printed directly from the board’s website following this update.

If you continue to practice architecture with an expired registration in the state of Arkansas, you will be subject to a civil penalty and any other disciplinary action that the board deems appropriate. Individual registration may be renewed online only between July 1 and July 31 every year. Any license holder failing to properly renew during this period must complete a licensure reinstatement application in paper form with the board office.

NOTICE: If you have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; of a misdemeanor involving fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation; or of any crime other than a minor traffic violation in any jurisdiction that has not been previously reported to the board, you are NOT ELIGIBLE to use the online renewal system. You are required to submit a paper licensure renewal application to the board along with a list of date(s) and crime(s), a copy of the court judgment(s), and a letter of explanation regarding your conviction or pending charges. The paper application, along with supporting materials, will be presented to the board for review at the next scheduled meeting. 

NOTICE: If you have been charged, disciplined, or are currently under investigation by any governing or licensing board that has not been previously reported to the board, you are NOT ELIGIBLE to use the online renewal system. You are required to submit a paper licensure renewal application to the board along with a list of date(s) and violation(s), a copy of the consent order(s), and a letter of explanation regarding the disciplinary action or pending charges. The paper application, along with supporting materials, will be presented to the board for review at the next scheduled meeting.

We are happy to help! If you need assistance with the online renewal process, please contact the board office at (501) 682-3171 or asbalaid@arkansas.gov.

Renew by Mail

To renew your registration by mail, click the “Print Paper Renewal” link below to obtain the “Architect Annual Renewal Application” and pay the $100 renewal fee by check or money order. The board automatically sends electronic renewal notices to the address on file approximately between 30 and 15 days before licensure expiration. If you receive a renewal notice from the board and have already submitted this form with payment, disregard the renewal notice.

Carefully key the information into the renewal form and print the completed form. You may also print a blank copy of the form and manually write out your information; please write clearly so that your record may be accurately updated. Use only one renewal form for each license or certificate that you are renewing. Address, e-mail, and telephone information provided on this form will be used to update your license or certificate record on file with the board.

In the event that the form is incomplete, board staff is required to return the incomplete form and payment. Failure to resubmit the completed form and issue payment before the July 31 expiration date will result in late fees. Please allow up to three weeks for paper forms to be processed and your updated licensure status to be reflected in the board’s licensure verification system. Current licensure certificates may be printed directly from the board’s website following this update.

If you continue to practice architecture with an expired license in the state of Arkansas, you will be subject to a civil penalty and other disciplinary action the board deems appropriate. Individual registration may be renewed via paper form only between July 1 and July 31 every year. Any license holder failing to properly renew during this period must complete a licensure reinstatement application in paper form with the board office.

NOTICE: If you have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; of a misdemeanor involving fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation; or of any crime other than a minor traffic violation in any jurisdiction that has not been previously reported to the board, you are required to submit a paper licensure renewal application. Enclose with the form a list of date(s) and crime(s), a copy of the court judgment(s), and a letter of explanation regarding your conviction or pending charges. The paper application, along with supporting materials, will be presented to the board for review at the next scheduled meeting.

NOTICE: If you have been charged disciplined, or are currently under investigation by any governing or licensing board that has not been previously reported to the board, you are required to submit a paper licensure renewal application. Enclose a list of date(s) and violation(s), a copy of the consent order(s), and a letter of explanation regarding the disciplinary action or pending charges. The paper application, along with supporting materials, will be presented to the board for review at the next scheduled meeting.

Mail the form with your renewal fee (check or money order) to the following address:

ASBALAID
900 West Capitol, Suite 400
Little Rock, AR 72201

We are happy to help! If you need assistance with the online renewal process, please contact the board office at (501) 682-3171 or asbalaid@arkansas.gov.

Continuing Education

How much continuing education is required?

1. In addition to all other requirements for registration renewal, each Arkansas registered architect must complete a minimum of twelve (12) continuing-education hours each calendar year. A continuing-education hour (CEH) shall represent one continuous instructional hour (50 to 60 minutes of contact) spent in structured education activities intended to increase or update the landscape architect’s knowledge and competence in HSW subjects. 
2. All CEHs must be completed in HSW subjects acquired in structured educational activities.

Reinstatement of Lapsed License

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. 

Application Fees

Every applicant shall include with her or her application a nonrefundable filing fee, determined in accordance with this schedule:

1. Application for Initial Licensure	$250
2. Application for Emeritus Status Registration	$20

Annual Renewal Fee

Every applicant for registration renewal shall include with his or her application a nonrefundable renewal fee, determined in accordance with the schedule set forth as follows:

1. Annual Renewal of Individual Registration	$100*
2. Annual Renewal of Emeritus Status Registration	$20

*The total amount will be adjusted for online licensure renewals to allow for electronic processing of the transaction. This online service is provided by a third party that is working in partnership with the state of Arkansas. The price of the item purchased through the service includes funds used to develop, maintain, and enhance the state’s official web portal, Arkansas.gov.

Reinstatement / Late Fees

Individual registrations that have expired or have been revoked due to nonpayment of the annual renewal fee may be reinstated through the payment of the renewal fee in effect at the time, plus a penalty of fifty dollars ($50) per month for the first three (3) months when the registration was expired or revoked. Thereafter, an additional penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) for the maximum of three (3) years shall be levied in accordance with the schedule set forth below:

Month of Reinstatement	Renewal Fee	Late Fee	Total
1 Month Expired	$100	$50	$150
2 Months Expired	$100	$100	$200
3 Months Expired	$100	$150	$250
4-12 Months Expired	$100	$250	$350*
*If renewed within one year from the date of expiration.
13 Months Expired	$200	$300	$500
14 Months Expired	$200	$350	$550
15 Months Expired	$200	$400	$600
16-24 Months Expired	$200	$500	$700*
*If renewed within two years from the date of expiration.
25 Months Expired	$300	$550	$850
26 Months Expired	$300	$600	$900
27 Months Expired	$300	$650	$950
28-36 Months Expired	$300	$750	$1,050*
*If renewed within three years from the date of expiration.

Miscellaneous Fees

Replacement or Duplicate Wall Certificate	$30
Architect Electronic File of Roster	$125
Landscape Architect Electronic File of Roster	$125
Registered Interior Designer File of Roster	$50
Returned Check Fee	$25

Seal Design and Use Requirements

Each registered architect shall procure a seal that shall contain the name of the registered architect, license registration number, and the words:

“REGISTERED ARCHITECT − STATE OF ARKANSAS”

The seal shall comply, in all respects, in size and format, with the description of the design requirements as set forth below:

1. Seal Design Requirements 

   • Design: Metal impression, rubber stamp, or printed, two (2) concentric circles 1.5” and 1” in diameter. Space between bearing words “Registered Architect” and “State of Arkansas.” Space within inner circle bearing names and registration numbers as follows: 
   • Any method that legibly reproduces the architect’s seal is permitted.
     Individual – Seal Sample

2. Use of Architect’s Seal

   • Architects shall affix their seal, actual signature, and date of affixation to all original contract documents, including index sheets identifying all drawings covered, as well as cover and index pages identifying all specification pages covered. Presentation documents (renderings and/or drawings used to communicate conceptual information only) are not required to be sealed, signed, or dated. 
   • Contract documents considered incomplete by the architect may be released for interim review without the architect’s seal or signature affixed, but shall bear the architect’s name and be conspicuously marked to clearly indicate the documents are for interim review and not intended for bidding, permit, or construction purposes. 
   • Those sheets or pages prepared by consultants (structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.), which are retained by the architect, shall bear the seal and registration number of the responsible consultant. 
   • Once documents bearing the architect’s seal are issued from the architect’s office, the seal shall not be removed, except as follows: If the architect’s client requests electronic drawing files that will be used as reference documents, the following statement shall be substituted for the seal: THE RECORD COPY OF THIS DRAWING IS ON FILE AT THE OFFICES OF  (NAME OF FIRM), (ADDRESS OF FIRM). THIS ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT IS RELEASED  FOR THE PURPOSES OF REFERENCE, COORDINATION, AND/OR FACILITY MANAGEMENT.  THIS ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT OR MODIFICATIONS THEREOF SHALL NOT BE USED FOR  CONSTRUCTION.
   • Except as noted in Section XI, (F) of Administrative Rules, no architect shall affix the seal and signature to contract documents developed by others. 
   • No person, other than the architect represented, shall use or attempt to use the prescribed seal or shall modify documents bearing such seal, without first obtaining the written authority of the architect represented and clearly indicating on the documents the extent of the modifications made. 
   • On original documents, the use of signature reproductions, such as rubber stamps or computer-generated signatures or other facsimiles, shall be permitted. 
   • Authorized use of the prescribed seal is an individual act whereby the architect must personally inscribe the seal. The architect is responsible for its security when not in use.