California Architects Board


Please Note

We are a service company that can help you file with the California Architects Board. We are not associated with this nor any other government agency. We offer paid services and software to help you file. You are not required to purchase our service to file - you may file directly with this agency without using our service.


Contact Information

Physical address:
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105
Sacramento, CA 95834

Phone: (916) 574-7220
Fax: (916) 575-7283

Web: Home Name search Forms File online
Email: cab@dca.ca.gov

Licenses

We track the following licenses with the California Architects Board in order to provide compliance services to our clients. As a client, you see this and other Compliance Core™ data in License Manager in-line with your licenses.

A laptop placed on a desk with our License Manager software on display

California Architect License

Agency:California Architects Board
Exam Required?Yes

Exam Application

Form:

Application for Eligibility Evaluation

Agency Fee:

$100

Original Ink:Required

Initial Registration

This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in California for the first time.

Agency Fee:

$400 if applying during the first half of the renewal period or $200 if applying during the second half of the renewal period.

Original Ink:Required
Notes:

Applications for Licensure are sent to applicants after passing the California Supplemental Examination.

How to Apply:
  1. Establish an NCARB Record and select California as the testing jurisdiction (if you previously had an eight digit testing number please contact the Board before you establish an NCARB Record)
  2. Completed Application for Eligibility Evaluation
  3. Complete one of the four pathways
  4. Complete the ARE (pass each division within the five-year rolling clock period)
  5. Complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) or Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) (you may begin reporting AXP hours once you turn 18 or the equivalent of a graduate from high school; you may also concurrently fulfill this requirement at the same time as you are completing the ARE).
  6. Complete the CSE (California Supplemental Examination)
  7. Complete an Application for Licensure

Reciprocal Registration

This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in California.

Form:

California Architect Reciprocity Application

Agency Fee:

$35 application fee + $100 CSE exam fee + $200-$400 license fee

How to Apply:
  1. Submit the California Architect Reciprocity Application
  2. Complete the CSE (California Supplemental Examination)
  3. Complete an Application for Licensure

Registration Renewal

This section applies to architects that are already licensed in California and need to renew their license.

Form:

Architect License Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$400

Due:

By the last day of the licensee's birth month, every odd-numbered year.

California Business Entity Report

Agency:California Architects Board
Law:

CA Business and Professions Code § 5535.2

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Corporation
  • LLP
  • Partnership
Ownership Requirements:

None for corporations. Each director, shareholder, and officer of a PC must be licensed.

Notes:

California does not issue firm licenses at the state level, however, licensed architects must submit a business entity report form and file an updated report within 30 days of a change in firm information.

Initial Registration

This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in California for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.

Form:

Business Entity Report Form

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$0

Turnaround:

30 days

Original Ink:Required

Renewal Not Required

This section applies to architectural firms that are already licensed in California and need to renew their license.

Not required



Business entity reports only need to be re-filed when there is a change of information.

Amendment

Form:

Business Entity Report Form (Amendment)

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Licensees must immediately notify the Board of any name and/or address changes. In addition, licensees must submit an updated copy of the business entity form with the new information within 30 days of the change.

Related Government Agencies

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