Iowa Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Iowa.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Iowa for individuals and firms. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.
Company Licenses
Iowa Architecture Company Licenses
Iowa Architecture Firm License
Not required
Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Iowa.
As of July 1, 2014, the Iowa Architectural Examining Board no longer registers firms. The board only registers individual architects.
More information: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Licensing Division - Architectural Examining Board| Eligible Entity Types: |
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| Ownership Requirements: | Business Corporations:
Professional Corporations:
Limited Liability Companies:
Professional Limited Liability Companies:
Partnerships:
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Iowa Interior Design Firm License
Not required
Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Iowa.
Iowa does not currently license or register interior design businesses.
Individual Licenses
Iowa Individual Architecture Licenses
Iowa Architect License
| Agency: | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Licensing Division - Architectural Examining Board |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Iowa for the first time.
| Instructions: |
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| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | No exam fee. But registration fee of $50, plus $5/month to renewal date. |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Iowa.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $200 |
| Notes: | If you have a license in another state and have an active NCARB certificate, you may be eligible for a reciprocal license. Applicants must have a current NCARB Certificate. |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Iowa and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $200 for active registration; $100 for inactive; free for retired status |
| Due: | Licenses expire biennially on June 30 but must be renewed by May 31. Licensees whose last name begins with the letter A-K renew during even-numbered years and licensees whose last name begins with the letter L-Z renew during odd-numbered years. |
Iowa Interior Designer Registration
| Agency: | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Licensing Division - Interior Design Examining Board |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $275 |
Reciprocal Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $275 |
| Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $275 |
| Due: | Biennially by June 30. Certificates issued to registrants with last names beginning with A through K expire during even-numbered years and certificates issued to registrants with last names beginning with L through Z expire during odd-numbered years. |
Iowa Landscape Architect License
| Agency: | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Licensing Division - Landscape Architectural Examining Board |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $15 per month remaining before renewal. |
Reciprocal Registration
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $300 |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $350 |
| Due: | Biennially by June 30. |
Learn about architecture licensing in other states:
ARE (Architect Registration Examination) - Assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required to be a practicing architect.
AXP (Architectural Experience Program) - NCARB program for architectural internship, a requirement for licensure that occurs after filling the educational requirements.
BEFA (Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect) - An alternative NCARB certification that allows foreign architects to independently practice architecture.
COA (Certificate of Authorization) - The most common name of the registration required for firms to practice architecture in a given state.
Design Firm - Architectural firm registration is sometimes grouped with engineering and land surveying on a single “design firm” application form.
NCARB Certification - Licensed architects have the option to become Certificate holders to signify that they have met national standards established by U.S. licensing boards for protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Certification also facilitates reciprocal registration in all 54 jurisdictions, 11 Canadian jurisdictions, and can be used to support an application for licensure in other countries.
Reciprocity - This is when a licensed architect in one state can provide documentation (often a NCARB certificate) to more easily apply for licensure in another jurisdiction.
State Board - Often referred to as the State Architects Licensure Board or Board of Architects, an individual state’s board serves as the regulatory authority for architects. The board qualifies and licenses individuals seeking architectural licensure. The board is responsible for preserving the public health, safety, and welfare of individuals who occupy built environments.
National Architecture Accrediting Board
NAAB establishes criteria for and accredits professional architecture degree programs in the United States.
The American Institute of
Architecture Students (AIAS)
AIAS is an independent, student-run group that promotes excellence in architecture education, training, and practice.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
AIA is a voluntary professional organization for architects providing advocacy, information, and community.
The Association of Collegiate
Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
ACSA represents architectural education programs across the globe.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
NCARB is the national organization representing the state registration boards.
