Massachusetts Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Massachusetts.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Massachusetts 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
Massachusetts Architecture Company Licenses
Massachusetts Architecture Firm License
Not required
Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Massachusetts.
Firm licenses are not issued at the state level, however, a licensed individual must oversee all architectural work. Firms should consult board rules and state statutes before doing business.
More information: Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure - Board of Registration of Architects| Law: | |
| Eligible Entity Types: |
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| Ownership Requirements: | Business Corporations:
Professional Corporations:
Limited Liability Companies:
Professional Limited Liability Companies:
Partnerships:
Limited Liability Partnerships:
Joint Ventures:
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Massachusetts Interior Design Firm License
Not required
Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts does not currently license or register interior design businesses.
Individual Licenses
Massachusetts Individual Architecture Licenses
Massachusetts Architect License
| Agency: | Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure - Board of Registration of Architects |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Massachusetts for the first time.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $135 application fee + $125 licensure fee application fee = $260 |
| Required Attachments: |
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Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Massachusetts.
| Instructions: | Massachusetts Architect Reciprocity Registration Application Instructions |
| Filing Method: |
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| Agency Fee: | $365 |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Massachusetts and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Due: | Annually by August 31. |
Reinstatement
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | Varies based on amount of time in "expired" status and what current board renewal fees are. |
Massachusetts Interior Designer License
Not required
Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Landscape Architect License
| Agency: | Massachusetts Board of Registration for Landscape Architects |
Initial Registration
| Form: | First-Time Licensure Application for Examination or Reciprocity for Landscape Architects |
| Agency Fee: | $45 application fee + $66 licensure fee |
Reciprocal Registration
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $66 |
| Due: | Annually by Janurary 31. |
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.
