Mississippi Architecture Industry Licensing

•  Mississippi Jurisprudence Examination &  Architect Initial Registration by Exam Application 
• The Architect Intial Registration by Exam Application is only for individuals who have completed AXP and the ARE and who are not yet licensed in any jurisdiction. Individuals who are already licensed in another jurisdiction should use the Reciprocal License application.

1. In order to apply for licensure, one must take and pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Applicants with a NAAB-accredited degree in architecture who are enrolled in the experience program recognized by the Board (NCARB's Architectural Experience Program, formerly known as IDP) should apply directly to NCARB to begin the ARE.
2. Upon completion of the ARE and the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), an applicant must direct NCARB to transmit the NCARB Record to the Board. Basic qualifications for initial licensure by examination, which the NCARB Record must document, are:
3. Successful completion of the ARE; and Completion of the AXP; and A NAAB-accredited professional degree in architecture.
4. Applicants must also complete the Architect Initial Registration by Exam Application and take and pass the Mississippi Jurisprudence Examination.
5. Applicants must meet the qualifications as specified in Miss. Code Ann. Sections 73-1-13 and 73-1-17 and Rule 2.1. As a summary of qualifications, you must:
   1. Read the Mississippi Architectural Practice Act and the Rules and Regulations of the Board
   2. Provide an official record from NCARB documenting completion of the education, experience, and examination requirements
   3. Have acquired a professional degree in architecture from a NAAB-accredited program
   4. Have met the experience requirements of AXP in accordance with Rule 1.2
   5. Have successfully passed the ARE
   6. Take and pass the Mississippi Jurisprudence Examination. This is an open book examination that should be printed, completed and submitted to the Board.
   7. Any firm or business through which you practice in Mississippi must meet the qualifications of Section 73-1-19 and Chapter 3 of the Rules and Regulations (refer to the Extract of Laws and Rules for Architectural and A/E Firms)

$275 resident/$450 Non-resident application fee + $60 exam fee

Processing will take 3 to 4 weeks after receipt of all required documents, provided that there are no extenuating circumstances. An official Notice of Registration will be issued by email and postal mail if the application is approved.  

• Direct NCARB to transmit your full NCARB record to Mississippi.
• Send the following documents by email to msboa@msboa.ms.gov:The completed Mississippi Jurisprudence Examination.
• If the firm or entity through which you will practice in Mississippi is a professional association, a professional corporation, or a professional limited liability corporation, a copy of the firm’s registration with the Secretary of State (or other agency) from the firm’s base state is required. For an out-of-state PA, PC, or PLLC, the Board also requires a copy of the firm’s COA from the Mississippi SOS (www.sos.ms.gov).
• The board may also request that certain applicants file a Business & Firm Verification Form.

Applicants must meet the qualifications as specified in Section 73-1-21 and Rule 2.2. As a summary of qualifications, you must:

1. Read the Mississippi Architectural Practice Act and the Rules and Regulations of the Board
2. Have a current NCARB Certificate
3. Have a NAAB accredited degree in architecture, or have been licensed by another NCARB jurisdiction prior to 1/1/1987, or have been approved by another NCARB jurisdiction as an exam candidate prior to 1/1/1987
4. Have completed AXP or the equivalent per rule 2.2.4 (B)
5. Have successfully passed the ARE
6. Take and pass the Mississippi Jurisprudence Examination. This is an open book examination that should be printed, completed and submitted to the Board.
7. Have a license in good standing in an NCARB jurisdiction
8. Any firm or business through which you practice in Mississippi must meet the qualifications of Section 73-1-19 and Chapter 3 of the Rules and Regulations (refer to the Extract of Laws and Rules for Architectural and A/E Firms)

Online

$275 resident/$450 Non-resident

• Direct NCARB to transmit your NCARB Record to Mississippi.
• Send the following documents by email to msboa@msboa.ms.gov:The completed Mississippi Jurisprudence Examination.
• If the firm or entity through which you will practice in Mississippi is a professional association, a professional corporation, or a professional limited liability corporation, a copy of the firm’s registration with the Secretary of State (or other agency) from the firm’s base state is required. For an out-of-state PA, PC, or PLLC, the Board also requires a copy of the firm’s COA from the Mississippi SOS (www.sos.ms.gov).
• The board may also request that applicants file a Business & Firm Verification Form.

Online

$275 resident/$350 non-resident

By November 30 of odd-numbered years.

If firm information has changed, applicants must report those changes during the renewal process. A Business & Firm Verification Form may be requested by the board.

Online

$175

Online

$250

By January 31 of even-numbered years.

Upon completion of the LARE, an applicant must direct CLARB to transmit the CLARB Council Record to the Board. Upon receipt of the CLARB Council Record, the Board will forward an application for initial licensure (a manual process) to the applicant.

$125

Online

$200

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.