50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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Montana Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Montana.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Montana 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.

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Company Licenses

Montana Architecture Company Licenses

Montana Architecture Firm License

Not required



Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Montana.

  • 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.
  • PCs must file a copy of their articles or incorporation or certificate of foreign qualification with the board.
More information: Montana Department of Labor and Industry: Board of Architects and Landscape Architects
Law:

MT Code Ann. § 37-65-302

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Professional Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Professional Limited Liability Companies
  • Partnerships
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • Officers and directors need not be licensed, but the practice of architecture in Montana must be carried out by licensed architects.

Professional Corporations:

  • At least 1/2 of the directors and officers, excluding the secretary and treasurer, must be licensed in a professional service performed by the firm.
  • All shareholders must be licensed individuals or similarly qualified entities.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • Members and managers need not be licensed, but the practice of architecture in Montana must be carried out by licensed architects.

Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • At least 1/2 of the managers must be licensed in a professional service performed by the firm.
  • All members must be licensed individuals or similarly qualified entities.

Partnerships:

  • Partners need not be licensed, but the practice of architecture in Montana must be carried out by licensed architects.

Montana Interior Design Firm License

Not required



Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Montana.

Montana does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

Montana Landscape Architecture Firm License

Not required



Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Montana.

More information: Montana Department of Labor and Industry: Board of Architects and Landscape Architects

Individual Licenses

Montana Individual Architecture Licenses

Montana Architect License

Agency:Montana Department of Labor and Industry: Board of Architects and Landscape Architects
Exam Required?Yes

Initial Registration

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

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50 application fee + $50 exam fee + $80 original license fee.

Reciprocal Registration

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

Agency Fee:

$150

Notes:

The Board requires completion of the NCARB AXP (formerly referred to as the IDP) in meeting the experience requirement for licensure

Registration Renewal

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

Agency Fee:

$55

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Montana Interior Designer License

Not required



Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Montana.

Montana Landscape Architect License

Agency:Montana Department of Labor and Industry: Board of Architects and Landscape Architects

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$325

Reciprocal Registration

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$250

Due:

Annually 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.