Rhode Island Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Rhode Island.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Rhode Island 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
Rhode Island Architecture Company Licenses
Rhode Island Architecture Certificate of Authorization
Initial Registration
This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in Rhode Island for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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| How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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| Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
This section applies to architectural firms that are already licensed in Rhode Island and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $120 ($0 for firms with no employees) |
| Due: | By December 31 of even-numbered years. |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
| Notes: | Renewal reminders are sent by email prior to the expiration date. |
| Required Attachments: |
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Amendment
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Due: | Within 30 days of the effective date of the change. |
Rhode Island Interior Design Firm License
Not required
Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island does not currently license or register interior design businesses.
Individual Licenses
Rhode Island Individual Architecture Licenses
Rhode Island Architect License
| Agency: | Rhode Island Division of Building, Design, and Fire Professionals |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Rhode Island for the first time.
| Form: | For Paper, at NCARB’s website after logging into My Registration and follow the reciprocal instructions for RI. For online, at the Board’s website at the following link: https://elicensing.ri.gov/ |
| Agency Fee: | $60 application fee. No exam fee. |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Rhode Island.
| Agency Fee: | $60 |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Rhode Island and need to renew their license.
| Agency Fee: | $120 Biennially |
| Due: | By December 31 of odd-numbered years. |
Rhode Island Interior Designer License
Not required
Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Landscape Architect License
| Agency: | Rhode Island Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $36 registration fee + additional fees to be determined by the board |
| Notarization Required?: | Required |
Reciprocal Registration
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $80 |
| Due: | By June 30 of odd-numbered years. |
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.
