West Virginia Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in West Virginia.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in West Virginia 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
West Virginia Architecture Company Licenses
West Virginia Architecture Firm License
Not required
Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in West Virginia.
- 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.
- Architectural firms register with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office or the West Virginia Tax Department.
- In order to be eligible to register a firm with the Tax Department, the firm should have a minimum of one architect registered in the State of West Virginia.
- Firms can demonstrate their authority to register with the West Virginia Secretary of State by completing the Secretary of State's "Verification of Eligibility" form and sending it to the Board of Architects for verification.
- Once verified, it should be submitted to the Secretary of State's office.
| Law: | |
| Eligible Entity Types: |
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| Ownership Requirements: | Business Corporations:
Limited Liability Companies:
Professional Limited Liability Companies:
Partnerships:
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West Virginia Interior Design Firm License
Not required
Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in West Virginia.
West Virginia does not currently license or register interior design businesses.
West Virginia Landscape Architecture Firm License
| Agency: | West Virginia Board of Landscape Architects |
| Law: | |
| Notes: | Sole proprietors may obtain a certificate of authorization but it is optional. |
Initial Registration
| Agency Fee: | $150 for firms with two or more licensed landscape architects; $20 for sole proprietorships |
| Notarization Required?: | Required |
| Notes: | Contact the board for a Certificate of Authorization application. |
| Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $150 for firms with two or more licensed landscape architects; $15 for sole proprietorships |
| Due: | Annually by June 30. |
Individual Licenses
West Virginia Individual Architecture Licenses
West Virginia Architect License
| Agency: | West Virginia Board of Architects |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in West Virginia for the first time.
| Form: | From our web site if by reciprocal registration with a0ther state or from the NCARB web site if using the NCARB Blue Cover Transmittal. |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $400 application fee if going through NCARB. No exam fee. |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in West Virginia.
| Instructions: | Architects with a NCARB Certificate 1. Request NCARB certificate be transmitted to West Virginia.
Architects with Another Jurisdiction’s Certificate 1. Complete the online Reciprocal Application with a State License and submit it with an application fee for $100.00 payable to the West Virginia Board of |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 filing fee initially when approved by the board they would pay the rest of the fee $300 |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in West Virginia and need to renew their license.
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $75 |
| Due: | Annually by June 30. |
| Penalties: | $150 if received within 6 months of annual renewal date. |
West Virginia Interior Designer License
Not required
Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in West Virginia.
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.
