Wisconsin Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Wisconsin.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Wisconsin 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
Wisconsin Architecture Company Licenses
Wisconsin Certificate of Authorization
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $56 |
| Turnaround: | 8-12 weeks depending on processing. Applicants will be notified by mail and/or email. |
| Notes: |
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| 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
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, fax, or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $56 |
| Due: | By January 31 of even-numbered years. |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
| Required Attachments: |
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Wisconsin Landscape Architecture Firm License
Individual Licenses
Wisconsin Individual Architecture Licenses
Wisconsin Architect License
| Agency: | Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Registered Interior Designers |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Wisconsin for the first time.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Wisconsin.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
| Notes: | An applicant may apply for registration if he or she holds an unexpired registration in another state in which registration requirements are not lower than those in Wisconsin. The applicant must have passed the NCARB exam and have 7 years of architectural experience (education included). Applicants may apply using the NCARB Council Record or application by examination. |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Wisconsin and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
| Due: | By July 31 of even-numbered years. |
Wisconsin Interior Designer Registration
| Agency: | Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Registered Interior Designers |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $59 |
Reciprocal Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $59 |
| Notes: | Applicants must enclose a certificate of licensure or a letter from the proper authority in any state or U.S. territory or in any country in which the requirements for registration of Interior Designers are of a standard not lower than those specified in Wis. Stat. ch. 440, Subchapter IX, showing that they have an unexpired certificate of similar registration issued by that licensing authority. |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $59 |
| Due: | By July 31 of even-numbered years. |
Wisconsin Landscape Architect Registration
| Agency: | Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Registered Interior Designers |
Exam Application
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
Reciprocal Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
| Notes: | An applicant may apply for registration if he or she holds an unexpired registration in another state in which registration requirements are not lower than those in Wisconsin. The registration must remain active until the Wisconsin credentialing process is complete. The applicant must have passed the exams. Applicants may apply using a CLARB record or application by examination. |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
| Due: | By July 31 of even-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.
