50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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North Dakota Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in North Dakota.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in North Dakota 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

North Dakota Architecture Company Licenses

North Dakota Architecture Firm License

Not required



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

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.

More information: North Dakota State Board of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Law:

ND Admin Code § 8-03-01

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

Business Corporations:

  • Officers and directors need not be licensed, but the corporation must vest control of the firm's architectural services in North Dakota in an architect licensed in North Dakota.

Professional Corporations:

  • All of the shareholders of PCs must be licensed in a profession practiced by the firm.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • Members and managers need not be licensed, but the LLC must vest control of the firm's architectural services in North Dakota in an architect licensed in North Dakota.

Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • All of the members of PLLCs must be licensed in a profession practiced by the firm.

Partnerships:

  • Partners need not be licensed, but the partnership must vest control of the firm's architectural services in North Dakota in an architect licensed in North Dakota.

Professional Limited Liability Partnerships:

  • All of the partners of PLLPs must be licensed in a profession practiced by the firm.

North Dakota Interior Design Firm License

Not required



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

North Dakota does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

North Dakota Landscape Architecture Firm License

Not required



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

More information: North Dakota State Board of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Individual Licenses

North Dakota Individual Architecture Licenses

North Dakota Architect License

Agency:North Dakota State Board of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Exam Required?Yes

Initial Registration

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

Instructions:
  1. To apply for a reciprocal license in North Dakota, you must first have your NCARB Transmittal sent to North Dakota.
  2. One you have received an email confirmation of that transmittal, you are now able to apply in our licnsing protal system.
  3. Follow this link (https://licensing.ndsba.net/landing) to create an account.
  4. Wait to receive an automated email and then verify your account.
  5. Log in.
Agency Fee:

$150 application fee. No exam fee

Reciprocal Registration

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

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal

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

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

By June 30 of odd-numbered years.

North Dakota Interior Designer License

Not required



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

North Dakota Landscape Architect License

Agency:North Dakota State Board of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Initial Registration

Form:

Initial Application for Landscape Architect Regisration

Agency Fee:

$150

Notarization Required?:Required

Reciprocal Registration

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$125

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.