Tennessee Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Tennessee.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Tennessee 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
Tennessee Architecture Company Licenses
Tennesee Interior Design Firm License
Tennessee Corporation, Partnership and Firm Disclosure (Architecture)
Initial Registration
This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in Tennessee for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, fax, or email to sundra.dunlap@tn.gov |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Turnaround: | 8-12 weeks |
| Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
| How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
| Required Attachments: |
|
Renewal Not Required
Not required
Firm disclosures do not need to be renewed, however, firms must notify the board within 60 days if a change occurs to the information listed on the disclosure.
Amendment
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Due: | Notify the board in writing within 60 days of any changes in firm information. |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
Tennessee Corporation, Partnership, and Firm Disclosure (Landscape Architecture)
| Agency: | Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, fax, or email to sundra.dunlap@tn.gov |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Turnaround: | 8-12 weeks |
| Required Attachments: |
|
Renewal Not Required
Not required
No renewal form is required, however, firms must notify the board within 60 days if a change occurs to the information listed on the disclosure.
Amendment
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Due: | Notify the board in writing within 60 days of any changes in firm information. |
Tennessee Landscape Architectural Firm
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | No |
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
Individual Licenses
Tennessee Individual Architecture Licenses
Tennessee Architect License
| Agency: | Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Tennessee for the first time.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $30 |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Tennessee.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Tennessee and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $140 |
| Due: | Biennially by the end of the month of issuance. |
Tennessee Interior Designer Registration
| Agency: | Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $140 |
| Due: | Biennially by the end of the month of issuance. |
Tennessee Landscape Architect Registration
| Agency: | Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $30 |
Reciprocal Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $55 |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $140 |
| Due: | Biennially by the end of the month of issuance. |
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.
