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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    State Architects Licensure Board

    The State Architects Licensure Board serves to protect the health, safety and property of the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the regulation of the practice and licensure of the architectural profession.

    Apply or Renew Your License

    The Pennsylvania State Architects Licensure Board is responsible for regulating the practice of architecture and interior design through licensure, registration, certification and discipline of those engaged in the practice of architecture and interior design in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Board regulates architects and certified interior designers as well as the unlicensed practice of the professions.  Under this authority, it is the role of the Board to determine on a case-by-case basis whether a professional under its jurisdiction violated the Practice Act and Board regulations by departing from, or failing to conform to, an ethical or quality standard of the profession.  All Pennsylvania licensees are reminded to review the requirements of professional licensure as set forth in the Practice Act and Board Regulations to aid in their exercise of good faith professional judgment to provide services to clients that are consistent with the standards of acceptable and prevailing practice.

    NCARB’s New Score Validity Policy

    On May 1, 2023, NCARB’s new score validity policy went into effect, basing the validity of passed Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) divisions on exam versions. The former rolling clock policy, requiring that all parts of the ARE® be passed within five years, is incorporated in the State Architects Licensure Board’s (Board) regulations and can only be removed through the regulatory process. However, on March 28, 2023, the Board voted to waive its regulation at 49 Pa. Code § 9.46(b), requiring applicants to comply with the rolling clock policy, while the Board ushers a regulation through the regulatory process. As such, all Pennsylvania applicants will be able to benefit from the new score validity policy while the Board promulgates a regulation to remove the rolling clock policy from the Board’s regulations. 

     

    Board Laws and Regulations

    Board Examination Information

    For examination application contact: National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) at 202-783-6500. The examination is administered by ETS and (NCARB).  Examinations are administered at PSI Test Centers by appointment only.  There is no deadline to apply.

    Contact us

    Call us

    1-833-DOS-BPOA - Available Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

    1-833-DOS-BPOA

    Email us

    St-Architect@pa.gov -- Please note: This mailbox is reserved for receipt of documentation specific to letters of good standing, exam information, disciplinary documents, transcripts and other education or employment verifications, and any other outside agency or related communications.

    Email us

    Mailing address

    State Architects Licensure Board P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649

    Mailing address

    Physical Address

    2525 N 7th Street Harrisburg, PA 17110

    Physical Address

    Please note that neither the Board/Commission, nor its staff or counsel, are permitted to provide legal advice or advisory opinions, including interpretations of the law or regulations, or any indication as to how the Board would vote on any given case or scenario.  You are invited to contact a private attorney or professional organization for advice or guidance.