North Carolina Architect License Renewal FAQ’s

How do I renew my North Carolina architect license?

The Board of Architecture sends individual renewals and other Official Board Correspondence via email.  To renew your license you must show that you obtained your continued education hours during the previous calendar year. A calendar year is January to December. (For example, to renew for 2020-2021 you must obtain CE during the calendar year 2019.) The hours are reported on your individual renewal.  You do not have to send your log unless you are specifically audited but you must keep your records for a period of 6 years in case you are audited.

What are the North Carolina Continuing Education Guideline Requirements?

North Carolina architects must complete a minimum of 12 HSW continuing education hours each calendar year (January 1 through December 31) and renew their license by June 30th of the following year.

Do I need to complete continuing education requirements for my AIA membership?

Yes, as an Architect member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), 18 learning unit hours are required per calendar-year for membership renewal.  Of these 18 hours, at least 12 hours must be in subjects designated as Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW).

Are AIA approved classes accepted to renew my North Carolina architect license?

Yes.

I have extra North Carolina architect continuing education hours, can I apply them to the next renewal cycle?

No, learning units must be completed in their respective cycle.

Who notifies North Carolina of my architect continuing education?

North Carolina does not require architects or continuing education providers notify the state of continuing education unless they perform an audit. Architects must maintain continuing education records for 6-year and furnished to the Board in response to an audit. Architects Training Institute will maintain your continuing education records for 6 years at no extra charge.

Does North Carolina offer architect reciprocity?

Yes, an individual who is a registered architect in another state and holds an NCARB certificate may become registered in North Carolina. You must contact NCARB to send your record to the North Carolina Board of Architecture and complete an Online Application or a Paper Application.

My North Carolina architect registration has lapsed, how do I reinstate it?

You must renew your license as normal and pay an additional $50 late fee for every month you are expired.

How do I contact the NC Board of Architecture?

North Carolina Board of Architecture

127 W. Hargett Street, Suite 304
Raleigh, NC 27601

Phone: 984-328-1161
Business Hours: 8:30 am – 4:45 pm EST, Monday – Friday (excluding holidays)
Email:  ncba@ncbarch.org


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