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The California Architects Board is responsible for issuing these licenses. They claim that California rules regarding licensure are more flexible that in most jurisdictions.[2]
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This board will review each application for a combination of education, test evaluations, and experience. They state, “No single aspect can accurately measure whether an individual is qualified to be licensed to practice architecture in California.”[3]
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Before you can become a practicing architect in that state, you must have a license that is registered with the California Architects Board. Being issued an architectural license means that you agree to adhere to professional conduct and good architectural practices at all times.
Getting Educated
Get a verifiable degree in architecture. Make sure this is through a program that is accredited by NAAB or CACB. NAAB is the sole organization in the US capable of accrediting architectural degree programs. The CACB is a similar board in Canada. Degrees vary in length. Commonly, they are three, five, and six years long. Acceptance of degrees from outside these jurisdictions will vary based upon the decision of the CAB.
Get at least five years of educational equivalents. The Board will award these equivalencies based upon their own predetermined table. Degrees to which the board awards these equivalencies will vary. Three stipulations exist: A non-accredited professional degree in architecture must be completed in no more than four years Various amounts are awarded for other degrees and credits earned toward degrees. This may include undergraduate degrees in architecture, degrees in a field related to architecture and a limited amount of credits earned toward other degrees. Work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed architect in the US or Canada may also count.
Gaining Experience
Complete the Intern Development Program (IDP). Time between fulfilling educational requirements and getting licensed is called an architectural internship. This may not apply for applicants with prior experience. In this situation, the California Architects Board asks that the applicant contact them. Information on how to reach them can be found at [their website].
Finish at least one year of work experience under direct supervision of a licensed architect in the US, or two years under an architect registered in Canada. Depending on previous experience, there may be minimal experience requirements that exempt you from certain licensing requirements. In these situations, the Board recommends you contact them.
Keep an architectural job. Work for five years under the direct supervision of a licensed architect with a valid license to practice in the place where your work experience was obtained, or where your project was located. This can, in cases, serve to fulfill the educational requirements to get your license. In a situation where there is extensive work history and experience, it is recommended you contact the CAB. Independent, non-licensed experience will not be considered. Work experience as a required part of a degree program for which educational credit is earned will not be considered separate work experience. Experience under a US-registered civil or structural engineer, a US-licensed landscape architect, a California-licensed general building contractor, or a California-certified building official will not count for educational credit, unless acquired before completing the 5 year educational requirement, and then only after completion of said educational requirement.
Testing
Complete the education/experience requirements needed. You must apply to take the test. If you have not met all educational or experiential requirements, you may not get approved. Make sure you have met some combination of these requirements before you apply. Contact the Board if you are unsure about whether or not you have fulfilled these requirements.
Fill out a copy of CAB's [Application for Eligibility Evaluation]. Submit a non-refundable eligibility review fee and the "Employment Verification" form along with your Application for Eligibility Evaluation. Have your University send an official copy of your transcripts to CAB. Once approved by both NCARB and CAB to being taking the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), you may begin scheduling exams.
Take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Choose from 20 testing locations in California where you can take the ARE. There are 7 parts/exams and a fee associated with each one. Once all 7 exams have been passed, CAB will send you an application to request taking the California Supplemental Examination (CSE). Return this application along with a non-refundable exam fee to CAB for eligibility review. Taken all at once, these 7 parts would take roughly 33 hours. Wait 4 to 6 weeks for the California Architects Board to receive your examination results. You will receive a copy of the results within 5 business days after CAB has reviewed them. No numerical scores are given for this exam. Your results will state that you passed or you failed. If you fail, the CAB will include diagnostic information to help you the next time you take the exam. A candidate can retake a failed portion of the test as soon as 60 days after the attempt.
Complete the California Supplemental Examination (CSE). Choose from one of 13 testing locations and schedule the exam. The CSE is computer-delivered and multiple-choice. The test also includes an extra, fifteen minute tutorial. Wait up to 90 days to receive your examination results. If you pass, an Application for Licensure will be included. If you fail, you will receive a new California Supplemental Examination application. Pay the exam fee once again and wait 180 days to take the exam a second time.
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