Become an Architect in New York State
Licensure Requirements
To legally call yourself an architect, you must earn an architectural license. These are given by jurisdiction (jurisdictions refer to U.S. states, District of Columbia, and territories) and only allow you to practice in that jurisdiction. Reciprocity (getting your license to practice in another jurisdiction) is possible, but you must meet the criteria of the jurisdiction.
In most jurisdictions, licensure is achieved through the “Three Es”: education, examination, and experience. In most jurisdictions, students must earn a NAAB accredited degree (either B.Arch or M.Arch), which generally takes 5-8 years.
Education
You might consider an architecture program that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Over 2/3 of jurisdictions (though not NY) require a NAAB accredited degree in order to become licensed in that state.
Experience
You will need to work in a position supervised by a licensed architect for a time before you can become an architect yourself.
Examination
The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) is a series of six examinations that test the comprehensive knowledge of licensure candidates.
Education
The National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) has been providing quality assurance to architecture programs since 1967. Teams of volunteer professionals visit and review architecture programs. NAAB accreditation is the primary means by which professional degree programs in architecture assure quality to students and the public.
Though a NAAB accredited degree is not required in New York state, it is required to practice in most other jurisdictions in the U.S. We have many opportunities to earn a NAAB accredited degree within even a 6-hour driving radius of Rochester. Visit the NAAB site for a list of all accredited programs. Programs are reviewed and reaccredited on a cyclical basis.
Architecture programs will generally require a high school transcript meeting college prep requirements, a statement or essay regarding objectives, letters of recommendation, a resume/curriculum vitae and a portfolio.
Experience
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) administers the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), which is a framework to gain real world, comprehensive architectural experience. The program requires experience hours in six different facets of architecture including design, project management, construction, and more. It is intended to be a tool to ensure that architectural candidates earn experience in all facets of the profession.
It is up to each jurisdiction if they require or accept the AXP® for licensure requirement. Different jurisdictions have different eligibilities for beginning to earn experience (concurrent with education, after graduation, etc.) The New York State board must approve all experience, and might not accept experience hours that the AXP® would. Eligibility to start testing varies as well. Refer to The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions website for detailed information about New York State’s experience requirements.
In New York State: Education + Experience = 12 Units
The path to architecture in New York State does not require a degree from a NAAB accredited program. You must earn 12 units of combined education and experience and pass the ARE®. The credit awarded for education determines the required number of units (years) of experience, where one unit of experience is equal to one year. Note that if you wish to practice in other jurisdictions or states, most require a NAAB accredited degree.
Examination
NCARB develops The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), which is a series of examinations that test the comprehensive knowledge of licensure candidates.
There are currently six examinations which align with the six categories in the AXP®. The examinations are taken at a testing center and can be taken individually and at the candidate’s discretion.
It is up to each jurisdiction if they require or accept the ARE® for licensure requirement. Different jurisdictions have different eligibilities for beginning to take the exam. New York State does require that candidates pass the ARE®. Eligibility to start taking the exam varies as well in NY, though some education or experience must first be satisfied. Refer to The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions website for detailed information about New York State’s examination requirements.
See our recommended ARE® study materials on our Emerging Professionals page.
It should be noted that a NYS architecture license earned without a NAAB accredited degree may not be reciprocated by jurisdictions that require such a degree.
The path to architecture described here is generalized. Always refer to the requirements of the jurisdiction where you are seeking licensure for current, complete requirements. New York State requirements are found on The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions website. The information presented here is current as of April 2025.
Many thanks to the Rochester chapter of the American Institute of Architects for compiling this information.