Architects can pursue work internationally through our Mutual Recognition Agreement between NCARB, the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB).

Qualifications

To be eligible for reciprocal licensure/registration under this agreement, you must:

  • Be licensed and in good standing in a participant jurisdiction in the United States, Australia, or New Zealand.
  • For U.S. architects: Hold an active NCARB Certificate. Architects who hold the NCARB Certificate through the Education Alternative or Foreign Architect pathways are also accepted.

Note: Architects who are licensed/registered in their home country through another international Mutual Recognition Agreement are not eligible under this agreement.

Pursuing a License Through the Arrangement

After confirming you meet the agreement’s requirements, architects should follow these steps to begin the process:

  1. Review the list of participant jurisdictions to confirm that the U.S. jurisdiction where you are currently licensed or where you are seeking licensure is a participant.
  2. U.S. Architects: contact NCARB to initiate the transmittal process.
  3. Australian or New Zealand Architects: contact AACA or NZRAB before starting the process with NCARB. After receiving an NCARB Certificate through this MRA, you will need to apply for licensure in a participant U.S. jurisdiction within 12 months of obtaining the Certificate.

To learn more about this agreement and the requirements for NCARB certification, read the Certification Guidelines.