This page provides an overview of the NCARB Certificate application process for architects licensed abroad. Before you apply to the Foreign Architect Path to NCARB certification, review the Foreign Architect Path Manual (also available in Spanish, Arabic, and Farsi), which provides in-depth explanations of the requirements for completing this path. NCARB will deny an application that includes false or insufficient information.

If you are a licensed architect outside of the United States or Canada, you may be able to pursue an NCARB Certificate by verifying your license and completing two programs: the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). After earning an NCARB Certificate, you can use this credential to apply for a license in a U.S. jurisdiction that accepts an NCARB Certificate issued through the Foreign Architect Path. The flow chart below can help you understand the requirements you need to meet in order to apply.

Flow chart showing how international candidates can earn an architecture license in the United States.

Qualifications

To be eligible for the Foreign Architect Path, your architecture license must meet certain requirements:

  • Your license must be active and in good standing at the point of application
  • Your license must allow unlimited practice—the design of all types and sizes of buildings
  • Your country must have a system for tracking disciplinary action for architects
  • You must have no record of disciplinary action
  • Additional requirements are documented in the Certification Guidelines.

Step One: Prepare for Your Application

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Read the Foreign Architect Manual

Learn more about the Foreign Architect Path. Download our manual with detailed information about the steps you should take to become licensed in the U.S.

Download Manual
  1. Before starting the process, use our Licensing Requirements Tool to confirm that the U.S. jurisdiction where you want to earn a license accepts the Foreign Architect Path. (Select the "Reciprocal Licensure" tab and then select "NCARB Certificates granted through the Foreign Architect Path are accepted" under "Requirements.") You should also check directly with the jurisdiction(s) in which you seek a reciprocal license to ensure they will accept an NCARB Certificate issued through completion of the Foreign Architect Path to Certification, as their rules are subject to change.
  2. You should also download the Foreign Architect Checklist, which provides detailed steps on completing this process.
  3. Once you determine where you’d like to earn a license, you will need to establish an NCARB Record, which is a verified account of your professional history.
  4. Next, you can add your non-U.S. license and education. You will then be prompted to indicate your interest in the Foreign Architect Path by checking a box within your Record.

Step Two: Submit Paperwork

Once you’ve indicated your interest, you’ll need to have your official paperwork submitted to verify your education and license before you are accepted into the Foreign Architect Path. All forms and transcripts must be submitted in English.

  • Non-U.S. License: Complete Part A of the Credential Verification Form, used to verify the architecture license issued by your country. Then, allow for the registration/license/credentialing authority of your for non-U.S. architecture license (not your university) to complete Part B—they will be the ones submitting the final form to NCARB.
  • School Transcripts: You can have your transcripts verified and included in your NCARB Record in one of two ways:
    1. Electronic Copy: Use your school’s electronic transcript request form to have a transcript sent to NCARB. Simply enter transcripts@ncarb.org as the recipient email address and  include your NCARB Record number in the comments/notes section (if available). Note: If you have a degree from a university outside the United States or Canada and are pursuing an Education Evaluation Service for Architects (EESA) administered by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), do not have your transcript submitted to NCARB. Contact NAAB.
    2. Physical Copy: Download and send the transcript request form and any fee to your school(s). The school must submit your transcript directly to NCARB.

All documents submitted to NCARB must be in English. If your credentialing authority or university is unable to submit the required documentation in English, ask them to forward the completed documentation to a translation service, and have the translation service send the original document, the English translation, and a completed Translator Statement of Confirmation Form directly to NCARB. The Translator Statement of Confirmation From provides the following information:

  • Provide verifiable contact information including: name, email, and phone number.
  • Confirm the name of the university or entity the transcript was received from.
  • Confirm method the transcript was delivered for translation (physical mail or email)
  • Include confirmation that the translation was completed using the original, sealed document.

Please note that both the Credential Verification Form and official transcript must be completed/submitted in English. Review translation requirements.

Step Three: Application Review

After you’ve created your Record and submitted your supporting documents, NCARB will review your Record and contact you regarding your eligibility for the Foreign Architect Path.  Please note, this process can take up to 45 business days, depending on the volume of applications we receive. During the eligibility review, NCARB may be in contact with any third-party translation services you used, your credentialing authority, and/or your university for additional information or clarification.  

If NCARB determines you are eligible for the Foreign Architect Path, you will then need to satisfy NCARB’s experience and examination requirements for certification. Learn more about completing the Foreign Architect Path, and download the Certification Guidelines for additional information.

Fees

Applicants pursuing the Foreign Architect Path will be charged the NCARB Certificate application fee. In addition, applicants will be responsible for any fees associated with taking the ARE. Information about NCARB's current fees can be found on our fees page. 

More Information on the Foreign Architect Path

Learn more about the next steps you need to take to become NCARB-certified, including completing the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) and the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®).