As of November 6, 2024, U.S. architects can take advantage of a new mutual recognition agreement between NCARB and our counterparts in Australia and New Zealand, the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB). Here’s how to take advantage of this new opportunity to expand your practice.
Note: These instructions are for U.S. architects. Architects from Australia and New Zealand seeking licensure in the United States should check with AACA and NZRAB.
Get NCARB Certified
The NCARB Certificate can facilitate licensure in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions and internationally.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for reciprocal licensure in Australia or New Zealand, U.S. architects must:
- Hold a valid license in good standing from a participating U.S. jurisdiction
- Have an active NCARB Certificate
Before applying, be sure to use the Licensing Requirement Tool's Reciprocal Licensure tab to ensure the jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure is participating, or view this list of participating jurisdictions.
Step 2: Contact NCARB
Once you confirm you're eligible for licensure through the MRA, contact NCARB online or at 202-879-0520. NCARB will issue an evaluation statement to the host board, request a “Statement of Good Standing” from your U.S. jurisdiction, and send you a “Declaration of Professional Experience” to complete and return.
Step 3: Complete Application Process With AACA or NZRAB
After your NCARB Record has been shared, you will need to complete the application process with either the AACA or NZRAB, depending on where you are seeking licensure. If you have questions while completing the application, you should contact the respective organization for guidance.
Learn more about the process of applying for reciprocal licensure in Australia or New Zealand.
More About the Agreement
Representatives from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States originally signed a mutual recognition agreement for architects in 2016. The original agreement—and the 2024 update—was based on an assessment of similarities in architecture licensing/registration standards
established by NCARB for its member jurisdictions and the requirements for registration in Australia and New Zealand. To learn more about earning a license to practice architecture abroad, visit ncarb.org/international.
