50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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Hawaii Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Hawaii.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Hawaii for individuals and firms. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

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Company Licenses

Hawaii Architecture Company Licenses

Hawaii Architecture Firm License

Not required



Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Hawaii.

Architecture firms are not licensed at the state level in Hawaii. Business entities are permitted to practice architecture provided that they comply with HAR § 16-115-4.

More information: Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors & Landscape Architects
Law:

HRS § 464.12

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Professional Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Partnerships
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • Officers and directors need not be licensed, but the corporation must appoint a Hawaii licensed individual to be responsible for all professional activities undertaken by the firm.

Professional Corporations:

  • At least 1/2 of the directors of a Hawaii professional corporation and all of the officers, other than the secretary and the treasurer, must be individuals licensed to perform a professional service performed by the firm.
  • At least one director must be a resident of Hawaii.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • Members and managers need not be licensed, but the LLC must appoint a Hawaii licensed individual to be responsible for all professional activities undertaken by the firm.

Partnerships:

  • Partners need not be licensed, but the partnership must appoint a Hawaii licensed individual to be responsible for all professional activities undertaken by the firm.

Hawaii Interior Design Firm License

Not required



Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Hawaii.

Hawaii does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

Hawaii Landscape Architecture Firm License

Not required



Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Hawaii.

More information: Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors & Landscape Architects

Individual Licenses

Hawaii Individual Architecture Licenses

Hawaii Architect License

Agency:Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors & Landscape Architects
NCARB Certificate:Not required
Completion of CE/PDH:Required
Interview:Not required
NAAB-accredited degree:Not required
NCARB IDP:Required
Additional Experience:Not required
State-specific exam:Not required

Initial Registration

This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Hawaii for the first time.

Form:http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/boards/engineer/application_publiations
Agency Fee:

$160 application fee + $75 exam fee

Reciprocal Registration

This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Hawaii.

Agency Fee:

$75

Registration Renewal

This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Hawaii and need to renew their license.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

By April 30 of even-numbered years.

Hawaii Interior Designer License

Not required



Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Hawaii.

Hawaii Landscape Architect License

Agency:Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors & Landscape Architects

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Licensure - Landscape Architect

Agency Fee:

$100 exam fee + $60 plant materials exam fee + license fee of $216 for licenses issued between May 1 of an even-numbered year to April 30 of an odd-numbered year and $114 for licenses issued between May 1 of an odd-numbered year to April 30 of an even-numbered year.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$216

Due:

By April 30 of even-numbered years.

Learn about architecture licensing in other states:

ARE (Architect Registration Examination) - Assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required to be a practicing architect.

AXP (Architectural Experience Program) - NCARB program for architectural internship, a requirement for licensure that occurs after filling the educational requirements.

BEFA (Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect) - An alternative NCARB certification that allows foreign architects to independently practice architecture.

COA (Certificate of Authorization) - The most common name of the registration required for firms to practice architecture in a given state.

Design Firm - Architectural firm registration is sometimes grouped with engineering and land surveying on a single “design firm” application form.

NCARB Certification - Licensed architects have the option to become Certificate holders to signify that they have met national standards established by U.S. licensing boards for protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Certification also facilitates reciprocal registration in all 54 jurisdictions, 11 Canadian jurisdictions, and can be used to support an application for licensure in other countries.

Reciprocity - This is when a licensed architect in one state can provide documentation (often a NCARB certificate) to more easily apply for licensure in another jurisdiction.

State Board - Often referred to as the State Architects Licensure Board or Board of Architects, an individual state’s board serves as the regulatory authority for architects. The board qualifies and licenses individuals seeking architectural licensure. The board is responsible for preserving the public health, safety, and welfare of individuals who occupy built environments.

National Architecture Accrediting Board
NAAB establishes criteria for and accredits professional architecture degree programs in the United States.

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
AIAS is an independent, student-run group that promotes excellence in architecture education, training, and practice.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
AIA is a voluntary professional organization for architects providing advocacy, information, and community.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
ACSA represents architectural education programs across the globe.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
NCARB is the national organization representing the state registration boards.

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