50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
An overview look of an architectures blueprints

Kentucky Architecture Industry Licensing

A pencil, ruler, and set of blueprints

Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Kentucky.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Kentucky 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.

Filter LicensesClear Filters
Company Licenses
(1)
(1)
(1)
Individual Licenses
(1)
(1)
(1)

Company Licenses

Kentucky Architecture Company Licenses

Kentucky Architecture Firm License

Not required



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

Firm licenses are not issued at the state level, however, a licensed individual must oversee all architectural work. Firms should consult board rules and state statutes before doing business.

More information: Kentucky Board of Architects
Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Professional Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Professional Limited Liability Companies
  • Partnerships
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • Officers and directors need not be licensed, but the practice of architecture in Kentucky must be performed by licensed architects.

Professional Corporations:

  • All of the incorporators, shareholders, not less than 1/2 of the directors, and each of the officers other than secretary and treasurer must be licensed architects.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • Members and managers need not be licensed, but the practice of architecture in Kentucky must be performed by licensed architects.

Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • Members and managers need not be licensed, but the practice of architecture in Kentucky must be performed by licensed architects.

Partnerships:

  • Partners need not be licensed, but the practice of architecture in Kentucky must be performed by licensed architects.

Kentucky Interior Design Firm License

Not required



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

Kentucky does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

Kentucky Landscape Architecture Firm License

Not required



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

Licenses are not issued at the state level for landscape architect firms in Kentucky, but individual landscape architects must include firm information in their license application.

More information: Kentucky Landscape Architect Registration Board

Individual Licenses

Kentucky Individual Architecture Licenses

Kentucky Architect License

Agency:Kentucky Board of Architects
NCARB Certificate:Required
Completion of CE/PDH:Required
Interview:Not required
NAAB-accredited degree:Required
NCARB IDP:Required
Additional Experience:Required
State-specific exam:Not required

Initial Registration

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

Form:NCARB’s website (both NCARB transmittal request and Uniform Application 308 for KY)
Agency Fee:

$100 exam fee (3-year eligibility) + $125 application fee for new licensees passing the A.R.E.

Reciprocal Registration

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

Agency Fee:

$200 application fee. Upon approval of application the $125 license fee is then due

Registration Renewal

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

Agency Fee:

$125

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Kentucky Interior Designer Certification

Agency:Kentucky Board of Architects

Initial Registration

Agency Fee:

$100 application fee + $250 certification fee

Notes:

Contact the board for application information.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Annually by October 1.

Notes:

Certificates initially issued between April 1 and September 30 do not need to be renewed until October 1 of the following year.

Kentucky Professional Landscape Architecture License

Agency:Kentucky Landscape Architect Registration Board

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for License to Practice Professional Landscape Architecture

Agency Fee:

$250

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Annually by June 30.

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.

© 2012 - 2021 Harbor Compliance. All rights reserved. Harbor Compliance does not provide tax, financial, or legal advice. Use of our services does not create an attorney-client relationship. Harbor Compliance is not acting as your attorney and does not review information you provide to us for legal accuracy or sufficiency. Access to our website is subject to our Terms of Use and Service Agreement.