50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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New Jersey Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in New Jersey.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in New Jersey 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

New Jersey Architecture Company Licenses

New Jersey Certificate of Authorization (Architecture)

Agency:New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Architects
Law:

N.J.S.A. § 45:3-18

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Professional Corporations (domestic only)
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Partnerships
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • At least 2/3 of the directors must be licensed architects and at least 2/3 of the shares of stock must be held by licensed architects.
  • Firms that perform other professional services, like engineering or land surveying, in addition to architecture may do so if at least 2/3 of their directors are licensed architects and closely allied professionals; at least one director is a licensed architect; at least 2/3 of the shares of stock must be held by licensed architects and closely allied professionals; and at least 20% of the shares are held by licensed architects.

Professional Corporations:

  • All shareholders of New Jersey architectural PCs must be licensed architects or individuals licensed in a closely related profession.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • At least 2/3 of the members must be licensed architects and at least 2/3 of the ownership interest must be held by licensed architects.
  • Firms that perform other professional services, like engineering or land surveying, in addition to architecture may do so if at least 2/3 of their members are licensed architects and closely allied professionals; at least one member is a licensed architect; at least 2/3 of the ownership interest must be held by licensed architects and closely allied professionals; and at least 20% of the ownership interest is held by licensed architects.

Limited Liability Partnerships:

  • All of the members of the LLP must be licensed architects or individuals licensed in a closely related profession.
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Yes

Initial Registration

This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in New Jersey for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.

Form:

Certificate of Authorization Application

Agency Fee:

$100 application fee + $250 license fee if applying during the second year of the renewal period or $500 if applying during the first year of the renewal period.

Original Ink:Not required
Notarize:Required
Before you Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  • Identify a New Jersey licensed individual to act as the architect in responsible charge for each office the firm has in New Jersey.

Foreign Applicants:

  • Identify a New Jersey licensed individual to act as the architect in responsible charge for each office the firm has in New Jersey.
  • Ensure that your New Jersey entity meets ownership requirements.
  • Obtain a certified copy of your entity's formation documents from its home state.
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. Form your business entity by completing the online form on the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website.
  2. Obtain a certified copy of your entity's certificate of formation or incorporation to file with your firm license application.
  3. Obtain a copy of the annual report the entity most recently filed with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services to file with your firm license application.
  4. Apply for a Certificate of Authorization through the State Board of Architects.

Foreign Applicants:

  1. Foreign qualify your business entity by completing the online form on the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website.
  2. Obtain a certified copy of your entity's certificate of authority (document that grants your business the ability to transact business in New Jersey) and a certified copy of your entity's certificate of formation or incorporation from its home state to file with your firm license application.
  3. Obtain a copy of the annual report the entity most recently filed with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services to file with your firm license application.
  4. Apply for a Certificate of Authorization through the State Board of Architects.
Required Attachments:
  • List of the names, addresses, license numbers and signatures of all officers, board members, directors, principals and any licensees who shall be in responsible charge of the practice of architecture through the LLC or corporation
  • List of names, addresses, license numbers, and amount and percentage of ownership interest of all stockholders of the LLC or corporation who are licensees of the Board or who are closely allied professionals
  • List of names, addresses, and amount and percentage of ownership interest of the LLC or corporation who are not licensees of the Board nor closely allied professionals
  • A certified copy of the Certificate of Formation or Incorporation for an LLC or corporation created in this State or, for an LLC or corporation created outside New Jersey, a certified copy of a Certificate of Authority issued by the Division of Revenue in the New Jersey Department of Treasury and a certified copy of the Certificate of Formation or Incorporation, or its equivalent, issued by the home state
  • A copy of the most current annual report filed with the Division of Revenue in the New Jersey Department of Treasury

Registration Renewal

This section applies to architectural firms that are already licensed in New Jersey and need to renew their license.  

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$500

Due:

By January 31 of even-numbered years.

Required Attachments:
  • List of directors, officers, managers, or members of the firm including addresses, license numbers, and ownership share information
  • List of licensees in responsible charge of the firm's professional services
  • List of branch office locations
  • A copy of the business entity's Department of Treasury annual report

Amendment

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Within 30 business days of changes.

Notes:

Notify the board of changes via mail on company letterhead.

Reinstatement

Form:

Reinstatement Application for a Certificate of Authorization

Agency Fee:

$800

New Jersey Interior Design Firm License

Not required



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

New Jersey does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

New Jersey Landscape Architecture Certificate of Authorization

Agency:New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Architects

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for a Certificate of Authorization to Provide or Offer to Provide Landscape Architectural Services

Agency Fee:

$100 application fee + $250 license fee if applying during the second year of the renewal period or $500 if applying during the first year of the renewal period.

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$500

Due:

By May 31 of even-numbered years.

Notes:

Renewal instructions are emailed 60 days prior to renewal.

Individual Licenses

New Jersey Individual Architecture Licenses

New Jersey Architect License

Agency:New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Architects
NCARB Certificate:Not 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 New Jersey for the first time.

Form:Application to apply for the ARE can be obtained using the Boards web site:http://www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/arch/
Agency Fee:

$160.00 application fee + $50.00 exam fee

Reciprocal Registration

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

Agency Fee:

$75

Registration Renewal

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

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$160

Due:

By July 31 of odd-numbered years.

New Jersey Interior Designer Certification

Agency:New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Interior Design Examination and Evaluation Committee

Initial Registration

Form:

Application to Become a Certified Interior Designer

Agency Fee:

$125

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$160

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

New Jersey Landscape Architect License

Agency:New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Architects

Initial Registration

Form:

Initial Application for Licensure as a Landscape Architect

Agency Fee:

$125 application fee + $80 if applying during an odd-numbered year and $160 if applying during an even-numbered year.

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$160

Due:

By May 31 of even-numbered years.

New Jersey Planner-in-Training Certificate

Agency:New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Professional Planners

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for a License to Practice as a Professional Planner

Agency Fee:

$75

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Planner-in-training certificates are valid for 10 years and cannot be renewed.

New Jersey Professional Planner License

Agency:New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Professional Planners

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for a License to Practice as a Professional Planner

Filing Method:

File by mail.

Agency Fee:

$75 application fee + $130 license fee if applying during the first year of the biennial license period or $65 if applying during the second year of the biennial license period.

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$130

Due:

By May 31 of even-numbered years.

Penalties:

$50 late renewal fee

Learn about architecture licensing in other states:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho
Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania
Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

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.

Revised October 18, 2021. Complete data last reviewed August 11, 2019.
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