New Jersey Architecture Industry Licensing
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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- New Jersey Architecture Company Licenses
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Company Licenses
Architecture Firm
Interior Design Firm
Landscape Architecture Firm
Individual Licenses
Interior Designer
Landscape Architect
Planner-in-Training
Professional Planner
Company Licenses
New Jersey Architecture Company Licenses
New Jersey Certificate of Authorization (Architecture)
Business Corporations:
- At least 2/3 of the directors must be New Jersey-licensed architects and at least 2/3 of the shares of stock must be held by New Jersey-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 New Jersey-licensed architects and closely allied professionals; at least one director is a New Jersey-licensed architect; at least 2/3 of the shares of stock must be held by New Jersey-licensed architects and closely allied professionals; and at least 20% of the shares are held by New Jersey-licensed architects.
Limited Liability Companies:
- At least 2/3 of the members must be New Jersey-licensed architects and at least 2/3 of the ownership interest must be held by New Jersey-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 New Jersey-licensed architects and closely allied professionals; at least one member is a New Jersey-licensed architect; at least 2/3 of the ownership interest must be held by New Jersey-licensed architects and closely allied professionals; and at least 20% of the ownership interest is held by New Jersey-licensed architects.
Turnaround Times: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/arch/Pages/Phases-and-Timelines.aspx
Automatic Exemption
- Professional Service Corporations established pursuant to NJ Rev Stat § 14A:17-1 et seq. are not required to obtain a Certificate of Authorization.
- Partnerships
- Limited Liability Partnerships
NJ Rev Stat § 45:3-18
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.
$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.
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.
Domestic Applicants:
- Form your business entity by completing the online form on the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website.
- Obtain a certified copy of your entity's certificate of formation or incorporation to file with your firm license application.
- 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.
- Apply for a Certificate of Authorization through the State Board of Architects.
Foreign Applicants:
- Foreign qualify your business entity by completing the online form on the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website.
- 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.
- 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.
- Apply for a Certificate of Authorization through the State Board of Architects.
- 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.
By January 31 of even-numbered years.
- 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
Within 30 business days of changes.
Notify the board of changes via mail on company letterhead.
Reinstatement
New Jersey Interior Design Firm License
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 |
Automatic Exemption
Professional Service Corporations established pursuant to NJ Rev Stat § 14A:17-1 et seq. are not required to obtain a Certificate of Authorization.
NJ Rev Stat § 45:3A-16
Initial Registration
$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.
Registration Renewal
By May 31 of even-numbered years.
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 |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in New Jersey for the first time.
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in New Jersey.
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in New Jersey and need to renew their license.
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
Registration Renewal
By September 30 of even-numbered years.
New Jersey Landscape Architect License
| Agency: | New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Architects |
Initial Registration
Reciprocal Registration
Registration Renewal
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
Renewal 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
Reciprocal Registration
Registration Renewal
By May 31 of even-numbered years.
$50 late renewal fee
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.
Industry Resources
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.
