Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is a registered architect required?
(a) All buildings 2,500 square feet or larger that are erected, enlarged, or
altered require the services of a registered architect, unless the building is a
single-family residence, farm building, or utility building.
(b) All buildings erected, enlarged, or altered that are intended for the
assembly occupancy of people regardless of size require the services of a
registered architect.
(c) All buildings erected, enlarged, or altered that are intended for use as an
education facility regardless of size require the services of a registered
architect.
2. How can I become registered in the state of Alabama?
There are two different ways you can become registered in Alabama. They are as
follows:
Reciprocity: An individual who is a registered architect in another state and
holds an NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards)
certificate may be registered in the state of Alabama. This process can be
accomplished by contacting NCARB for an application at (202) 783-6500, visiting
their web site at
www.ncarb.org, or by writing them at 1801 K Street, NW, Suite
700K, Washington, DC 20006-1310.
Examination: An individual who holds a first professional degree in architecture
from an NAAB-accredited university and completes three years of training under
the supervision of a registered architect (Intern Development Program) becomes
eligible to take the architect registration examination. After passing all nine
divisions of the exam, the individual then becomes a registered architect. You
must contact NCARB to obtain a council record application for participation in
IDP.
Once the application and council record are received from NCARB, it usually
takes at least two weeks for the Board to process your application, provided
there are no problems with your application.
4. How do I obtain a Certification of Authorization as mentioned in the Alabama
Registration Act?
At this time the Alabama Board for Registration of Architects does not issue
certificates of authorization. Should this process be activated, all registered
architects will be notified of this requirement by special mailing.
5. How do I know if my firm needs to be registered and if so how do I register my
firm?
Call the Alabama Secretary of State's Office at (334) 242-7200 and request the
proper forms or visit their web site at
www.sos.alabama.gov.
Every architectural sheet must be sealed. There is no requirement concerning a
date or signature.
7. I have allowed my registration to lapse in your state. What do I need to do to
become registered again?
Click
Here for More Information
Alabama requires a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education per fiscal year
(10/1 to 9/30),
all of which must be health, safety, and welfare related. (For additional
information, see our
continuing education information sheet.)
No. Alabama does not offer a temporary architect registration.
10. I have not received my Authorization to Test and I have met all the ARE
requirements with the Board. What do I do now?
Call Prometric (test vendor) at 1-800-896-2272, Monday through Friday,
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time.
11. May I bid for architectural jobs in the state of Alabama without being
registered?
No.
12. Which building code does the state of Alabama use? Contact the local building department in the municipality where the project is
located concerning the edition which has been adopted in that jurisdiction.
13. I’m trying to "overnight" some information to your office, but my carrier will
not accept the Board's code. Please use the zip code for our street address--36104.
14. How long does it take to receive my scores after I sit for the exam?
Scores for the multiple-choice divisions should be received in two or three
weeks. Graphic divisions may take up to six or eight weeks.
15. Who do I contact to change my address?