FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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.

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 1100, 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.

After Alabama receives my application for reciprocity from NCARB, how long does it take for me to become registered in Alabama?

Once the application and council record are received from NCARB, it usually takes at least three weeks for the Board to process your application, provided there are no problems with your application.

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.

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.state.al.us.

Do I have to sign, date, and seal every architectural sheet in a set of drawings?

Every architectural sheet must be sealed.  There is no requirement concerning a date or signature.

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

How many hours of continuing education does the state of Alabama require and how many of these hours should be health, safety, and welfare?

Alabama requires a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education per fiscal year, all of which must be health, safety, and welfare related.  (For additional information, see our continuing education information sheet link.)

I only plan to do one architectural project in the state of Alabama.  Does Alabama offer a temporary architect registration?

No.  Alabama does not offer a temporary architect registration.

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 the Chauncey Group (test vendor) at 1-800-896-2272, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time.

May I bid for architectural jobs in the state of Alabama without being registered?

No.

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.

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.

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.

Who do I contact to change my address?

Complete the change of address form and e-mail to the Board office.