Architects

Architects are involved with the design and construction of buildings and the space within the site surrounding such buildings, which have as their principal purpose human occupancy or habitation. 

Note that certification from a national organization (NCARB) does not guarantee licensure under Tennessee state law.
 

Registration by Exam

The Board no longer pre-approves candidates for examinations. All exam inquiries should be directed to NCARB. Upon passage of all required examinations and experience, candidates may apply for initial licensure online at core.tn.gov.

Requirements:

1. Graduation from a school of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and 3 years of architectural experience satisfactory to the Board; OR

2. Graduation from a non-accredited architecture program of 4 years or more deemed substantially equivalent to a NAAB-accredited degree, or which is part of an architectural curriculum toward a NAAB-accredited degree, and 5 years of architectural experience satisfactory to the Board; OR

3. Graduation from an architecture-related curriculum (architectural engineering or architectural engineering technology) of not less than 4 years accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and 7 years of architectural experience satisfactory to the Board;

AND

4. Completion of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP)/Intern Development Program (IDP) of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
 

Registration by Comity

Tennessee does not register by reciprocity; we register by comity, meaning all applicants must meet our minimum registration requirements to be considered for registration. The requirements listed below represent the minimum requirements for comity registration:
 

Education and Experience Requirements:

1. Graduation from a school of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and 3 years of architectural experience satisfactory to the Board; OR

2. Graduation from a non-accredited architecture program of 4 years or more deemed substantially equivalent to a NAAB-accredited degree, or which is part of an architectural curriculum toward a NAAB-accredited degree, and 5 years of architectural experience satisfactory to the Board; OR

3. Graduation from an architecture-related curriculum (architectural engineering or architectural engineering technology) of not less than 4 years accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and 7 years of architectural experience satisfactory to the board.
 

Examination Requirements:

1. Must have passed the NCARB Architect Registration Exam (ARE).
 

Additional Requirements:

1. Must hold an unexpired NCARB certificate. You can request that your council record be transmitted here: https://my.ncarb.org/Login.

2. Must be registered in at least one other jurisdiction.
 

Application & Fees

Upon passage of all required examinations and experience, candidates may apply for initial licensure online at core.tn.gov.