Architect Licensing FAQ

Initial Licensure in Minnesota

Source: https://www.ncarb.org/get-licensed/licensing-requirements-tool

1. Is the applicant required to be a resident of Minnesota for initial registration? NO

2. Is an interview required for initial registration? NO

3. Is an online application available? YES - Minnesota applicants can download the initial registration application on Minnesota's website. 

4. Is a professional degree from a NAAB-accredited program required for initial registration? YES

5. Can additional experience be accepted as an alternative to the education requirement for initial registration? NO

6. Is an architecture degree from a Canadian university certified by the CACB accepted for initial registration? YES

7. Is an EESA Evaluation of foreign education accepted for initial registration? YES

8. Is completion of the AXP/IDP required for initial registration? YES

9. Is any additional experience beyond AXP/IDP required for initial registration? NO

10. Is completion of the AXP Portfolio accepted for initial registration? YES

11. Is completion of the ARE required for initial registration? YES

12. Is early eligibility available for the ARE? YES - Minnesota candidates can begin taking the ARE after earning a degree from a NAAB-accredited program and enrolling in the AXP.

13. Will the jurisdiction accept candidates who have passed divisions of the ARE prior to graduation through participation in an IPAL program? YES

14. Will the jurisdiction accept candidates who have completed the ARE prior to graduation through participation in an IPAL program? YES

15. Is a fee charged for processing exam applications? NO

16. Are candidates able to appeal exam scores? YES

17. Are candidates able to review exam divisions? NO

18. Is there a time frame within which a candidate must complete the ARE? NO

19. Is there a jurisdiction-specific exam in addition to the ARE for initial registration? NO

20. Is there an application fee for initial registration? YES - For Minnesota applicants, there is a $75 application fee. There is a $120 licensing fee once the application is accepted.

21. Is a fee charged to provide an official verification of registration status? NO

Questions about this site? Contact Mike Christenson, AIA, Professor of Architecture