So, you’re an Australian licensed architect, have been recruited to work in the USA, and you wish to obtain an Architectural license in the USA.
The good news is the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), the New Zealand Registered Architect Board (NZRAB) and the USA, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) have just agreed to a new Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) that facilitates reciprocity between the jurisdictions. The revised MRA removes the previous requirement for having undertaken 6,000 hours of post licensure (post registration) practice in one’s home country. That’s 150 X 40-hour weeks, the equivalent of 3 years.
That’s a very positive change.
But please be aware that this MRA only applies to USA Member Boards (i.e. the individual state licensing boards) who agree to participate in it. There are 55 Member Boards, representing all 50 states, plus Washington DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands. A list from NCARB indicates that only 30 Member Boards have agreed to participate in the agreement to date.
Participating USA Member Boards include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Some of the jurisdictions not participating as yet, include New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Idaho, South Dakota, and Oklahoma to name a few. Hopefully further Member Boards in the USA will agree to join the MRA, which does include all jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand.
It is worth noting that some participating jurisdictions will have additional requirements, for example even though California is a participating Member Board, a supplemental examination will be required to cover such items as seismic design and equal access and net zero design. Other jurisdictions in the states may require similar supplemental examinations.
The new MRA is certainly a step in the right direction, making it easier for licensed (registered) architects to work in the USA, Australia and New Zealand whilst being recognised for their existing qualifications and experience.
Hank Koning, FAIA, LFRAIA
Australian Institute of Architects International Chapter Councilor
Koning Eizenberg, Santa Monica, California
