Architectural License by Examination

Before your application for licensure with the Iowa Board will be approved, you must:

Once you have completed the items above, contact NCARB to have your transmittal sent to the Iowa Board.

  • You will receive an email from the Iowa Board when it has received the transmittal.

Complete and submit the Iowa application online:

  • Create a new user or log into your existing account.
  • Complete the application and submit for review.
  • Once staff has reviewed and approved your application, you will receive an email letting alerting you to log into your account to pay the fees.

Please do not submit your application until you have received notice from the Iowa Board that your NCARB transmittal has been received. Please note that we must receive your completed application within three (3) months of receiving your NCARB transmittal.

Note: Iowa does not have a residency requirement.

In accordance with Iowa Code section 272C.15(2), the department provides the following list of specific convictions that may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license, permit, or registration. In addition, any offense specified in the laws of another jurisdiction or prosecuted in a municipal, federal, military, or foreign court that is comparable to a conviction listed herein may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license or registration.

Please be advised that just because you have been convicted of one of the offenses listed does not mean you are automatically prevented from obtaining a license or registration. The following offenses are only disqualifying if:

  1. The actions taken in furtherance of the offense are customarily performed within the scope of practice of the profession; or
  2. The circumstances under which the offense was committed are circumstances customary to the profession. 

Additionally, even if your conviction is disqualifying, you are entitled to submit proof of rehabilitation to the licensing authority to demonstrate your current fitness to safely practice in the profession.

If you are interested in applying for a license, permit, or registration and have been convicted of an offense on this list, you may petition the licensing authority for an eligibility determination, or submit all relevant information as part of your application for licensure or registration, pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 481. If you have questions about what criminal history information to include with your license or registration application or how to submit a petition for eligibility determination, please contact staff for assistance.