§ 34-2-33 — Registration; Issuance of Certificate; Qualifications; Renewal, Etc

(a) The board shall receive applications for registration as an architect only on forms prescribed and furnished by the board.
(1) Upon receipt of the application and the payment of a fee, as established by the board by rule, the board shall promptly notify the applicant of examination requirements for registration, if applicable.
(2) The board may contract with an independent testing agency to prepare, grade, or conduct the examination. If the board determines the applicant requires examination, the applicant shall pay the actual cost of the examination directly to the board-authorized testing agency.
(b) The board may issue to an applicant, without further examination, a certificate of registration as an architect, provided the applicant holds an unexpired certificate issued to him or her by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
(c)(1) The following facts established in the application shall be regarded as prima facie evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant is fully qualified to be examined for registration:
a. Graduation after a course of study of a length as the board by rule shall determine from a school or college of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB); and
b. An additional period of practical experience in architectural work under the responsible control of a registered architect or architects as the board by rule shall deem appropriate.
(2) If the applicant is unable to satisfy the requirements of subdivision (1), the applicant may demonstrate appropriate qualifications by a combination of education, experience, and examination endorsed by NCARB and approved by the board.
(d) Unless exempted, applicants shall take and pass the professional examination administered by the board or an independent testing agency approved by the board.
(e)(1) Certificates for registration shall expire on December 31 following their issuance or renewal and shall become invalid on January 1 unless renewed.
(2) Certificates of registrants who are or may be in the Armed Forces of the United States shall not expire until December 31 following the discharge or final separation of the registrant from the Armed Forces of the United States.
(f)(1) Renewal may be accomplished at any time prior to or during the month of December by the payment of a fee established by rule of the board.
(2) A penalty established by rule of the board may be added to the renewal fee for failure to renew a certificate upon such terms and conditions as the board may by rule determine. Failure to renew a certificate of registration by March 31 shall result in a lapse of registration.
(g) A registrant whose certificate of registration has lapsed may have it reinstated, if in compliance with other relevant requirements, by filing a reinstatement application and paying, in addition to the appropriate renewal fee and late penalty, a reinstatement fee established by rule of the board.
(h) There is created a status to be known as “emeritus status architect,” which shall apply to architects who have been registered for 10 consecutive years or longer, who are 65 years of age or older, and who have retired from active practice. If an emeritus status architect subsequently wishes to practice, he or she may do so without penalty by proper application to the board.

Legislative History

(Acts 1979, No. 79-676, p. 1198, §4; Acts 1987, No. 87-544, p. 830, §3; Acts 1991, No. 91-157, p. 201, §3; Acts 1995, No. 95-281, p. 514, §3, Act 99-159, p. 216, §3; Act 2010-501, p. 796, §1; Act 2010-534, p. 894, §1; Act 2015-96, p. 310, §3; Act 2024-379, §1.)