Architect License in Hawaii
Quick Answer
To become a licensed architect in Hawaii, you must meet education and IDP requirements, pass the ARE, and pay approximately $328 in initial fees. The exam application is $100, initial license is $128, and biennial renewal is $104.
- Exam
- ARE - Architect Registration Examination
- Total Cost
- $1,842 (est.)
- Timeline
- 7-14 years (education + experience + exam)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Architect license in Hawaii
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $1,410
- Renewal Fee
- $104
- Total Estimated Cost
- $1,842
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Architect license in Hawaii. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Hawaii licensing board.
Architect Salary in Hawaii
Entry Level
$64,710
Median
$100,370
Experienced
$132,480
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Architect in Hawaii.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ARE - Architect Registration Examination
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 7-14 years (education + experience + exam).
Architect Licensing in Hawaii: What to Know
Hawaii offers multiple education pathways: a NAAB-accredited degree with IDP completion; a 4-year architectural program with IDP plus 2 years additional experience; a 2-year architectural technology curriculum with IDP plus 5 years additional experience; or IDP plus 8 years additional experience with no degree. The exam application fee is $100 ($150 for endorsement), the initial 2-year license is $128, the biennial compliance resolution fund fee is $100, and biennial renewal is $104. The Board of Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs oversees licensure. Hawaii's unique seismic zone, volcanic terrain, and coastal conditions require architects to address specialized structural and environmental considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Architect license cost in Hawaii?
- The estimated total cost is $1,842, including application fees, exam fees ($1,410), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Architect license in Hawaii?
- The process typically takes 7-14 years (education + experience + exam), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Architect license in Hawaii?
- You need to pass the ARE - Architect Registration Examination. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Architect requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.