ARCHITECT License in Illinois
Quick Answer
To become a licensed architect in Illinois, you must meet NCARB requirements including a NAAB-accredited degree, AXP completion, and passing the ARE. Contact IDFPR for current application fees.
- Education Required
- 24 hours
- Exam
- ARE - Architect Registration Examination
- Timeline
- 7-10 years (education + experience + exam)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
ARCHITECT license in Illinois
Estimated Costs Est.
- Exam Fee
- $1,410
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your ARCHITECT license in Illinois. 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 Illinois licensing board.
ARCHITECT Salary in Illinois
Entry Level
$58,560
Median
$79,320
Experienced
$128,530
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 Illinois.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
No educational requirements
- 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.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 7-10 years (education + experience + exam).
ARCHITECT Licensing in Illinois: What to Know
Illinois defines an architect as an individual furnishing professional services for the design and construction of private or public buildings. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation oversees licensure. Applicants who have never taken any ARE divisions should contact NCARB for eligibility. Illinois follows standard NCARB requirements and requires 24 hours of continuing education per renewal period. NCARB certification facilitates reciprocal registration for out-of-state architects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a ARCHITECT license in Illinois?
- The process typically takes 7-10 years (education + experience + exam), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a ARCHITECT license in Illinois?
- 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.