LicenseCompass

Architect, Licensed License in Iowa

Quick Answer

To become a licensed architect in Iowa, you must meet NCARB requirements including a NAAB-accredited degree, AXP completion, and passing the ARE. Contact the Iowa Architectural Examining Board for current fees.

Exam
ARE - Architect Registration Examination
Timeline
7-10 years (education + experience + exam)
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

Architect, Licensed license in Iowa

gold
Education
Specific course required
Exam
Both state and third-party exams required
Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Exam Fee
$1,410

Licensing Agency

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Iowa Architectural Examining Board

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Architect, Licensed license in Iowa. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Exam FeeEst.$1,410
Total Estimated Cost$1,410

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Iowa licensing board.

Architect, Licensed Salary in Iowa

Entry Level

$58,590

Median

$86,990

Experienced

$168,700

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, Licensed in Iowa.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Specific course required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Specific type of conviction prohibited

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Both state and third-party exams required — ARE - Architect Registration Examination

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 7-10 years (education + experience + exam).

Architect, Licensed Licensing in Iowa: What to Know

Iowa's COS listing provides a job description without detailing specific licensing fees or requirements. The Iowa Architectural Examining Board, under the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, oversees architect licensure. Iowa follows standard NCARB requirements: a NAAB-accredited degree, AXP completion, and passage of all ARE divisions. NCARB certification is accepted for reciprocal licensure. Iowa requires continuing education for license renewal to ensure architects stay current with building codes and design standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Architect, Licensed license in Iowa?
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, Licensed license in Iowa?
You need to pass the ARE - Architect Registration Examination. Both state and third-party exams required

Considering another state?

Compare Architect, Licensed requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.