LicenseCompass

Architect License in South Carolina

Quick Answer

To become a registered architect in South Carolina, you must meet NCARB requirements and register with the SC Board of Architectural Examiners. Contact the board for current fees and application details.

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

Requirements

Architect license in South Carolina

gold
Veterans Benefits
A temporary license is available to military and spouses until formal license approval

Estimated Costs Est.

Exam Fee
$1,410

Licensing Agency

SC Board of Architectural Examiners

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Architect license in South Carolina. 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 South Carolina licensing board.

Architect Salary in South Carolina

Entry Level

$61,800

Median

$84,190

Experienced

$136,380

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 South Carolina.

  1. 1

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Receive Your License

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

Architect Licensing in South Carolina: What to Know

South Carolina's COS listing provides no description, advising applicants to contact the licensing agency. The SC Board of Architectural Examiners oversees individual architect registration, while the SC Board of Contractors handles architect qualifying party and construction manager designations. South Carolina follows standard NCARB requirements: a NAAB-accredited degree, AXP completion, and passage of all ARE divisions. NCARB certification is accepted for reciprocal registration. Architectural firms must also obtain separate firm-level licensure from the Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Architect license in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina?
You need to pass the ARE - Architect Registration Examination. N/A

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