PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT License in Tennessee
Quick Answer
To become a professional architect in Tennessee, you must graduate from an accredited architecture school, complete three years of practical experience, and pass the NCARB ARE. Renewal is required every two years.
- Exam
- ARE - Architect Registration Examination
- Timeline
- 7-10 years (education + experience + exam)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT license in Tennessee
Estimated Costs Est.
- Exam Fee
- $1,410
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT license in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee licensing board.
PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT Salary in Tennessee
Entry Level
$60,210
Median
$85,490
Experienced
$137,190
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT in Tennessee.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 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).
PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT Licensing in Tennessee: What to Know
Tennessee requires applicants to speak and write English, be of good character and repute, and complete education, experience, and examination requirements. The standard pathway requires graduation from an accredited school of architecture plus three years of satisfactory practical experience, though other education/experience combinations may be accepted. The ARE is required for licensure. The Department of Commerce and Insurance's Division of Regulatory Boards oversees professional architect registration. Tennessee distinguishes between using the title 'architect' (which requires registration) and certain architectural work that may be performed without registration under limited circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT license in Tennessee?
- The process typically takes 7-10 years (education + experience + exam), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT license in Tennessee?
- You need to pass the ARE - Architect Registration Examination. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.